How lockdown has benefited Hawks’ next National League South opponents Welling United ...

Lionel Ainsworth pictured during his time with Motherwell . Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images.

Prior to this month, midfielders Lyle Della-Verde and Ryan Blackman were playing for Enfield Town in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

But following lockdown being imposed on the Isthmian, due to its ‘non-elite’ status, the pair dual signed for Welling United instead.

Their arrival has resulted in an upturn in results. Having only claimed one point from their first four National League South games, the Wings have now gone three games unbeaten.

They followed up a draw at Concord with a 2-1 success at Hemel Hempstead - their first win of the campaign - before drawing 2-2 at home to Billericay on Tuesday.

Welling hit back to lead after falling behind - striker Rowan Liburd and midfielder Anthony Cook (penalty) on target - before conceding a spot-kick leveller 12 minutes from time.

Budget restrictions and player departures meant boss Brad Quinton, who was only appointed last January, was forced to build a virtually new squad for the 2020/21 season.

Ex- Reading, Wycombe and Stevenage forward Liburd, who has played international football for St Kitts and Nevis, was among the new signings.

Goalkeeper Reise Charles-Cook - younger brother of Anthony Cook - was brought in after making over 70 EFL appearances for Coventry and Swindon.

The much-travelled Lionel Ainsworth, boasting over 250 EFL appearances as well as a four-year spell with Motherwell, was another new arrival after ending last term at Dulwich Hamlet.

Quinton has also brought in two teenagers from Huddersfield Town on loan - midfielder Jaheim Headley, 19, and centre half Mustapha Olagunju, 18.

Olagunju was among the starters in midweek, while Headley was on the bench.

Despite their slow start, Hawks will be aware that Welling can be dangerous opponents.

After all, last month they led 4-1 at Slough - who reached the play-offs last term - before having to settle for a 4-4 draw.

The Wings were forced to play the closing stages with 10 men, after Daniel Boateng was dismissed, and conceded twice in injury time.