Welling boss Mark Goldberg believes his team are not far away from competing with the best sides in National League South.

It’s been a disappointing start to the season for Goldberg, by his own admission, with the Wings taking just 12 points from their first 11 games to sit 15th in National League South.

They were unfortunate not to take at least a point against runaway leaders Wealdstone on Saturday – a performance which has given the Welling manager plenty of encouragement.

“Playing Wealdstone was an opportunity to really measure where we are,” said Goldberg. “We conceded two sloppy goals but the rest of the game I thought we were well in it.

“I wouldn't say we looked the weaker team out of the two, and they've now won nine in a row.

“I thought it would be a massive test of how far away are we from where we want to be. I don't think we're that far away.”

Goldberg can see signs of improvement from his squad but is not happy with their return so far.

“We all know it's not good enough,” he added. “We've played all the top teams so we now know what we're up against.

“It's a long season. It's a disappointing return of points (so far) but we believe we are going to improve as the season goes on. It's a new bunch of lads. Step by step we're improving.

• Report: Welling 1 Wealdstone 2
• Team-of-the-week

“We said at the start of the season that we're going to be a new team. We're going to work to a smaller budget than last year.

“I did promise we won't be in a relegation battle so I've got to make sure I ensure that we're pushing on and improving all the time.

“I'm not panicking at this stage at all. I'm very disappointed with the tally of points but they're a great bunch of lads.

“They are all as disappointed as I am and things will improve.

“I don't believe we're going to look backwards, we're going to look forwards.

“It's been a disappointing tally in the first 10 games, but we'll improve on it in the next 10 games.

“If we're within sight of the play-offs then it will be a great season with the budget we've got.”

Goldberg also praised debutant Theo Widdrington’s display against Wealdstone.

The Wings boss was booed by some home fans when the 20-year-old was substituted with 10 minutes remaining – but Goldberg explained that the midfielder was running on empty.

“Theo is going to be a big asset but he did tire in the end, that's the only reason I took him off,” said Goldberg.

“They've (the fans) got to realise that he hasn't played 90 minutes and when Jebby came on he gave us that little sparkle.

“We weren't taking him off because he played badly, I saw everything they saw.

“I shouldn't react to it but the fans have got to realise there could be another reason why somebody is taken off - not because they've played badly.”

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