There's no place like home, says Pennock - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Welling United manager Adrian Pennock hopes new surroundings won’t go against his side tomorrow night, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wings, top of the Nationwide Conference South table, play Tamworth, who are at the foot of the Nationwide Conference, at Gravesend & Northfleet’s Stonebridge Road ground in Northfleet, with a place in the third round of the FA Trophy up for grabs.

The last time Tamworth visited Stonebridge Road was back in August and the Lambs made the long journey back home having endured a 4-1 thrashing.

A repeat scoreline for another Kent side? “That’s what were aiming for,” Pennock said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk following tonight’s training session.

But he warned: “There more experienced of playing at Gravesend then we are.

“It’s a bit of a leveller now. I’m disappointed (that we’re) not playing at our own ground.

“We want to be playing at Welling United at Park View Road but we’re going to give it our all and give a good account of ourselves and get the win.”

Although some of his players have played at Stonebridge Road before, Pennock would prefer to play the replay on home soil.

“Some of them have played there but our ground is a bit of a fortress,” he said. “No-one likes coming to our ground. We are pleased Gravesend have allowed us to play there but we want to play teams at Park View Road.”

Worcester City await the winners of tomorrow’s tie in the third round on Saturday - Pennock wants it to be his side.

“We’re under no illusions, there a Conference team, Tamworth,” he said. “But we are on top of Conference South, the dressing room is buzzing at the moment. We’ll give it our all and see where it takes us.

“Worcester? That’s only if we get through. That’s irrelevant in my eyes. There a good team, let’s not look too ahead.

“Whoever plays Worcester, us or Tamworth, it will be another very tough game as they are doing well in their league as well.”

But Pennock is “very proud” that his team go into tomorrow night’s game as league leaders following their 2-1 win at Sutton United at the weekend.

He said: “It’s fantastic. I’m very proud of that. Everyone has worked hard and we’ve come a long way at the football club.

“There’s a lot of football to be played yet. You don’t win anything in February but I’m proud to be sitting on top of the tree at this moment in time.”

Meanwhile, Welling United have announced that ticket prices for the game will be the same as the ones at Park View Road.

Adults: £10
Concessions (including over 65’s): £6
Under 12’s (when accompanied by an adult): £3
Seating: £1 (extra)

Pennock has asked Fleet fans to attend the match at their ground, adding: “Hopefully they can come and cheer us on. It would be nice as we need the money for the (new) floodlights. Hopefully it will be a decent crowd tomorrow night."

Meanwhile, teenage striker, Luke Moore has this week signed a contract until the end of next season to stay at Gravesend & Northfleet.

The 18-year-old has scored five goals for the Fleet in the Nationwide Conference this season, having progressed from the club's PASE scheme.

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

Visit Gravesend & Northfleet's website: www.gnfc.co.uk

Welling United v Tamworth
FA Trophy Second Round Replay
Tuesday 30^th January 2007
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Gravesend & Northfleet FC, Stonebridge Road, Northfleet