Braintree v Welling

WELLING boss Adrian Pennock expects to welcome back Steve Harper and Martin Carthy from injury for tonight's trip to play-off rivals Braintree in Conference South.

Harper has been out of action for three games through an achilles injury while Carthy (ankle) has not figured in the last four matches.

"It will be a big boost to have them back involved," admitted Pennock. "Ellis Green came through without any reaction at Weston as well so they will all be in contention for Braintree."

The trip to Cressing Road pits two of the division's form teams up against each other. Only two points and one place separates Welling in fifth from sixth-placed Braintree, and Pennock knows that it will be a tough encounter.

"It's going to be a cracking game," he said. "We're going there to win because that's the only way we know how this season. Our results show that.

"We've got to push on and get the three points but it's going to be difficult. Braintree have got a good manager in George Borg, they have had some excellent results and are in good form."