Having scored just one goal in six games in February, Welling United treated the supporters who travelled to Southport last weekend with three good goals in a fifteen minute spell.
Sadly for them, celebrations were mooted as it was only sufficient to claw back a point having been three-nil down.
Now they need to string together a run of victories if they are to have any hope of climbing out of the relegation zone.
No wins since the middle of October has left them nine points adrift of safety but they will continue to fight while there is still a mathematical chance of escaping.
On Saturday, they host Gateshead who still have hopes of contesting the play-offs although they too will need a strong end of season run. Although only three points off, they have played more games. They drew 0-0 at Braintree Town on Tuesday night to keep them in touch.
Back in September, Welling claimed the first of the two Vanarama National League away wins they have recorded in the Vanarama National League this season at the Gateshead International Stadium.
Xavier Vidal was the star of the show that day. His 24th minute free kick came down off the bar and struck diving goalkeeper Sam Russell on the way down and into the net.
Whilst there was some dispute about whether it would have gone in anyway, or if it should be recorded as an own goal, there was no doubt about the second five minutes later. He collected a poor clearance and let fly with a fierce drive that left Russell helpless.
It was not all plain sailing for the Wings, however, as Nathan Buddle reduced the arrears when heading home unopposed from a corner nine minutes short of the break. Despite the boost the Heed should have had, Welling were relatively untroubled in the second half and claimed a rare away win.
Since the change of management at Park View Road, Vidal has dropped down the pecking order and can no longer get into the Welling starting eleven.
In last season’s corresponding fixture, a goal after five minutes of each half resulted in the points being shared. Harry Beautyman, now at Peterborough United, scored Welling’s goal from the edge of the penalty area. Carl Finnigan scored the equaliser, after coming on at half time, with a close range header.
Victory for Welling at Gateshead in September started a run of four consecutive victories. What would manager Dean Frost give for the same to happen starting on Saturday?
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.