Welling United begin their journey in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday as they host Chatham Town in the second qualifying round at Park View Road (3pm).
The Wings will have ambitions to get a good cup run under their belt and it all begins with a clash against their Kent neighbours with a place in the third qualifying round at stake and another step towards a coveted place in the first round proper.
Rod Stringer’s squad has been hit by a number of early-season injuries with Chiori Johnson, Martell Taylor-Crossdale, Daniel Martin, Oscar Borg, Zain Walker and Harvey Walker all being sidelined, but Welling’s boss may be hoping to have one or two bodies back for the cup tie.
New arrival David Carty may be pushing for a first start after a decent debut off the bench in last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Torquay United as the Wings look to build on their impressive home form which has seen them lost just one league game in nine months.
THE OPPOSITION
The Chats booked their date against the Wings in the FA Cup with a first qualifying round victory at Westfield, beating the Isthmian League South Central Division side 2-0.
They currently sit in 12th position in the Isthmian League Premier Division having won two, drawn two and lost two of their six games played, so far.
Chatham’s last outing saw them share a 2-2 draw at home to Hendon last weekend, having surrendered a two-goal lead and seeing two players sent off late on.
As a result, they will be without Bradley Sach and former Wing Sid Nelson on Saturday.
PRE-MATCH CHAT
Wings boss Rod Stringer: “It’s a big game against Chatham in the cup. We know it’ll be a very tough one, but if we play like we did [against Torquay], playing in the transitions and getting the ball forward nice and quick, we know we’re a match for anybody.”
TICKETS
Tickets for the cup clash against Chatham 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 with a £1 increase on adult, student and concession tickets.
Tickets bought online in advance are priced £16 adults, £11 concessions and students and £8 U18s, while U11s go free with an accompanying adult.
Tickets bought at the turnstiles will be priced £16 adults, £12 concessions and students and £8 U18s, while U11s go free with an accompanying adult.
Click here to get your tickets for the Wings v Chatham Town
OTHER INFO
The new-look Fans Zone marquee will be open for all supporters from 12.15pm with a variety of alcoholic drinks on offer, including real ale, cider and beer, while the Urban Street Food food truck will be offering a whole host of tasty food options throughout the afternoon, from burgers and hot dogs, to jerk chicken and chicken chow mein and everything in between.
Supporters will be able to enjoy the early Premier League kick-off as Southampton take on Manchester United (12.30pm) as well as live music pre-match, while two darts boards are available for fans to go head-to-head with their friends.
Post-match, Manager Rod Stringer will address supporters for a post-match debrief along to the Man of the Match presentation.
Meanwhile, the the club’s official matchday programme, ‘The Wings’, will be available to purchase at the turnstiles for £3.
