A magnificent rear guard performance from nine man Wealdstone defied all the odds at The Vale on Tuesday evening as they proudly reached the quarter finals of the FA Trophy at the expense of Blue Square South high fliers Dartford.

In a night packed with drama and incident that will live long in the memories of Stones fans, they displayed great battling qualities and heart to seal a single goal victory with Lee Chappell’s superbly taken first half strike setting up a hugely exciting encounter at Blue Square Premier side Cambridge United this Saturday, 25 February.

Club captain Wes Parker again led by example, and he was understandably bursting with pride after the game saying “it’s massive for a club like Wealdstone with great history in this competition and we want to replicate that. Tonight was a great moment for everyone at the club and we hope we did them proud.”

Roared on by one of the biggest crowds of the season, Stones had their first effort of the evening on four minutes when Peter Dean did well to dispossess Adam Green on the right hand side before sending over a cross which the onrushing Richard Jolly hooked just over the bar.

Jolly then came even closer five minutes later when a quick long throw from Lee Chappell saw the striker nip in front of Dartford ‘keeper Louis Wells before hitting shot from the most of acute angles which rolled across goal and agonisingly wide of the far post.

After the quick start from Wealdstone, Dartford began to get more of a foothold on proceedings, forcing a number of free kicks around the edge of the box.

It was from one of these set pieces that they had their first chance of note, with Tom Bonner rising well to meet  Adam Green’s delivery at the far post, however his header flew just wide of the post.

Wealdstone took the lead with a wonderfully worked goal on 27 minutes. Kurtney Brooks found Richard Jolly who played a great pass to the onrushing Lee Chappell who took the ball into the box before driving the ball left footed across the face of goal and into the bottom corner.

After the goal Dartford began to peg Wealdstone back, although they had a great chance from a quick counter attack ten minutes before the break. Connor Smith launched a great all forward to Jolly who surged down the left side before cutting in towards goal. Paul Goodacre had managed to get back to cover but Jolly opted to lay the ball off to the edge of the box to Peter Dean who just delayed on the ball too long allowing the defender to make a desperate clearance.

The Darts Jon Wallis then came within inches of levelling the game two minutes before half time, hitting a low drive from the edge of the box after Lee Burns clever lay off which skimmed just wide of the post.

The visitors then had one more chance to go in at the break on level terms when Lee Noble sprinted down the right before flashing the ball across the box which just evaded the outstretched foot of Jacob Erskine.

Darts had their first chance of the half five minutes after the restart, with Adam Green firing a 25 yard free kick just wide after Wes Parker was adjudged to have hauled down Erskine.

Stones then found then found themselves down to ten men on 62 minutes. James Rogers put in an illegal challenge on Chris O‘Leary and the Wealdstone midfielder reacted. Both sets of players rushed in to confront each other, and once the melee had cleared the Referee opted to show O’Leary a straight red for his reaction to the challenge, and Rogers only a yellow for the original tackle.

Dartford held the one man advantage for less than a minute though as they also found themselves down to ten men with Rogers being shown a straight red for a horrible challenge on Peter Dean.

With both sides dramatically down to ten men the game really began to open up. Man of the match Scott McCubbin bravely charged down a Green free kick, with the loose ball falling to Jolly who ran the length of the pitch before squaring to Dean whose effort was well saved at the near post by Wells.

Chappell then tried his luck with an effort from outside the box which was just deflected wide before Jolly’s acrobatic effort missed the target by inches.

In a further dramatic turn of events the third red card of the night was shown on 70 minutes, Stones being reduced to 9 men. Connor Smith went in late on Lee Noble and Referee Robert Whitton had no hesitation in opting to show the loanee Watford midfielder a straight red.

Dartford then began to throw everything they had at the nine men of Wealdstone in the last 15 minutes, and only a fantastic Gordon Banks like save from North on 77 minutes saw the scores stay level. Tom Bonner met a corner with a great downward header which North did incredibly well to tip over with an outstretched hand.

Lee Burns was then guilty of missing a great chance to pull matters level with five minutes to go. He found himself through on goal after a neat ball from Danny Harris, however he inexplicably dragged his shot wide with the goal gaping.

