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Steve Lovell's first game as Welling United manager versus Tonbridge Angels is postponed due to Covid-19

New Welling boss Steve Lovell will have to wait a few more days before he can take charge of his first match.

The Wings were due to host Tonbridge Angels in National League South this Saturday at Park View Road.

Steve Lovell's first game in charge of Welling has been postponed. Picture: Ady Kerry
Steve Lovell's first game in charge of Welling has been postponed. Picture: Ady Kerry

But that game has been postponed due to a positive Covid-19 case in the Angels camp.

A statement from Welling said: "Saturday’s match against Tonbridge Angels has been postponed due to a positive case of Covid-19 in the Tonbridge camp.

"We’ll announce a date for the rearranged game in due course. We wish the affected party a speedy recovery."

Lovell was named Welling's new boss overnight, replacing Bradley Quinton who was sacked 24 hours earlier following Tuesday's 2-0 home defeat to St Albans.

Welling's next fixture is due to be a trip to Hungerford on January 23. They visit Bath on January 26 before Lovell's first home game in charge which is currently set for January 30 against Hampton.

Tonbridge have stepped up their testing procedures in the past week or so.

Chairman Dave Netherstreet told his club's website after Tonbridge players and coaching staff underwent antibody testing, to detect who’s had Covid: "This in no way compares with the kind of high level testing that exists at Premier League level, but may at least go some way to help us in managing the prevention of a Covid-19 outbreak at our club.

“The club has linked up with GPD Ltd to see if we can carry out regular testing of players before every game.

“Unfortunately, the cost is way beyond the financial means of a club at our level despite the fact that we have to keep on playing.

“The method of testing is termed lateral flow which provides a reading within 15 to 20 minutes although it does not have the same accuracy percentage as other tests.”

Speaking after last week's game at Dartford, Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm said they are taking each day as it comes.

He said: “We’re trying to keep the players as safe as possible, they’ve got to keep themselves as safe as possible and we’ve got to do the best we can to keep everyone healthy.”

Tonbridge have comfirmed that their game versus Hampton on January 23 has also been postponed.

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent

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