Two teams with different short term aims meet when Welling United host Dartford in an Isthmian League Premier Division local derby.

Relegation avoidance is Welling’s immediate target. They are currently third from bottom, three points adrift of Cray Valley (PM) having played one game fewer, and a further point behind Carshalton Athletic, with two games in hand.

Meanwhile, the Darts are in the mix for a top five place, and the play-offs. They sit in seventh place, just three points behind fifth placed Billericay Town with a game in hand.

After five matches without a win, Welling broke the run with a gritty two-one win over Carshalton. They got off to a bad start, going behind in the ninth minute. John Ufuah levelled from the Wings’ first meaningful attack twelve minutes later, then Dean Gunner put them ahead after an Ade Azeez header came back out off the post. In the second half, Welling’s back four and goalkeeper Mackenzie Foley defended stoutly and they held out for a vital three points.

Having not had a game in midweek, Dartford’s last match was at home to Cray Wanderers. They went behind with eighteen minutes remaining to a goal by Jordy Mongoy. Goalkeeper Jonny Henly then kept the Darts in the game when saving an Alex Hernandez penalty and then a one-on-one with Max Fiddes. The hosts made the most of their goalkeeper’s heroics when Joe Tennent equalised six minutes before the end.  

When the two teams met at Princes Park in November, Welling lead at the break before the Darts ran out comfortable winners. It took just three minutes for the visitors to go ahead from a fine strike by Ruben Shakpoke. However, an Eddie Dsane brace within five minutes of the restart put Ady Pennock’s team ahead and Olly Box settled the contest with eleven minutes remaining. 

Many players have come and gone from the Welling squad since that day and Ufuah may be the only Wings starter from that day who will play in the return. Ryan Maxwell is still looking at improving the squad and former Cray Valley (PM) striker Ibby Akanbi is the latest addition. Dartford have been more settled and both teams will be up for the battle.