Dartford were constantly pumping the ball into the Wealdstone box in the remaining minutes, but the Stones backline stood firm, constantly repelling and blocking everything the desperate Darts could throw at the beleaguered defensive wall in front of them.

Due to the stoppages for the red cards there was an agonising five minutes of  added time signalled, with the visitors having one last chance late on with Burns heading straight at North from a corner from a great position.

The referee’s final whistle was met by scenes of jubilation and high emotion from fans and players alike, who can now look forward to a heady trip to professionals Cambridge United this Saturday.

Wealdstone: North, McCubbin, Massey, Parker (c), Cronin, Smith, Brooks, O’Leary, Dean (Hammond 74), Jolly (Fitzgerald 84), Chappell (Hicks 90). Subs not used:  Poniskaitis, Hoban.

Official Attendance: 670

The original tie was a fiercely fought contest as underdogs Stones twice came from behind to grab a richly deserved 2-2 draw, with a sublime headed goal from Chris O’Leary 10 minutes from time ensuring the two sides would have to meet again.

Wealdstone warmed up for Tuesday’s clash in the best possible fashion on Saturday as they ran out 5-2 winners over struggling Aveley, with goals from Richard Jolly (2), Lee Chappell, Scott Fitzgerald and an own goal, acting as the perfect springboard to cause an upset against the Conference South high fliers.

Dartford however suffered a big blow to their title aspirations as they were defeated 1-0 in their top of the table clash at Woking on Saturday. But it was only the Darts first defeat since mid December, and they will be looking to assert their higher league status and immediately bounce back from the weekend’s disappointment by booking their place in the FA Trophy quarter finals.

Whilst the odds will be stacked against Wealdstone they will continue to be quietly confident of progressing, in no small part thanks to the superb battling qualities the side has already shown on numerous occasions this season, most notably in the previous round when they came from behind to defeat Blue Square Premier side Barrow AFC . The Wealdstone fans will also play their part in creating a typically vociferous atmosphere for the opposition at The Vale as they get behind their beloved Stones to roar them into the next round.

Parking in the club car park will again be very limited on Tuesday evening and all supporters are advised to arrive early and park considerately in local roads.

Wealdstone play off push continued on Saturday as they ran out 5-2 winners over struggling Aveley at a wet Grosvenor Vale. Despite the scoreline Stones were made to work hard for the victory against a spirited side who twice levelled the tie before the home side’s class shone through in the final quarter of an hour.

Wealdstone thought they had got off to the perfect start with just 2 minutes on the clock when a great lofted ball forward from Connor Smith found Richard Jolly who prodded the ball past Aveley ‘keeper Adam Rafis, however the striker’s effort was ruled out for offside.

The pair combined again two minutes later, this time Rafis having a rush of blood to head as he charged from his goal and chopped down Jolly outside the box as he chased Smith’s forward ball. Rafis was given a yellow card for the foul, much to the anger of the Wealdstone fans who were baying for red.

It was from the free kick that Stones took the lead. David Hicks lofted a great ball to the far post which was met with a header from Jolly crashing off the bar before rebounding back to him 2 yards out, giving him the simple task to poking the ball over the line.

Aveley were certainly struggling to deal with the attacking threat of Stones, and Smith was next to try his luck with a powerful 20 yard effort which Rafis palmed away.

The visitors then pulled themselves level on 20 minutes with their first attack of the game. A slip from Tommie Hoban saw Troy Powell run clear before slotting past Jonathan North.

Wealdstone looked to respond straight away though, and Lee Chappell darted into the box before firing just the wrong side of the post.

Stones did manage to regain the lead on 32 minutes. Peter Dean showed great perseverance to pull the ball back across goal when it looked like it was going out of play, with Lee Chappell heading home from close range.

Kurtney Brooks nearly added another three minutes later, hitting a rasping drive from the edge of the box which Rafis could only turn round the post for a corner.

The home side began the second half on the front foot once again, and David Hicks hit a couple of early efforts from distance over as Stones looked to build on their lead.

Sam Holloway then had to be alert to block an effort from Jolly following a neat pullback from Scott McCubbin.

Aveley then came close to snatching an equaliser on 59 minutes when Jonathan North dived at full stretch to palm a Spencer Harrison header onto the cross bar.

