MATCH PREVIEW | Welling United v Taunton Town

Welling United will be looking to secure a third win on the bounce when they host Taunton Town on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

Following back-to-back wins over Hemel Hempstead Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough over the last week, the Wings are in high spirits as they continue their fight against the drop under new boss Rod Stringer.

Welling have closed the gap to Saturday’s opponents in 20th position to four points, making the clash at the J Hearnden Skip Hire Community Stadium a quintessential six-pointer.

Stringer will check on the fitness of Will Wood after he limped off in midweek, as well as TJ Bramble who missed out after being forced off late on at Hemel.

Meanwhile, Chiori Johnson is drawing nearer to a return to fitness, while Tristan Abrahams will be available this weekend following his dismissal on Tuesday night, with his suspension not kicking in until next week.

THE OPPOSITION

After a positive start to the campaign, the Peacocks have since ran into difficulty and find themselves plunged into the fight for survival at the bottom end of National League South.

With just one win in their last 16 outings and without a victory in their last eight, they come into the game off the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Aveley last weekend.

They currently sit in 20th position, four points ahead of the Wings with seven wins, 10 draws and nine defeats from their 26 games played, so far.

LAST TIME OUT

Welling have already met Taunton in DA16 this season with the Wings coming out on top in the FA Trophy second-round meeting in November thanks to a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.

The Wings earned themselves a one-goal lead going into the break thanks to Kain Adom, before the visitors drew themselves level from the penalty spot.

Welling thought they might have won it with a penalty of their own with five minutes remaining as Tristan Abrahams struck from 12 yards, but they would be denied by an 89th-minute leveller.

Young stopper Javarn Pitterson proved to be the hero in the penalty shootout which followed, saving the visitors’ eighth spot-kick, before Rob Howard bagged the final penalty to seal victory.

TICKETS

Tickets for the clash against the Peacocks are available to purchase online in advance and will also be available for cash and card at the turnstiles on the evening of the match priced £15 adults, £10 concessions and students and £5 U16s, while U11s go free with an accompanying adult.