Welling v Grays Athletic

WELLING manager Neil Smith has backed striker Ellis Remy to lead the club to safety.

Remy, signed from Folkestone last week, had an impressive debut in the home defeat to Basingstoke last Saturday – only to miss a crucial first-half penalty.

Smith said: "Ellis did everything I asked from him, bar the penalty. He gave their defenders a hard game, challenged for every ball and held it up well.

"He is a confident lad, he apologised for the penalty miss and still wants to take the next one. I need him to score goals but I think that will only be a matter of time."

Remy was one of three new players in the Welling squad last weekend. Full-back Joe Howe, signed from Kettering, played out of position in midfield, while winger Sam Tucknott’s second debut for the Wings was delayed by illness.

Striker Andy Pugh's loan from Gillingham ends this week but Smith could extend it for a third and final month with Omari Coleman (groin) still ruled out for a week.

Orlando Smith (hamstring), Leon Solomon (leg) and Stuart Nethercott (calf) are all out but Sam Keevill (toe) and Jerome Boyce (work) could return for Friday's Setanta Shield fourth round clash at home to Grays Athletic. The game sees the return of Danny Kedwell and Jamie Day to Park View Road.