It was Harrison who pulled the scores level a minute later though. Sheldon Sellars floated a free kick into the back post which was met by Harrison who was allowed to head home unmarked.

Stones almost responded instantly though as Hicks ran clear before squaring to Jolly whose effort was comfortably saved by Rafis.

A slice of luck then saw Stones regain the lead on 68 minutes. McCubbin sent over a cross from the left which Kevin Mully could only head past his own ‘keeper.

Substitute Tom Pett then came within inches of netting his first Wealdstone goal, firing just over following a clever knock down by Scott Fitzgerald.

A fourth goal for Stones did arrive in the 79^th minute. McCubbin again go down the left hand side before sending the ball across to Fitzgerald who slotted home from close range to all but seal the points for Stones.

Things then got even better three minutes later as Stones added a fifth. A sublime passing move resulted in David Hicks running clear down the right before crossing to Jolly who headed home his 32^nd goal of the season.

With the game now well and truly over as a contest, Stones looked to push forward in the hope of improving their goal difference, and Jolly came within inches of grabbing a hatrick, hitting an effort from the edge of the box which rebounded off the crossbar and away to safety.

Wealdstone: North, Hammond, McCubbin, Sterling (Cronin 84), Hoban, Smith, Brooks, Hicks, Dean (Fitzgerald 64), Jolly, Chappell (c) (Pett 62). Subs not used: Poniskaitis, Massey.

Man of the match: Richard Jolly

Report by Stuart Warren

This will be the first league game for three weeks for both sides due to the icy weather over the past month, although Wealdstone did of course play in the FA Trophy on Tuesday evening with a heroic performance seeing them earn a 2-2 draw at Dartford.

Stones ran out comfortable winners in the last encounter with the Millers when they overcame their counterparts 3-0 with goals from Richard Jolly (2) and David Hicks, and will no doubt be in a confident mood ahead of this tie as they look to keep up the pressure on the top five.

Wealdstone’s epic FA Trophy adventure will continue for at least another week after a truly heroic performance saw them earn a richly deserved replay at Blue Square Bet South high fliers Dartford on Tuesday evening.

Despite going twice behind, Stones displayed great heart and determination to claw themselves level and can now look forward to next Tuesday’s exciting rematch at The Vale ( 21 February).

Stones were forced to re-shape their line-up once again as regular defender Sean Cronin was not available and in came Watford youngster Tommie Hoban for a trial by fire debut. Hoban later described the experience as ‘like being in a war’

With both sides backed by vociferous support, it was the Darts that created the first opening when on five minutes Adam Green got down the left and flashed a low ball across the face of goal which found its way to Alan Massey at the back post who channelled safely back to his ‘keeper.

Darts were then forced to make an early change, having to withdraw the injured Elliot Bradbrook with the game just six minutes old; Lee Noble coming on in his place.

Stones first chance of the evening came on 8 minutes when Chris O’Leary threaded a great ball through to Richard Jolly who was just beaten on the edge of the box by Louis Wells in the Dartford goal.

There was then a heart in mouth moment for the visitors three minutes later. Jonathan North rushed off his line to clear the ball but his kick only went as far as substitute Noble who hit an audacious 40 yard volley which bounced just wide with North in no man’s land.

Dartford were continually pumping the ball long in the hope of catching out the Stones backline, and it was a piece of route one football that gave them the lead on 27 minutes. A long kick forward from ‘keeper Wells saw Jacob Erskine chase the ball forward. Miscommunication between Wes Parker and North resulted in the latter spilling the ball into the path of the Darts forward who was able to find Danny Harris, giving him the simple task of slotting home from 10 yards.

The goal seemed to dent Wealdstone’s confidence somewhat and they found themselves pushed back by a buoyed up Darts. But despite their large amount of possession in the visitor’s half, they were still being limited to pot shots from distance.

Stones did have two chances from free kicks just before half time. Jolly was tugged back by Tom Bonner 25 yards from goal, with Lee Chappell stepping up to send the resultant kick straight into the arms of Wells. The gloveman then tried to get play moving again with a quick kick, however he was adjudged to have carried the ball outside the box resulting in a free kick to Stones right on the edge of the box. Peter Dean tried his luck this time; however his effort was well blocked by the Darts wall.

