ON Saturday Chippenham's new gaffer Steve White will cut his teeth in the Dr Marten's Premier division when the Bluebirds clash with Welling United.

The Wings from above have spiralled to the bottom of the table with their poor home form, and crashed out of the FA Trophy on Saturday when rivals Dover defeated them 1-0 at Park View Road.

Welling Utd are short of league matches and played only one in November after Nuneaton pulled out of their fixture when eight of their players were struck with flu.

Welling started the season well, flying up the table with four back-to-back victories. But they had to wait nearly two months to record their latest win, away against Moor Green.

But with four games in hand and excellent away form it could be difficult for the Bluebirds to pin their rivals down.

Welling Utd, who finished one spot away from the relegation zone last season, has an injury list, which rivals Chippenhams, including ex-England semi-pro midfielder Tim Hambley, who has been out of action since last September.

The team has relied on goals from in form striker Paul Booth who has scored 13 times in this season's campaign and will provide a handful for Chippenham's defence.

Phil Collins, who was Margate's top scorer when they won promotion two seasons ago, is coming back from injury and is likely to appear on the bench.

And ex-Tottenham reserve goalkeeper Gavin Kelly, who benched for the premiership 1st team on six occasions, could prove a tricky obstacle for Charlie Griffin.

Chippenham Manager Steve White said his immediate problem is to try and get enough fit players on the pitch to challenge Welling Utd for the three crucial league points at stake.

He said Danny Bailey, who was stretchered off the pitch on Saturday, will not be fit for the league game and skipper Martin Paul is struggling with a calf injury.

But on the positive side crowd-favourite Adie Mings will enter the fray after an illness forced his late withdrawal from Saturday's cup match.

Influential midfielder Gary Morgan's suspension will not begin for a fortnight and Mark Harrington is also expected to return to training this week.

White said he has heard Welling has a talented side with two dangerous front men. He added that his scout is preparing a dossier on Welling, on which he will base his strategy on for the weekend's match.