It’s derby day in DA16 on Boxing Day as Welling United host Dartford in the first of a festive double header against their Kent rivals (1pm).

After two defeats on the bounce, the Wings will be hoping for some festive cheer against the Darts as they look to pick up some vital points.

Following Saturday’s defeat at Bath City, Welling find themselves five points from the safety of 20th position and will want to put themselves in a good position in their fight for survival going into 2024.

THE OPPOSITION

Dartford currently occupy 18th position in Vanarama National League South with eight wins, five draws and 10 defeats from their 23 games played, so far.

They have secured one with in their last six in all competitions, losing four and drawing one along the way.

They come into the game off the back of back-to-back defeats – a 4-1 loss at Tonbridge Angels, followed by a 3-0 defeat at the hands of St Albans City on Saturday.

PRE-MATCH CHAT

Danny Bloor: “[Saturday’s defeat] ruined my Christmas and I won’t be happy now until we can get to the ground against Dartford on Boxing Day.

“It’s our biggest two games of the season – we’ve beaten Dartford already this season – and we have to be up for it.

“We’ve been OK at home. It’s against our rivals and I can’t wait.”

LAST TIME OUT

The Wings met the Darts at Princes Park in the Emirates FA Cup back in September, with Welling coming out on top of an entertaining five-goal thriller thanks to Antony Papadopoulos’ hat-trick.

A topsy-turvy derby saw the Wings fall behind twice, with Papadopoulos clawing his side back on both occasions, but Welling took control in the latter stages as he completed his treble to ensure his side could celebrate a first victory at the home of their rivals for the first time in 10 years.

TICKETS

Tickets for the clash against Dartfordr are available to purchase online in advance and will also be available for cash and card at the turnstiles on the day of the match priced £15 adults, £10 concessions and students and £7 U16s, while U11s go free with an accompanying adult.

Click here to get your tickets for the Wings v Dartford

Supporters of both clubs are advised to get their tickets online in advance and arrive at the stadium in plenty of time ahead of kick-off to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.

OTHER INFO

Turnstiles will open at 11am with the Wings Bar and upstairs bar open for all supporters.

Hot food will be available from the burger outlet on the right-hand side as you enter the ground. Meanwhile, the Travis Perkins bar will be open for teas, coffees, cold drinks, snacks and pies.

Post-match, a Man of the Match presentation and interview will be take place in the marquee at approximately 3.45pm.

The club’s official matchday programme, ‘The Wings’, will be available to purchase inside the ground for £3.