This Sunday sees Grays Athletic welcome The Wings of Welling as Blues look to reach the first round proper of the FA Cup for the first time since 2008/9 season and the 8th time in their 125 year history. The challenge facing them is a daunting one though. Welling currently are in 17th place in the National League, formerly Conference Premier, while Grays are in the top half of the Ryman Premier, 2 levels lower.

Welling are in a decent run of form after struggling at the start of the season. They have won 5 of their last 8 league games including a 1-1 draw away at Barrow last Saturday. Grays by contrast have struggled in recent league games but they put any doubts to rest last Saturday with a thumping 4-0 victory at home to Lewes that included a brace from leading scorer Dumebi Dumaka. DD has been catching the eye of scouts from league clubs recently and surely there can be no better shop window than a game against higher ranked opposition to prove he has what it takes to move up in the game.

This is Welling's first game in the FA Cup this season as National League sides receive a bye to this stage. Grays in comparison started in the first qualifying round and hope recorded victories against Biggleswade (5-0), Hullbridge (6-0) and in the last round they travelled to Hanwell Town (2-1) in a victory that was watched by Sky Sports News and FA chairman Greg Dyke.

Of course there is more to Grays than DD, it has been a real team effort this year, Bradley Fortnum Tomlinson already has an FA Cup hat trick to his name this year and centre back Jay Leader scored in the last round, as well as goalkeeper Lamar Johnson saving a penalty when the game was still 0-0.

In the past these clubs have met on numerous occasions but this is the first time they have met in the FA Cup. The last time the clubs met in a competitive fixture was 29th January 2008 when a Scott Taylor hat trick see Grays ease 3-1 into the next round of the Setsnta Shield Conference League Cup.

So the scene is set for SUNDAY as Grays play for the 18th time at this stage of the competition, they will be looking for all the support they can get so, if you can, please get yourself over to Mill Field, Aveley FC for the 2PM KICK OFF. Due to both clubs having to agree a compromise on admission prices due to shared gate receipts we have slightly different prices compared to league games. FOR SUNDAY ONLY, the prices are:
Adults £12
Students/Concessions £6
Under 14 £1