Interim manager Rod Stringer helped Welling United move on from a dramatic - and unusual - few days with an FA Trophy third qualifying round victory at Royston Town on Saturday.

Stringer, who managed the Wings from January 2024 until March 2025, returned to the club, ahead of their Trophy fixture.

That came after Welling had axed Lee Martin - and placed Paul Barnes in temporary charge - earlier this week.

But in another statement on Saturday morning, the Isthmian Premier club said: “Following the departure of Lee Martin earlier this week, Paul Barnes took training on Thursday evening as the team prepared for Saturday’s FA Trophy meeting with Royston Town.

“Former Wings boss Stringer will now step in to take charge of the team on an interim basis while the club conduct a thorough process to appoint a long-term successor.”

Femi Akinwande’s strike was added to by a John Ufuah brace in a 3-0 win, which was watched by Stringer and acting assistant Luke O’Neill, on the pitch.

Midfielder Mikey Berry’s goal, alongside strikes by forwards Jake Hutchinson and Joe Pigott, helped ensure Isthmian Premier high-fliers Folkestone were 3-1 winners at Southern League Central side AFC Dunstable.

Dartford’s poor run extended to just one victory in their last nine games in all competitions as they conceded twice after half-time to leave playmaker Olly Box’s 10th-minute goal a mere consolation in a 2-1 loss at Hadley.

Ramsgate went down 4-1 at Leatherhead - despite striker Joe Taylor putting them ahead in the 18th minute.

Isthmian Premier Chatham Town needed penalties to see off Southern League Premier Central side Needham Market.

Kevin Hake’s troops secured a 3-2 shootout success at the Bauvill Stadium after a goalless draw.

Isthmian South East side Ashford were spot-on, seeing off Biggleswade 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw at Homelands.

Two-goal Gary Lockyer and forward Louis Collins got on the scoresheet for Lloyd Hume’s men in normal time.

Sittingbourne - FA Trophy quarter-finalists last season - beat higher-divison opposition as defender Chris Arthur’s early goal proved the difference in a 1-0 triumph over Hashtag United.

Isthmian Premier Cray Valley were 1-0 home winners over Berkhamsted, courtesy of a first-half own goal by a visiting player.

Cray Wanderers were soundly beaten 4-0 at Bishop’s Stortford.

Isthmian South East side VCD exited the competition, losing 4-1 at home to Isthmian Premier Wingate & Finchley.

Attacker Courtney Barrington got the Vickers’ goal.

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