Two defeats in a row have put Welling United back into the bottom half of the Vanarama National League South table ahead of the visit of Hemel Hempstead Town.

Their three-two defeat in awful weather conditions at Worthing was followed up by a very disappointing four-two loss at home to Dulwich Hamlet. In that game, in front of over fifteen hundred spectators, they went ahead through a goal by Aaron Barnes only to concede a very avoidable goal in first half stoppage time.

Almost directly from the second half kick-off, Dulwich scored again and looked to be game managing well until Ade Azeez levelled with eleven minutes remaining. Welling then had a couple of half chances before the visitors scored with two minutes left and then added another deep into stoppage time for good measure.

Warren Feeney’s team had hoped to bounce back at a midweek trip to Chippenham Town on Tuesday night but that fell foul to the weather, so they try again on Saturday.

While the Welling team was having a tough day on Saturday, the Tudors enjoyed their second consecutive win with a stunning success at league leaders Dartford. Jack Westbrook put them ahead shortly after the half hour mark, but Connor Essam levelled for the Darts three minute later.

Kyle Ajayi put Hemel ahead in first half injury time and a goal by Jeremie Mukendi three minutes from time ensured that they claimed the three points to leapfrog the Wings in the league table.

There will be a special interest for Wings supporters as the Hemel side is now in the hands of former Welling manager Brad Quinton and his backroom staff. He has already started to put his mark on the team by signing new players including former Wings Josh Hill and Kaylan Hinds so there will be plenty of familiar faces in the travelling party.

Back in August, Welling enjoyed a come from behind victory at Hemel. Josh Castiglione put the hosts ahead in the second minute and Jordan Greenidge doubled their lead from the spot in first half stoppage time. Stefan Payne pulled one back, netting a penalty, five minutes after the break and within four further minutes, they were ahead.

Antony Papadopoulos levelled with a crisp finish then Payne flicked home a Taylor Maloney cross. Although Welling had to play the last twenty-five minutes with ten men following the dismissal of Taofiq Olomowewe, they saw it out comfortably.

When the two teams last met at Park View Road, Dipo Akinyemi put Welling ahead three minutes into the second half, but Joash Nembhard levelled with under twenty minutes remaining. Dan Wishart won it for the visitors with two minutes remaining.

Feeney will be expecting another tough match but will be doing everything in his power to put a win on the board and give the Welling supporters plenty to smile about.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.