Cup run helps my transfer kitty, reveals Pennock - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Welling United boss Adrian Pennock wants his Nationwide Conference South side to emulate last season’s FA Cup run when they reached the first round proper, writes Stephen McCartney.

But the Wings must get past their “tough test” at Ryman League Division One North highfliers AFC Hornchurch in Essex on Saturday and then win their next cup tie two weeks later.

He does, however, warn his players that former Thurrock boss Colin McBride’s sides are always tough to beat.

“I’m expecting a very hard game,” Pennock said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk: “Again we’re under no illusions. Just because their two leagues lower than us it’s not going to be an easy game.

“We’ve played against Colin McBride’s teams before at Thurrock and they’ve always been difficult to play against.

“Obviously he’s got a lot of ex-Thurrock players from last season so in some ways it will be like a Conference South game.

“I’m sure it will be a good crowd there and a good atmosphere and both teams put on a good performance but I want to come away with a win.”

Welling United, Folkestone Invicta and Ramsgate all reached the first round proper of the FA Cup last season, losing to Huddersfield Town, Chester City and Nuneaton Borough respectively.

But the Wings knocked Folkestone out in the last round, winning the replay at Park View Road.

Invicta boss Neil Cugley was forced to release contracted striker Matt Carruthers this week, admitting “things are a little bit tight” at the Buzzlines Stadium, after the Wings banked the prize money.

“Folkestone was a difficult game, both games were difficult,” recalled Pennock.

“With the FA Cup there’s always shocks, going back to the Sutton game against Coventry, the Hereford’s of the worlds, everyone’s had shocks,” he warned.

“It’s the best cup competition in the world and if we can repeat what we did last year, the owners will be pleased, for the money as well as the prestige.

But Pennock is pleased that his side are fifth in the league table - just seven points behind leaders Salisbury City.

“The season is going well for us but there’s a long way to go,” he said.

“I’m sure the teams around us and in the lower part of the league are in false positions.

“It will be a hard season. I have to give the boys credit as they are producing the goods on Saturday.”

Pennock was, however, lost for words as to why his side are undefeated playing on Saturday, but added: “I’m just pleased that we want to go there and win, but as I’ve said before we’re under no illusions. It will be a tough test for us because Hornchurch are playing well at the moment.

“We’ve had them watched. It will be a hard game for us. I’ve got a lot of respect for Colin McBride and it will be a difficult game.”

Leon Soloman (knee) will be having a fitness test before the game to see if he is fit enough to play. Andrew Sam, meanwhile, is doubtful with a chest infection.

There is also the added spice of Martin Carthy, who played under McBride at Thurrock, and Chris Moore and Keith Rowland are former Urchins.

“I’m sure they will get sick but they are experienced players and I’m sure they will get through it ok,” said Pennock. They will raise their games an extra 10% as you want to do well against your former club.”

Pennock wants his side to get through this potential banana skin, to enable him to have transfer funds available - if needed.

He said: “I’m happy with the current squad but money is the biggest issue.

“I can’t get somebody in for the case of bringing somebody in. I’m always looking to improve the team but if I can bring them in I will but money is a big issue. That’s why it’s important to progress in the FA Cup.”

Pennock urges the travelling Wings fans to make as much noise as they can as they make the 40 mile round trip to Upminster in their droves.

“The supporters are superb,” he said. “We’ve got great travelling support and at home as well.

“They are always behind the boys, I praise them all the time because they are always behind me, my management team and players.

“It would be nice to get more through the gates (at Park View Road) but if we are still in the play-off area after Christmas there will be a few more through the turnstiles, but it’s my job to get these results.”

Take the M25 to junction 29 onto the A127 towards London. Come off at the next major turn-off (signposted to Upminster) and turn left into Hall Lane.

Follow this road for about a mile and a half, passing Upminster station on your left, until you come to a major crossroads with traffic lights.

Turn right at the lights into St Mary's Lane. Continue down the hill and take the second turning on the left (Bridge Avenue).

The ground is about 200 yards along Bridge Avenue on the right.

By Train / Tube:

Nearest BR station is Upminster which is on the Fenchurch Street to Southend/Shoeburyness line. Turn left out of the station and follow the directions above.

Upminster Bridge underground station (District line) is also close to the ground. Turn right out of the station, walk under the railway bridge and take the second right turning into Bridge Avenue.