Date and Time: Saturday 10th February 2018
Venue: Park View Road
Gloucester City put an end to their losing streak last weekend by drawing at home to Poole Town, but will need to build on that result this weekend when travelling to Welling United.
The Tigers are currently in the relegation zone and are one point adrift of safety. Marc Richards’ side have been in torrid form recently and have recorded just one win out of their last nine encounters, which sees them in 20th place in the National League South.
Gloucester did put a stop to their current losing spell last weekend as they drew 2-2 at home to fellow relegation rivals Poole Town. The advantage the Tigers have over their relegation rivals is despite currently being in the relegation zone, is that they have two games in-hand over Chippenham Town and Poole Town, who are placed 18th and 19th, respectively.
They also have three games in-hand over 17th placed Oxford City, who they’re two points adrift of. However, it is vitally important that the Tigers make the most of the games they have in-hand and start picking up positive results if they’re to remain in the National League South this season, starting with a trip to Welling United this weekend.
NEXT UP | After a great performance last night and a ticket booked to the final of the @GlosFA Challenge Cup, we return to league action away @wellingunited pic.twitter.com/e8su4noUtn
— Gloucester City AFC (@GCAFCofficial) February 7, 2018
It won’t be an easy task, though, with Jamie Coyle’s side currently placed 10th overall in the league. The Wings finished mid-table in 16th place last season, but the appointment of player/manager Coyle has helped them improve this season as they aim for a place in the play-offs come the end of the season – his side are just five points off the elusive final play-off spot, which is occupied by seventh-placed Braintree Town.
The Wings are coming into this weekend’s encounter in good form, too. Coyle’s Side have won their last three games in the National League South, against Braintree Town, Poole Town and Eastbourne Borough.
Richards’ side have struggled for goals this season, but will be anxiously keen that new signing Harry Williams could add fire power to their attacking line following his spell with Sacramento Republic in America.
KEY PLAYERS
Joe Healey (Welling United)
The experienced midfield player is the Wings biggest threat and their top scorer in the National League South so far this season. The 31 year-old has netted on nine occasions in 23 appearances so far this season and the Tigers will have to keep close tabs on Healey if they’re to stop their current run of bad form – he has scored a total of three times in his last four encounters.
Ed Williams (Gloucester City)
The 22 year-old midfielder Ed Williams is a tremendous midfield talent for the Tigers, and he has progressed with the club further this season. His driving force at the heart of Gloucester’s midfield means he is a real threat for any back-line he comes up against, and Welling United will need to be wary of Williams’ tenacity and endeavour as the Wings look to make it four wins on the bounce.
The midfielder also has five goals in the 19 appearances he has made so far this season, and will be hoping to add to his tally this weekend – the last time Williams scored for the Tigers was before Christmas in a 1-1 draw away from home at Truro City.
(Featured image: quisnovus)
