On Saturday, Welling United have another challenge when hosting Oxford City in a Vanarama National League South fixture.
After six games, Welling’s new look side have picked up ten points as Warren Feeney’s side continues to gel. Centre-back Jamie Sendles-White has returned to the club and he was thrown in at the deep end with two games in three days having not had a pre-season. His contribution was vital as Welling defended superbly in the second half on Monday to claim victory at Dulwich Hamlet.
Feeney’s team couldn’t have started any better. There were less than two minutes on the clock when they went ahead as Frankie Raymond turned Taylor Maloney’s free kick high into his own net.
They then scored a crucial second just before half time when Amadou Kassarate finished after clever work by Ade Azeez.
Former Wing Danny Mills pulled one back midway through the second half, but Sendles-White and the rest of the Wings defence held firm, and goalkeeper Myles Roberts was rarely troubled.
Away from home, Welling have won two and drawn one and now they need to start replicating that form at home where they have won once so far this season. Feeney is keen in making Park View Road a fortress where their gates are up significantly on this stage last season.
Ross Jenkins’ Oxford City will have their own ambitions. In March he came in to take over a team that was in a healthy position and led them into the play-offs where they beat Eastbourne Borough before being beaten by Dorking Wanderers who went on to be promoted.
They have continued their form this season and after losing their first game, ironically at home to Eastbourne, they have won four in a row without conceding a goal. Klaidi Lolos is enjoying their strong start and has already scored five goals in their five games.
In the corresponding game last season, Oxford won the game with the only goal scored by Joe Iaciofano. The match this weekend will be another tough encounter for the Wings, but they will start far more confidently, and it will be another opportunity to evaluate themselves against a promotion challenger.
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.