Following their FA Cup exploits, Welling United return to Isthmian League Premier Division action on Saturday when they entertain Canvey Island.

Lee Martin’s Wings pushed National League South Slough Town all the way before succumbing to a goal with eleven minutes left in the replay on Tuesday evening. In the first game at home, the Wings hit the post, before going behind.

They then missed a one-on-one, had a shot cleared off the line, and had a big shout for a penalty denied. However, they didn’t give up and Zac Hambury was brought down in the penalty area in stoppage time. Jack Paxman stepped up and converted.  

Then, in the replay, Welling were reduced to ten men in the seventh minute and had to re-evaluate their game plan. Although Slough had plenty of possession, they couldn’t break down a determined Wings defence and it was they who had the best chance when Tom Leahy missed the target when in behind. 

In the second period Ruben Shakpoke was unable to get a shot away when well placed and Slough progressed thanks to their late goal.

Due to having been knocked out of the FA Cup in the preceding round, Canvey had no game last weekend so their manager, former Wings boss Peter Taylor, conducted his own spying mission when watching Welling play Slough.

In their last match, they lost one-nil away to league leaders Brentwood Town who scored in the eighth minute of second half stoppage time. Their only point so far this season came in their previous league match at Dartford when they drew two-all.

Although still early in the season, Canvey are bottom of the league table with Welling one place above so both clubs will be looking to kick-start their season with a good result.

Pictures supplied by Kieran North.