Hornchurch v Welling United

ADRIAN PENNOCK has defended his decision to leave club captain Lew Watts on the bench last weekend as he prepares his side to face Hornchurch in the Nationwide Conference South on Saturday.

He said: "Lew was fit but James Smith and Chris Moore did well at Weymouth and that was the reason they stayed in. I spoke to Lew before the game and he is still a big part of my plans."

Striker Tommy Tyne (hamstring) is still struggling for fitness but goalkeeper Charlie Mitten (shoulder) is fit and could replace Danny Knowles in goal.

Ashley Probets made his debut against Grays and Pennock is keen for him to gain match fitness sooner rather than later.

"Ashley did well, as did Chris Bourne when he came on but he is just not match fit," said Pennock.

Meanwhile, Welling’s away match with Cambridge City on March 26 will kick-off at 1pm to avoid clashing with England’s World Cup qualifying match against Northern Ireland.