Braintree are one of the strongest sides we have meet this season so I’m expecting another difficult test but if we show the character and desire we did on Saturday we will all be in for a great game, says Welling United boss Jamie Coyle

WELLING UNITED boss Jamie Coyle says he’s expecting another tough test against promotion chasing Braintree Town on Saturday.

The Wings are in ninth-place in the Vanarama National League South table with 38 points from 26 games, four points adrift of seventh-placed Chelmsford City, who occupy the final play-off berth.

The Wings host fifth-placed Braintree Town at Park View Road on Saturday and Coyle’s side have defeated Eastbourne Borough (3-0) and came away from Poole Town with a 3-2 win after suffering back-to-back defeats to leaders Dartford over Christmas.

“Often a team getting relegated struggles to come to terms with it but Braintree have had a great season and play some really good football and they must be amongst the favourites for the title this season,” said Coyle.

“We defended outstandingly when we meet earlier in the season and came away with a well-earned point.

“After our difficult run of games over the Christmas period I am delighted with how we have bounced back. In our last game at home (Eastbourne) we put in an almost perfect performance. Jonathan didn't have a meaningful shot to save, Oluaide Durojayie scored his first goal for the club, and Elliott Romain signed off with two goals that showed the rewards that hard work gets you.

“Then we had a break so had a friendly in Essex against Dulwich Hamlet. We won the game but got a lot more out of it than just that as it was a good workout for the team. Playing against another team gave us a great opportunity to work on shape and tactics and also allows us to give some experience to some academy players.

“We took some of that into the game at Poole last week and came away with three well deserved points. We were very grateful that the game took place at all as they have had a tough time staging home fixtures. It was no surprise that the pitch was heavy but the boys rolled their sleeves up and got the result.

“For the first thirty minutes we had to really dig in despite Harley Willard giving us a dream start from Jeffrey Monakana's cross. We were soon 2-1 down but defended really well and grew into the game. After the break we dominated and Bradley Goldberg scored twice to cap off a fine individual performance.

“Braintree are one of the strongest sides we have meet this season so I’m expecting another difficult test but if we show the character and desire we did on Saturday we will all be in for a great game.”

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

Welling United  v  Braintree Town
Vanarama National League South
Saturday 27 January 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY