We have to get back into play-off hunt, says Pennock

Thursday 16th March 2006
Welling United boss Adrian Pennock believes the next four games are crucial if the Wings are to secure a Conference South play-off spot, writes Alex Leach – www.bexleytimes.co.uk




Pennock's men face four teams in the top six over the next fortnight with Havant and Waterlooville, Farnborough Town, Weymouth and Lewes all hovering on the immediate horizon.

And the Wings boss does not want to lose any ground on the club's play-off rivals as the season enters its final straight.

"The next four games are big matches in relation to what we are going to do come the end of the season," Pennock said.

"It seems that the top six or seven teams are really starting to pull away from the pack. Everyone around us is being consistent and we've got to join them."

And the tough tests ahead could not have come at a worse time with Pennock describing last Saturday's 3-3 draw with strugglers Maidenhead United as "one of the lowest points of our season."

He added: "We did exceptionally well to come back from 2-1 down to get into a very good position. We were 3-2 up in the closing stages and conceded a goal with literally the last kick of the game. I was very disappointed."

One positive to come out of the Maidenhead misery was the performance of new signing Martin Carthy.

The Wings' latest buy had a hand in two Welling goals and Pennock believes the midfielder will be a "major asset" from now until the end of the season.

Pennock's chances of success at Havant and Waterloovile this weekend have been hit with the news February's Conference South Player-of-the-Month Danny Kedwell is touch and go for Saturday.

The former
Herne Bay striker went over on his ankle during training session and may miss the trip to the coast.

Che Stadhart, Chris Moore and Jamie Turner are all expected to be available.