Ford searches for big target man

Wednesday 02nd September 2009

INJURY-HIT Welling United boss Andy Ford has targeted four points from their next two league games, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wings currently sit in 16th place in the Blue Square South table, after their disappointing display in Monday’s 2-0 defeat at unbeaten league leaders Dover Athletic.

Third placed Newport County arrive at Park View Road on Saturday, followed by a trip to third-from-bottom Maidenhead United next Tuesday night.

“We’re looking to get at least four points out of them if we can,” Ford told www.kentishfootball.co.uk at Crabble on Monday afternoon.

“Newport are a good side so we know we’ve got a tough game in front of us.”

Ford, who was without strike trio Tony Finn, Loui Fazackerley and James Lawson, for the trip to Crabble was down to the bare-bones through injuries to Jack Parkinson, Graeme Andrews, Ryan Johnson and Andy Sambrook.

Ford gave a run-out to striker Tommy Whitnell, who featured heavily for Cray Wanderers last season and having spent a spell on trial at Dover Athletic during pre-season, has been turning out for Cray’s reserve side so far this season.

“My striker’s are out,” explained Ford. “I’ve brought Tommy in just to have a quick look at him. I need numbers at the moment. He’s a bit like Jake (Hobbs) to be honest. He’s a bit similar. We need a big fella up top really, that’s what we’re desperate for, just haven’t got it.”

Ford admitted that bringing in a target man to Park View Road is proving to be difficult, because of his budget.

But he insists his injury-hit side must start picking up points, especially as the Wings are hovering too close above the drop zone after seven league outings.

“It’s a bit concerning,” he said. “The longer it goes, it’s harder to catch up, the longer we go without picking up points.”

He added, “It’s unprecedented this injury side (of things) at the moment.”

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

Welling United v Newport County

Blue Square South

Saturday 5th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY