In a break from Isthmian League Premier Division action, Welling United entertain Slough Town on Saturday in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Due to their relegation from the National League South last season, Lee Martin’s side came into the competition in the first qualifying round and had to navigate a tricky game away to fellow step three side Uxbridge. It didn’t look good for the Wings when going behind just before half time. However, Welling turned it around for a deserved win through late goals by Logan Dobbs and Greg Cundle.

Last weekend, the Wings hoped to record their third consecutive away league and cup win when visiting Dulwich Hamlet and all looked good until Lekan Majoyegbe conceded a penalty and was dismissed. Anthony Cook converted before Amadou Kassarate added a second before half time.

Despite being short-handed, Ruben Shakpoke pulled one back just after the hour mark and Welling looked like they might get something out of the match before they got caught on the counter-attack in the closing minutes and went down three-one.

Meanwhile, Slough made the long trip to Torquay United and went down four-two with all six goals coming in the first half. They went behind in the eighth minute but levelled through Jared Myers three minutes later. They conceded again soon after and were four-one down just after the half hour mark. Wiktor Makowski cut the deficit five minutes before the break but that was as close as they got.

They are currently in sixteenth place in the National League South table with nine points from eight games, and are yet to claim their first away win of the season.

When Welling and Slough met at Park View Road in March, the Wings were two up at half time but had to settle for a draw. Scott Kashket scored twice in a minute but the Rebels came back through Josh Jackman and Johnny Goddard to claim a point. 

Little can be taken from that as a form guide as there are no Welling players still at the club from last season and only four of the Rebels sixteen who travelled to Torquay were in the squad at Park View Road last term. One of those was player-manager Scott Davies, and he will again be looking to test the hosts with long diagonal passes from deep positions. 

Although the visitors will start as favourites due to playing in a higher league, Welling’s recent signings have strengthened their team and they will relish the challenge.