Welling United boss Loui Fazakerley: We are expecting a tough game tomorrow as Barwell will no doubt raise their level so it’s important we approach the game with the right mentality and put a professional performance in

WELLING UNITED manager Loui Fazakerley says his side must put in a professional performance to avoid being on the end of a FA Cup upset tomorrow.

The Wings travel up to Leicestershire to play Barwell in the First Round looking to reach the Second Round for only the fourth time in their history.

Welling United are sitting in 18^th place in the Vanarama National League and needed a replay to beat Ryman Premier League side Grays Athletic in the Fourth Qualifying Round.

Welling United were poor on the bobbly pitch at Aveley’s Mill Field ground and a late Sam Corne equaliser got them out of jail.

But former Dulwich Hamlet midfielder Xavier Vidal scored all four of Welling United’s goals as Mark Bentley’s side were thrashed 4-0 at Park View Road in the replay to set up tomorrow’s non-league clash.

Barwell are making their debut in the First Round and defeated Westfields 4-1 in the First Qualifying Round, before knocking out Cogenhoe United (5-0), Kings Lynn Town (1-0), before winning 1-0 at AFC Rushden & Diamonds in a replay after a 2-2 draw at home.

The Canaries welcome The Wings sitting in fifteenth-place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and suffered a 6-1 defeat at Leamington in The FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round last Saturday as they prepare for the club’s biggest game in their history tomorrow.

“We are expecting a tough game tomorrow as Barwell will no doubt raise their level so it’s important we approach the game with the right mentality and put a professional performance in,” said Fazakerley on the eve of the clash.

“We are not far away from having a full squad available for tomorrow with just Zach Fagan and Kieron St Aimie unavailable for selection.”

Barwell have already scooped £27,500 in FA prize money enroute to the First Round, while Welling United have banked £12,500 for winning in the final qualifying round.

£18,000 is up for grabs for the winners of First Round ties and all non-league sides reaching this stage of the season will receive a slice of a fund next summer.

Fazakerley said: “Having a run in The FA Cup is massive for the club as it boosts both the finances and atmosphere around the place.

“On top of that we have got extra motivation for tomorrow’s game as we want to hopefully dedicate the win in the name of our late club director George Evans, who sadly passed away on Tuesday morning.”

A club statement added: “Welling Untied are deeply saddened to report that club director George Evans has died.

“George passed away on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack. He was aged 74.

“A popular figure at Park View Road, George was a keen supporter of the club and enjoyed his football – a regular at both home and away matches.

“He was instrumental in driving forward the ground improvements at Park View Road in recent seasons and was a regular at the training ground to watch the squad prepare for matches every week.

“This news has come as a major shock to everyone at Park View Road and our deepest sympathies are extended to George’s family and friends at this sad time.”

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

Barwell  v  Welling United
The FA Cup First Round (Sponsored by Emirates)
Saturday 7^th November 2015
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Kirkby Road, Barwell, Leicestershire LE9 8FQ