The wait is almost over as Welling United prepare to kick off their 2023/24 league season with the long trip down to Plymouth to take on Truro City at Bolitho Park on Saturday (3pm).

With pre-season now complete, the Danny Bloor era will officially begin with a clash against the newly-promoted White Tigers and the Wings boss will be hoping to hit the ground running with his new-look squad.

A large number of players making their league debuts will be on show on Saturday, although injuries have disrupted some of the preparations for opening day.

Indeed, Welling will be checking on the fitness of skipper Mitchell Dickenson, Lewis White, Kain Adom and Enoch Muwonge.

THE OPPOSITION

Truro will be on a high having sealed promotion back to the second tier of non-League football after a four-year absence.

Paul Wotton’s men secured promotion in the most dramatic of circumstances when captain Connor Riley-Lowe scored a 96th-minute winner in the Southern League Premier South Play-Off final against Bracknell Town in May and they will be looking to continue their momentum going into the new season.

The White Tigers have been playing their home games at Plymouth Parkway’s Bolitho Park for the past two seasons and will continue to do so this season, before they hope to return to their Cornwall home in 2024/25.

PRE-MATCH CHAT

Danny Bloor: “They’re a good side. We had them watched and they’re going to be strong. They’re at home and their home record has been good.

“We don’t know a lot about them and they won’t know a lot about us, it’s two new sides and it’s going to be enjoyable.

“We’re looking forward to it and I’m sure they will be, too.”

Truro Assistant Manager, Stewart Yetton: “It’s a new season with new challenges and new tests for the players and staff alike.

“We are really looking forward to getting started.”

TICKETS

Tickets for the opening-day clash at Bolitho Park are only available at the turnstiles on the day priced:

Adults: £11
Concessions: £9
U16s: £6
U10s: FREE (accompanied by a paying adult)

LIVE COVERAGE

Wings fans not making the journey on Saturday can follow all the action with live commentary thanks to Radio Wings.

You can join Nigel Jones in the commentary box at Bolitho Park by clicking here come kick off.