My next job is to get Wings promoted, says Ford

WELLING UNITED boss Andy Ford expects maximum points from their local derby against already relegated Fisher Athletic on Easter Monday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wings played out a goal-less draw against Essex side Thurrock at Park View Road on Good Friday, and Ford, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, says he’s expecting a win at Champion Hill against their troubled neighbours.

He said: “They’re obviously not a very good side because they’ve been relegated. The surface there is not very good so it’s not going to be a pretty game. It will be roll your sleeves up and get ready for a battle.

“I think once you’ve got into them and get one or two goals in front, obviously they haven’t got a bit left, but we’ve got to go and do that.

“The lads have got to put a shift in on Monday.”

With his side in eighth place in the Blue Square South table - 12 points adrift of fifth placed side Chelmsford City, Ford was asked what he needs to clinch a play-off place next season.

“Good question!”, he replied. “That’s exactly the question that I’m looking down a gun barrel at the moment.

“Coming in and making them safe was one job - got over that. Getting them into the top ten really was another one.

“Next season, if Andy Ford still wants to be successful, and he’s got to get them higher than that, but I’ve got to have the tools to do it.”

Fisher Athletic manager Dave Mehmet, meanwhile, will serve his fourth match of a five game touchline ban against the Wings.

But his side will be bolstered in attack with the return of pacy striker Gary Wharton, who returns after a three month injury lay off.

There are familiar faces who return to their former club. Sanchez Ming, now playing as a right wing-back, spent 18 months on Fisher’s books under former boss Wayne Burnett, before signing for the Wings last September.

Wings number two Jimmy Dack, meanwhile, is also a familiar face, having spent six months in Fisher’s dugout under Justin Edinburgh the season before last.

Visit Fisher Athletic’s website: www.fisherathletic.co.uk

Visit Welling United’s website: www.wellingunited.com

Fisher Athletic v Welling United
Blue Square South
Easter Monday, 13^th April 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Champion Hill Stadium, Edgar Kail Way, Dog Kennel Hill, East Dulwich, London SE22 8RD