Just when it seemed Stones would go in one down at the break, they were handed a lifeline on 45 minutes. Scott McCubbin sent over a sublime cross to the far post where it was headed back across goal by Chris O’Leary to the waiting Richard Jolly who headed the ball home from close range for his 30^th of the season, much to the delight of the 200 Wealdstone fans massed behind the goal.

There was one change for Stones at half time, with Wes Parker having to be withdrawn due to injury and Kurtney Brooks coming on to replace the former Grimsby Town defender.

The second half got off to the worst possible start as Dartford regained the lead. Lee Noble hit a speculative volley from 25 yards out which somehow found its way through a crowd of players, taking a deflection on its way past the despairing dive of North.

Stones responded immediately though, and Lee Chappell stung the ‘keepers hands with a powerful effort after a swift passing move down the left hand side.

Despite the lightening start to the half from the home side, Stones were enjoying far more possession than they had in the first and were playing with greater freedom but just failing to get the breaks in the final third to create clear openings.

But Stones rocked Dartford to the core with a spectacular equaliser with ten minutes left to play. James Hammond swung a great ball into the edge of the box where it was met by a magnificent towering header from Chris O’Leary which crashed in off the underside of the bar. It was an absolutely superb effort that took out a Darts defender in the process and also left the warrior like midfielder prostrate on the ground with a head injury for several minutes.

The final ten minutes were a frantic affair as both sides looked to win the contest, with Dartford having the best chance in the third minute of injury time when Jon Wallis hit a free kick inches over the bar.

Neither side could snatch a winner though in what had been an evenly fought and hugely entertaining encounter which now goes to a replay next Tuesday at The Vale, kick-off 7.45pm.

Wealdstone: North, Hammond, Massey, Parker (c) (Brooks 46), Hoban, Smith, McCubbin, O’Leary, Dean (Fitzgerald 90), Jolly, Chappell (Hicks 85). Subs not used: Poniskaitis

Official attendance: 770

The last time Stones reached this stage of the competition was in 1986, when they of course went on to win the trophy as well as claiming the Conference title during the most successful season in the clubs history.

This season’s FA Trophy run has been a highly dramatic one for Stones, culminating in their superb win over Blue Square Premier side AFC Barrow in the last round with goals from Richard Jolly and Britt Assombalonga handing them a historic 2-1 victory over their professional counterparts. Stones fans will no doubt be hoping for more of the same as they look to book their place in the quarter finals.

Dartford are currently a team in great form, with manager Tony Burman having been named Blue Square Bet South manager of the month for January as he led his side to victory in all seven league and cup matches last month. One of the main reasons for the Darts recent good run has been the form of captain Elliot Bradbrook, with the former Maidstone United man having netted 6 times in January on his way to picking up the Blue Square Bet South player of the month award.

Wealdstone do of course come into this contest in some inspired form of their own, having tasted defeat just once in their last 17 games. They will also once again no doubt be back by a large vociferous following that despite now having to travel midweek will be making as much noise as possible in an attempt to roar their side into the quarter finals.

The key man for Stones will once again be top scorer Richard Jolly, with the prolific striker having scored an incredible 29 times already this season. Nine of these goals have also come in the FA Trophy, including two hatricks, one in the 4-0 victory over Banbury in the 3rd Qualifying round and one in the next round during the 5-0 romp of near neighbours Uxbridge. One player who they will have to do without however is Britt Assombalonga; the popular forward now having been recalled by parent club Watford and subsequently loaned to Braintree Town. Whilst the youngster will no doubt be missed there are several experienced players that will be available for selection on what will no doubt be another highly dramatic night in this rollercoaster of a cup run for Stones.

For those fans wanting to travel to the game by public transport, directions can be found here.

Not that ace striker Richard Jolly will be too concerned with his own fitness after jogging over 15 miles to and from Saturday’s session for his additional training regime for the London Marathon in April!

Loanee player from Watford Tommie Hoban took part in the two hour session with new midfielder Tom Pett; injury worries Alan Massey and Wes Parker both trained together with striker George Daly who is making strong progress following his operation last year; long term injured Alex Dyer did gym work on the bike and cross trainer.

Training was followed by a team meeting emphasising how important the whole squad will be over next 11 weeks as Stones are still in the hunt in three competitions.

