On Saturday, Welling United are on the road with a trip to Hampton and Richmond Borough in the Vanarama National League South.

Should Welling lose, and both Enfield Town and Salisbury win their matches, relegation from step two will be confirmed for the Wings for the first time in their history.

Last Saturday they contested an uninspiring game with Hornchurch and drew nil-nil. Even though it was a ‘must win’ game, Brian Statham’s team played at a low intensity and it was hard to see which team had nothing at stake other than three points.

On Tuesday evening, they entertained Brentford B in the London Senior Cup and played a lot better. Twice the came from behind to level through goals by Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Deon Moore, before succumbing to a deciding goal by the Bees with almost the last kick of the match.

While Welling were drawing with Hornchurch, Hampton were taking a trouncing at home to Bath City. They were two down at half time before conceding three more goals in the second period. That was the Beavers twelfth defeat in thirteen matches meaning that they are not guaranteed safety from relegation.

It will be the return game between Welling and Hampton this season as they met at Park View Road in January. The visitors claimed victory by the odd goal in five after the Wings were twice ahead. Josh Redfearn put Welling ahead in the tenth minute before Ibrahim Jalloh levelled twelve minutes later.

Gene Kennedy restored Welling’s lead which they held until nine minutes after the break. Mauro Vilhete then scored a brace to ensure victory for the Beavers.

At home, Hampton have won seven, drawn four and lost ten. The Wings’ away record isn’t great  having only enjoyed three wins and three draws. They have lost fifteen times on their travels. In the last six meetings between the two teams at the Beveree, Hampton have recoded two wins and the other four all ended one apiece, including last season when Sonny Fish scored Welling’s goal.

Statham will again be without Kennedy through suspension and will have to monitor the fitness of Chiori Johnson, Daniel Martin, Harvey Walker, Zain Walker and Dave Winfield before selecting his starting line-up for the match that his team has to win.

Images courtesy of Dave Budden