Welling United v Worcester City

WELLING boss Adrian Pennock has revealed that he missed out on signing former Park View Road favourite Matt Bodkin back on loan this week.

Bodkin left Welling in December to join Grays on a two-and-a-half-year deal but has struggled to gain a regular starting place with the Nationwide Conference outfit.

It now seems certain that Bodkin will opt for a move to Conference South Thurrock after Grays blocked Welling's attempts to sign the wideman.

"I tried to get Matt Bodkin back on loan," confirmed Pennock. "I wanted him to come back and I think he was keen - but Grays wouldn't let him leave to come back to Welling."

Grays were unlikely to do business with the Wings after the Kent outfit rejected their offers for Danny Kedwell earlier in the season.

Pennock confirmed that there were no late offers for 21-goal leading scorer Kedwell, who is fit to lead the line at home to Conference North Worcester City on Saturday in the FA Trophy third round at Park View Road (2pm).

The Wings are struggling to field a strong side due to injuries but Pennock's men will look to defy the odds once again after knocking out Tamworth in the previous round on Tuesday night.

"I've done my homework and I know it will be a difficult game," said Pennock.

"Worcester are a strong side so it won't be easy and we're under no illusions."