Watford FC have confirmed today that Britt Assombalonga has completed his loan spell with Wealdstone and has immediately been loaned out to Conference National side Braintree.

Britt’s time with the Stones has been a great success with 11 goals in 16 appearances, we send our best wishes and thanks and wish him good luck in his future footballing career.

Even though Watford is my team, it’s been really good. I’ve played a lot of games and had great fun learning to push my own game on. Just as important, though, Wealdstone have done well. I wasn’t there just for myself, I wanted to be part of a successful side.
Assombalonga on his time  with Wealdstone

You can read Watford’s press release here.

Following today’s pitch inspection tonight’s FA Trophy 3rd round game at Dartford has been postponed. The game has been rearranged for Tuesday 14th February 2012 at 7:45pm KO (weather permitting). Wealdstone’s next game is now a home game against Horsham this Saturday (the 11th). 

Hoban signed on professional forms for Watford in May 2011 and has made impressive performances at both reserve and youth levels.

This season’s FA Trophy run has been a highly dramatic one for Stones, culminating in their superb win over Blue Square Premier side AFC Barrow in the last round with goals from Richard Jolly and Britt Assombalonga handing them an historic 2-1 victory over their professional counterparts. Stones fans will no doubt be hoping for more of the same as their team attempts to book a place in the quarter finals of the most prestigious competition in the non-league game.

Dartford are currently a team in great form, with manager Tony Burman having been named Blue Square Bet South manager of the month for January as he led his side to victory in all seven league and cup matches last month. One of the key reasons for the Darts recent superb run has been the form of captain Elliot Bradbrook, with the former Maidstone United man having netted 6 times in January on his way to picking up the Blue Square Bet South player of the month award.

Wealdstone also come into this contest in inspired form of their own, having tasted defeat just once in their last 17 games but will nevertheless again be cast in the role of underdog as one of the lowest ranked sides left in the competition. Stones will be backed by a large and vociferous following, with the supporters club having already had a sell out for their coach bookings as well as a large number of fans travelling down by train and car that will ensure a red hot atmosphere at the very well appointed Princes Park Stadium.

The talisman for Stones will be top scorer Richard Jolly, with the prolific striker having racked up an incredible 29 goals already this season. Nine of these goals have come in the FA Trophy, including two hat-tricks, one in the 4-0 victory over Banbury in the 3^rd Qualifying round and one in the next round during the 5-0 thrashing of near neighbours Uxbridge. Jolly will be very ably backed up in the striking department by Watford loanee Britt Assombalonga, with the explosive forward having been in superb form since joining the club in November. The youngster’s finest moment in a Wealdstone shirt was without doubt in the last round of the Trophy when he gleefully netted the winner against AFC Barrow.

For those fans wanting to travel to the game by public transport, directions can be found here http://www.dartfordfconline.com/site/?q=pages/directions-dartford-fc

Trial Details: 17th February 2012 @ The Hive, Camrose Avenue, HA8 6AG from 10am, the session will take place on Astroturf.

Previous scholarship success stories include Jermaine Beckford, Carl Martin, Marvin Morgan and Reece Yorke have all gone on to play football at a higher level.

To apply call Richard on 07817 884 572 or email r.marchena@stanmore.ac.uk 

 Wealdstone got back to winning ways on Monday night when they overcame Tooting & Mitcham Utd 2-0 at a freezing cold Grosvenor Vale.  After Saturday’s defeat at Lowestoft it was imperative that Stones won this clash with relegation threatened Tooting, and whilst they sealed the points they made hard work of it, particularly during a tense second half.

Leading scorer Richard Jolly returned to the starting line up after being rested at the weekend was in the thick of the action right from the start and with just one minute on the clock Scott McCubbin played a clever through ball to the striker, however his touch was uncharacteristically heavy and he was unable to get a shot away.

Strike partner Scott Fitzgerald then hit an audacious 40 yard volley two minutes later with Tooting ‘keeper Jack Giddens off his line, however it sailed just wide. A swift passing move saw Lee Chappell presented with a shooting opportunity on the ten minute mark, with the full back hitting a powerful effort across the face of goal from an acute angle.

