MATCH PREVIEW | Hemel Hempstead Town v Welling United

Welling United hit the road for a second successive away game as they take on Hemel Hempstead Town at the Focus Community Arena on Saturday (3pm).

The Wings will be aiming for a fifth league victory of the season as they look to close the gap at the bottom of the National League South table. Welling currently sit in 22nd position, nine points off Taunton Town in the safety of 20th and closing that gap will be absolutely vital as the games start coming thick and fast.

Despite a narrow defeat at Chelmsford City on Monday night, Danny Bloor’s men can take plenty of heart from a spirited performance, while new faces have added a boost to the squad.

Joe Ellul impressed on his debut in midweek, while Oxford United loanee Josh Johnson will be pushing for a start after looking sharp off the bench in his own Wings bow.

Bloor will, however, be checking on the fitness of Crossley Lema, who was forced off at half-time at Chelmsford, while Chiori Johnson will also be assessed after missing out in midweek.

THE OPPOSITION

Hemel Hempstead sit in 10th place with one eye on a play-off push under former Welling boss Bradley Quinton.

The Tudors currently sit two points off the top seven with 12 wins, seven draws and 11 defeats from their 30 outings, so far.

They. have enjoyed five wins in their seven games and come into Saturday’s clash off the back of a 2-1 victory at home to Farnborough in midweek.

PRE-MATCH CHAT

Danny Bloor: “We go to Hemel encouraged and taking the positives from Monday night’s game.

“We know it will be a tough game, it’s a 3G pitch so there can’t be any excuses on that front, and we’re very much. looking forward to it.”

Hemel Hempstead boss, Bradley Quinton: “I was there to watch Welling on Monday night. We’re focusing on what we’re doing – the run we’ve been on is a great achievement, but now we focus on Welling.

“Welling are where they are, but no game in this league is easy. We need to refocus, re-energise ourselves, have the boys listen to the gameplan and be ready for Saturday.”

LAST TIME OUT

The Wings suffered a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture back in August. George Williams’ 76th-minute strike proved to be the diifference after both sides had a man sent off – TJ Bramble given his marching orders for Welling, while Alfie Matthews was dismissed for the visitors.