On Saturday afternoon, Welling United are in FA Trophy action when visiting Royston Town and there will be a new man in charge for the game.
Lee Martin’s side fell to their third consecutive defeat on Tuesday evening when visiting Hashtag United. Sadly, that was followed by Martin and Welling parting company. Former Wings coach Paul Barnes has been appointed as interim manager while the hunt for a new boss is taking place.
When Welling played at Hashtag, the first half was fairly uneventful, however, immediately after the restart the hosts went ahead. When John Ufuah equalised, the Wings’ had hopes of getting something out of the match. They were thwarted with nine minutes remaining, though, when Hashtag scored from the penalty spot.
Changes to the Welling squad were announced before the game with goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle rejoining the club with James Dyer, Antonio Hamilton, George Holley, and Jack Leahy departing. Bright Siaw has returned to Barnet following the expiration of his loan.
Not unlike the Wings, Royston have also suffered a difficult start to their campaign and have won just one league match in the Southern League Premier Central Division, which is also a step three league. They are in penultimate position in the table with just six points from eight games.
As a note of warning to the Wings, Royston’s only home success this season was a one-nil victory over Isthmian League Premier leaders Brentwood Town in the FA Cup.
They have a familiar name in their ranks, Joe Iaciofano, who played for Hemel Hempstead Town against the Wings last season. Prior to that he scored against them in both matches in the 2021/22 season when at Oxford City, and also found the net at Park View Road for St. Albans City in 2020.
Barnes will have Scott Simmons back in contention for a first team slot following the completion of his suspension. He will also be monitoring the fitness of some of his walking wounded but it would seem strange if any further signings were added to the current eighteen man squad until a new manager has been appointed.
Pictures supplied by Keith Gillard.