WELLING manager Adrian Pennock has urged his team to keep pace with the title contenders.

The 1-0 home win over Eastbourne kept the Wings third in the Nationwide Conference South table, just two points behind long-time leaders Histon.

Having started last season promisingly, Welling faded quickly after the turn of the year but Pennock wants them to last the pace this time around.

Pennock said: "A few weeks ago teams had three or four games in hand on us but they are slowly being eaten away and the gap is opening up.

"We’ve won our last three league games and it’s important we try to stay up there until the end of the season.

"I don’t think anyone is talking about us, other teams have been talked about for a long time and that’s the way we like it."

The Wings face a difficult test when they travel to take on improved Sutton on Saturday.

On-loan Charlton youngster Dane Springer returns to the squad after missing the FA Trophy draw at Tamworth.

Skipper Jamie Day is due to play his first league game for a month while Paul Hyde continues in goal with Jamie Turner ruled out of action after a training ground injury.

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