The best chance of the contest so far fell to Stones in the 15^th minute; Sean Cronin connected with a powerful header from a McCubbin corner, which Giddens could only palm away. In the scramble that ensued Jolly tried to bundle the ball home from close range, however a combination of goalkeeper and defender saw the ball somehow cleared.

Britt Assombalonga was next to go close, hitting a shot straight at Giddens after a clever pull back from Jolly. The chances were now stacking up for Stones, and Jolly was put clear again by a great ball from the busy Connor Smith. Jolly managed to dink the ball over the onrushing ‘keeper, however it rolled agonisingly wide of the post.

Only some superb defending from James Hammond then denied the visitors from taking the lead in the 27^th minute, with the former Colchester defender bravely blocking a point blank range effort from Charlie Stimson and turning the ball away for a corner. From the resultant corner the ball flew to the far post to Steve Ferguson who inexplicably volleyed wide when unmarked and the warning signs were clearly in evidence for a nervy looking Stones.

But Ferguson’s miss proved costly as Stones finally took the lead two minutes later. McCubbin sent over a cross from the right which was flicked on by Fitzgerald to Jolly who met the ball with a powerful header that Giddens could only push onto the bar. The rebound fell kindly to Assombalonga who had the simple task of stroking the ball home from close range.

Tooting defender Ronnie Fletcher came close to levelling the game on the stroke of half time, sending a flicked header towards the top corner which Jonathan North had to palm round the post. Just as he had done at the start of the first half, Jolly found himself through on goal again at the start of the second, this time dragging his shot wide of the far post from a great ball from Smith.

Sloppy defensive play then nearly gifted Tooting an equaliser on 52 minutes, when possession was lost in the middle of the park and Connor French was allowed to run clear, however he was thwarted by a smart save from North.

Stones inexplicably handed Tooting another chance too minutes later, this time Cronin’s dithering on the ball allowed French to win the ball. Although Dominic Sterling managed to get a tackle in, the loose ball fell to Jamie England who drilled a shot just wide.

Wealdstone were struggling to stamp their authority on the game and looked increasingly nervous at defending their precious lead and the crowd were becoming increasingly frustrated with their failure to make the game safe. Assombalonga did have a chance for a second with 15 minutes left to play, hitting a powerful effort across the face of goal which flew wide of the far post after a McCubbin corner.

Stones then had what looked like a clear penalty shout turned down on 80 minutes; Fitzgerald burst into the box and knocked the ball past Giddens, with the Tooting ‘keeper seemingly bringing him down, however the referee amazingly waved play on to the total bemusement of the former Watford striker.

It was in injury time that the home side finally made sure of the points, with Richard Jolly showing great strength to hold off a defender before side footing past Giddens and netting his 29^th goal of the current campaign.

Wealdstone can now look forward to Saturday’s huge FA Trophy tie at in form Conference South side Dartford.

Man of the match: Scott McCubbin

Wealdstone: North, Hammond, Chappell (c), Sterling, Cronin, Smith, McCubbin (Brooks 80), O’Leary, Fitzgerald (Dean 87), Jolly, Assombalonga. Subs not used: Hicks, Pett, Poniskaitis

Wealdstone will be looking to get back to winning ways tonight  Monday evening (30 January) when they welcome Tooting & Mitcham United to The Vale, kick-off 7.45pm.

Saturday saw Stones’ recent 15 match unbeaten run ended with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Lowestoft, with manager Gordon Bartlett quoting afterwards that he was ‘gutted and bitterly disappointed’ with the defeat but was looking forward to his charges putting things right on Monday against relegation threatened Tooting.

This season has so far been a tough one for the Terrors with the South London based side currently sitting in 19^th position, one place above the relegation zone although they did pick up a vital three points last Saturday, overcoming fellow relegation strugglers Aveley 3-1.

The two sides have met once already this season, with Wealdstone running out 3-0 winners when they met in the FA Trophy back in October. Goals from Wes Parker, Scott Fitzgerald and Richard Jolly did the damage that day in what was a comfortable victory for Stones. No doubt Monday’s match will be much tougher as both sides very much need a result.

Entry to the match is priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Stones soon hit back and Katie Harling finished in style with a quality goal, but the first half finished 1-1 with both sides playing well and determined to claim all the points on offer.

