MIDFIELDER Darren Marsden has earned himself a one-year deal with Nationwide Conference South side Welling United.

The youngster, released by Gillingham at the end of last season, has impressed Wings boss Adrian Pennock and signed after the friendly defeat against Grays.

Pennock said: "Darren will be a good squad player for us, he has a good attitude and lots of potential."

Marsden is the first of the eight trialists to be taken on by the Wings this summer. With Marlon Button already released, Pennock is still running the rule over the others.

Lee Hockey and Terry Penfold were PASE players with Gravesend & Northfleet, while defender Danny Lawson was released by Gillingham.

Ben White, formerly with Gillingham and Gravesend, finished last season with Hastings, Barry Gardner was at Ashford Town, while Daniel Moore has returned to England after played in Greece last year.

Pennock is refusing to press the panic button after the 8-1 defeat to Conference South champions Grays, highlighting illness to defenders Lew Watts and Lee Shearer as a contributing factor.

In fact, he believes the heavy defeat could be a blessing in disguise.

Pennock said: "There were a few people getting excited after the first couple of results and I'm sure the Grays defeat will keep everyone's feet on the ground."

Keeper Jamie Turner (thigh) and Rob Owen (ankle) should both be fit to face what is expected to be a strong Gillingham side on Monday.

Kick off is at 7.45pm.