Lee Martin’s Welling United entertain Lewes on Saturday as they seek their first Isthmian League Premier Division victory.

Having lost at Cheshunt last Saturday, the Wings entertained Aveley on Tuesday night and were one-nil down deep into stoppage time when the visitors’ goalkeeper went down with a mystery injury requiring treatment. While he was being tended the lights went out and the match was abandoned. It will now be necessary for the league’s management committee to decide if the result will stand, or whether the match will need to be replayed. 

Against Aveley, Martin was down to the bare bones and will be hoping that most of the players who were ill or injured will be available for selection. He clarified on Tuesday, saying “Luke O’Neill’s done his hamstring, Jack and Tom (Leahy) have got a bit of flu, being in the same household, and a couple of other boys are still struggling a bit. We’ll have a look at them on Thursday and go from there.”

In their two games so far, Lewes have been beaten at home by Hashtag United before bouncing back with an excellent two-one win at Carshalton Athletic. Devonte West put the Sussex club ahead in the second minute, however the Robins levelled twenty minutes later. Former Wing, Jack Burchell put Bradley Pritchard’s team back ahead with fourteen minutes remaining and, despite Perri Iandolo being dismissed in time added on, the Rooks held on for the three points.

There has not been a meeting between Welling and Lewes at Park View Road since August Bank Holiday Monday in 2010. Graeme Andrews gave the Wings a half time lead and Andy Pugh extended it in the second period. Lewes pulled one back from the spot but couldn’t find an equaliser.

Martin wants the first win to come as quickly as possible for the supporters and for the players to give their belief a boost. He said “I’m relentless and unwavering in my approach, and through hard work we’ll come out the other side with a nice three points. It will come.”