Football: Welling seek escape route

NON-LEAGUE NOTEBOOK

WELLING UNITED will be hoping that Cheltenham Town are still relaxing tomorrow, after securing the Nationwide Conference title last week.

The Gloucestershire club have lost both the games they have played since clinching the championship and, if they go down again tomorrow at home to Welling, the Kent side will avoid relegation.

Welling could be safe even if they lose - as long as Barrow are also defeated by a similar margin at Kidderminster, who will be playing their last match under Phil Mullen's management before the summer arrival of Jan Molby, the former Liverpool midfielder. Welling and Barrow both have 40 points, but the Cumbrians are in the bottom three because their goal difference is inferior by three.

Welling gave themselves a good chance of escaping the drop with Monday's 4-2 win at Leek, a result which sent the Staffordshire side down along with Farnborough.

Altrincham sealed promotion from the UniBond League with Tuesday's 3- 0 win at Frickley Athletic. The Cheshire club will join Sutton United and Nuneaton Borough in the Conference next season.

Garry Hill has resigned as manager of St Albans City and will take charge of their Ryman League rivals, Dagenham & Redbridge, next season.