Ford drafts in Stone (From News Shopper)

Ford drafts in Stone

10:13am Tuesday 15th September 2009 in Sport By Paul Green

WELLING United have added former Bromley striker Adrian Stone to their squad.

Manager Andy Ford has made no secret of his desire to bring in a big target man and has turned to Stone in a bid to solve the problem.

The Wings boss said: “We are going to have a look at Adrian and he will play for the reserves tonight.

“It is possible he may not be ready for the Weston game on Saturday because he is lacking in fitness at the moment.

“He has been at Carshalton but I’ve brought him in because I’m hoping his height will give us a bit of presence up front.”

Welling picked up only their second win of the campaign with a 2-1 victory at Dorchester on Saturday thanks to goals from Yado Mambo and Tom Whitnall.

Ford was relieved with the outcome but slightly frustrated Mambo was forced off by an ankle injury.

He explained: “It was a much-needed win.

“I’m pleased Yado got the early goal because it gave him a lot of confidence and it was his best display since he came here.

“He was very close to getting on the Charlton bench, so it was quite a difficult job for me to get him here in the first place.

“It has taken him a bit of time to get used to the non-league game and it is unfortunate he had to go off with the injury.

“We don’t know how bad it is yet but I’m hoping he will be back for Saturday.”

The Wings will be looking to build on their Dorchester success this weekend when they host Weston-super-Mare and Ford accepts it is the ideal opportunity to do so.

“That is exactly what we need to do,” he said.

“We are at home and nothing less than three points will make me happy.”

Welling discovered yesterday they will host East Thurrock in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The Essex side are flying high at the top of the Ryman Division One North and Ford admits the tie is a potential banana skin.

He said: “We always seem to get teams who are doing well because I remember we had to play Totton in the Trophy.

“East Thurrock are having a good season and will be full of confidence but we are the home side and in a higher league, so it is up to us to make that count.

“As a manager you can’t really ask for any more than a home tie and I’m pleased with the draw.”