D-Day looms for Welling United as cold snap is expected to hit midweek programme

Monday 29th November 2010

TUESDAY night’s football here in Kent looks set to be wiped out as the cold snap is expected to grip the county, writes Stephen McCartney.

There are two vital matches at the foot of the Ryman Premier League; four Kent Senior Cup ties; a London Senior Cup tie and one friendly match scheduled, but these are all subject to pitch inspections.

Whitstable were one of the games that went ahead in Kent at the weekend, and manager Mark Lane was relieved when former Ramsgate star Stuart Vahid grabbed a late equaliser to earn a point in a 2-2 draw, despite having Jim Sherman sent off and the visitors’ having two players sent off.

“We are starting to show signs of improvement,” Lane told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“Some of the players were disappointed that we did not go more gung-ho after we drew level with them down to nine and us to ten, with the added five minutes extra time at the end still to play.

“But I wanted the point and felt it was important given our circumstances lately that we did not get beaten, yes in a way we got out of jail but you can say what you like about them today, yes they play a spoiling game, yes they get a bit over physical but they have some good players and overall I am please to take the point.

“There were one or two players who are starting to show why we brought them to the club, (Blackie) Lloyd Blackman ran the line well and showed his passion for the club and Sam Groombridge is settling in well; I thought the pair of them were a big plus today.

“T. J. Moncur went off after he felt a slight strain and Steven Lloyd did ok when he came on.

“I thought that playing three at the back gave us the midfield, at times in the first half they did not know how to combat the way we played.

“All in all; although it was far from a great performance we matched the visitors on the pitch today, that’s something we have lacked and we have to take into all the games coming up. We will be ok if we show the same team spirit and continue to play for each other like we did today.”

The Oystermen are expected to face Blue Square Bet South side Welling United in the Kent Senior Cup at Belmont Road on Tuesday night.

Whitstable have reached the final just once, but the Wings ruined their night with a 6-1 win at Park View Road in April 2009.

There will be a pitch inspection at 3 o’clock tomorrow afternoon, and Whitstable chairman Joe Brownett said: “We will be having a pitch inspection tomorrow at 3pm although we have no problems with the pitch as of today, in fact we played an U18’s match on it yesterday morning and it played well.

“We worked on the pitch today, given the overnight forecast of snow It best that we are prepared and give our own supporters, and those who will travel as much advance warning as possible.

“We have been lucky so far, we had no problems on Saturday and hopefully we can play tomorrow in the cup.”

Welling United supporters are hoping their club have not played their last game - as the Blue Square Bet South club attend a Court hearing in London on Wednesday.

The Park View Road club issued a statement on their website www.wellingunited.com: “Welling United would like to confirm that the club are still in dialog with the proposed investors and hope to try and progress.

“There is lots of activity and discussions are ongoing with other alterative parties.

“The club is doing all it can to make sure matters are sorted before Wednesday.

“The Wings will make additional announcements as soon as there is any further news.”

Folkestone Invicta, who had their home game against Bury Town called off on Saturday morning, will have a pitch inspection tomorrow for the visit of Carshalton Athletic.

Maidstone United’s trip to Lowestoft Town also fell victim at the weekend, and Kingstonian will know at one o’clock tomorrow afternoon if they have to travel to Homelands.

Cray Wanderers were told just 90 minutes before kick-off that their away game at Canvey Island based side Concord Rangers was frozen off - but the Kent club will inspect the Hayes Lane pitch at 10 o’clock to ensure Dover Athletic supporters don’t make a wasted trip to Bromley for the Kent Senior Cup tie.

Club secretary Martin Hodson told www.kentishfootball.co.uk on Monday evening: “The pitch is frozen at present and Bromley have called off their academy match so it looks unlikely.

“The decision will be made at 10 o’clock to avoid un-needed travelling.”

With their trip to Weston-super-Mare re-arranged for Saturday 11 December, Bromley have quickly arranged another friendly at Erith & Belvedere for Tuesday night (7:45pm).

Admission prices have been reduced to £5 (adults) and £2 (concessions).

Sittingbourne are expected to travel to Metropolitan Police on Wednesday night.