Welling United FC vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Sunday October 8, 2023 at 2pm, Baldon Sports Ground, Eltham Palace Rd, London SE9 5LU – note change of venue

It’s another cup tie on the road for the women’s first team as we head to Welling United in the London & South East Regional Women’s League Cup. Sundays aren’t the same without a lovely long jaunt.

The winners will land the glamour tie of a home game against Fulham in the second round on November 15. So after the disappointment of last week’s Women’s FA Cup defeat at Wodson Park, a run here would be a great consolation.

The opposition

Welling United ply their trade in the Southern Division of the London & South East Regional Women’s League Div One. We’re in the Northern Division so it’s a very match.

They finished third in the league last season behind our old adversaries Ashford United, despite winning the last seven games. They broke their attendance with 609 spectators on the last day of the season. However, they found themselves in a quandary pre-season when their manager Keith Boanas and nearly all of his whole squad departed for pastures new. Boanas is now at Millwall Lionesses.

You’ll no doubt be familiar with their semi-pro men’s team, which flits between the National League and National League South.

Previous meetings

None.

Form guide

After the summer upheaval mentioned above, Welling appointed a new manager in Taylor Couldry and sit comfortably in mid-table. They were also knocked out of the FA Cup last Sunday.

Players to watch

Top scorer Sarah White has just returned to the club after leaving in the summer having scored 22 last season.

Admission

TBC

The venue

On a Wing and a Prayer*, Welling moved the game from their usual South London/Kent borders ground at Park View Road to Holmesdale FC’s Oakley Road and now on to Goals Eltham. We believe it’s a grass pitch behind the main 5-a-side pitch complex.

Directions

The site is a 32 minute walk from Eltham station, which is itself a 30 minute journey from Victoria.

There is a car park, however it isn’t big. You are able to park along Eltham Palace Road.

• A personal joke about a past Welling Utd fanzine.