On Tuesday evening, Welling United visit Enfield Town in a Vanarama National League South relegation battle.

Last weekend, Welling entertained St. Albans City in another big game in their fight to stay in the league and shared the spoils. It looked as if the Wings might claim an important win when going ahead with under fifteen minutes remaining through Dan Martin’s cross that was headed home by Jayden Davis.

However, they couldn’t hold on and a centre from the left was flicked on to hit the unfortunate Dave Winfield on the shoulder and fly just inside the far post. As a result, the Wings remain nine points clear of the Hertfordshire club, but have played two more games.

Meanwhile, Enfield Town were closing in on Rod Stringer’s side when winning one-nil at Aveley. Sam Youngs scored the only goal, seven minutes into the second half. The Towners are now just five points behind Welling, and have a game in hand.

It will be the return game between Welling and Enfield this season as they met at Park View Road in October. Martin put the Wings ahead in the twenty-sixth minute and they looked well in command until Alex Lankshear was dismissed early in the second half. Stringer had to change the team’s shape and both teams had chances.

However, there were no further goals and the Wings claimed the three points. Anointed Chukwu had an early chance saved for Welling but he has since switched clubs and will be up against his former captain, Winfield.

At home, the Towners have won four, drawn two and lost eight. They are enjoying a good spell and are unbeaten in four games, and have won their last two.

The earlier game at Park View Road was the first ever match between the two clubs as Enfield Town were only formed in 2001 after supporters of Enfield F.C. were unhappy with how their club was being run.      

Stringer was pleased to have Harvey Walker available for the first time this season on Saturday, and he came on for his debut in the closing minutes.

Chiori Johnson and Sam Cornish also returned after being out for a few weeks however, the former sustained a new injury and could be a doubt.

A further boost for the Welling manager should be the availability of TJ Bramble and Maxwell Statham so he will have plenty of options.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.