Whiteknights were first to score in the second half but again Stones came back and substitute Claire Holden scored the away side’s second and equalising goal. Rosie Watts, Nicola Dixon and Catherine Fahy all had shots on target, but the home keeper did a fine job keeping her side in the contest. With only two minutes left, Wealdstone were awarded a free kick which Stevie Wickes took and scored via the top corner, a fantastic goal, ending the game 3-2 to Wealdstone.

Stones: Kerry Guthrie, Rebecca Mills, Sophie Mooney, Lauren Simmons, Holly Robinson, Emily Bermingham, Stevie Wickes, Fiona Williamson, Katie Harling, Rosie Watts, Claire Holden, Nicola Dixon, Catherine Fahy

Wealdstone’s fifteen match unbeaten run finally came to a disappointing end at Lowestoft on Saturday. Despite taking a first half lead through Britt Assombalonga, Stones succumbed to two strikes from the championship chasing home side in the second period – the controversial winner coming from the penalty spot – in front of a large but surprisingly subdued crowd of 855.

 Speaking after the match on the club call line Stones Manager Gordon Bartlett did not attempt to hide his huge disappointment at the manner of the defeat: ‘I am gutted, bitterly disappointed at this defeat, our first away loss since October.  We decided to change the formation today and play two quick players up front to expose their backline. In the first half this worked well and you could see that they were visibly worried at half- time, but we only had the one goal to show for our superiority.

 In the second half you have to look at individual errors and we didn’t defend properly and we made wrong decisions. One error changed the whole course of the game and we came away with nothing. This is the worse feeling I have had about a game for a long time and we shot ourselves in the foot today. We have to start scoring more from other areas and winning games, roll on Monday night’

Britt Assombalonga gave Stones the lead midway through the first half after being given time and space in the penalty area and Lowestoft looked set to taste defeat for the second time in a week.

But Chris Henderson for the home side struck five minutes into the second period and brought the Blues back on level terms with a well taken strike from 20 yards.

The Trawlerboy’s comeback was complete just after the hour mark when Lubo Guentchev was brought down by David Hicks and Francis slotted home to give them three crucial points.

Lowestoft looked lively in the very early stages and could have been in front as early as the fifth minute when Scott Mitchell’s curling free kick went just wide. They dominated with Eagle dictating play in central midfield; the former Norwich City midfielder’s corner found Crane alone at the back post but his goal bound header was diverted over the crossbar by Henderson.

But Lowestoft were certainly not having it all their own way though with Stones skipper Lee Chappell repeatedly getting in behind Adrian Forbes down the left flank

And it was space down Lowestoft’s left flank that proved their undoing in the 22nd minute when Stones took the lead. Assombalonga sprung the offside trap and cut in from the wing to fire emphatically home at Andy Reynolds’ near post.

Wealdstone visibly grew in confidence and began to dominate play themselves, but the Blues could have got back on level terms when Lubo Guentchev’s volleyed pass released Eagle behind the Stones’ back four, but North produced an excellent save to deny the midfielder.

Chris O’Leary was inches away from doubling Wealdstone’s lead late in the first half when Smith headed Chappell’s cross back across the face of goal but the midfield enforcer just failed to divert the ball home.

But five minutes into the second half Lowestoft were back on level terms from an excellent strike by Henderson. Francis managed to charge down an attempted clearance by Dominic Sterling and the ball ran to Henderson on the edge of the area and he planted a right-footed strike into the top corner from 20 yards.

Andrew Fisk’s deft pass found Guentchev inside the penalty area and when Hicks appeared to foul the former Hendon man the referee pointed to the spot despite appeals for handball in the lead up. Francis stepped up to firmly side foot the ball home to North’s right and the Suffolk side’s turnaround was complete.

Stones struggled to create more chances from the midfield but right at the death Reynolds fumbled a powerful 25-yard free-kick by sub Scott Fitzgerald and Richard Jolly looked odds on to rescue a point. However, the Lowestoft stopper sprung back up to agonisingly block Jolly’s effort from inside the six-yard area.

Wealdstone: North, Hammond, Sterling, Cronin, McCubbin, C Smith (Jolly 70), Hicks (Pett 64), O’Leary (Fitzgerald 83), Chappell, Dean, Assombalonga. Subs not used: Brooks, Poniskaitis. 

Tom Pett (on the ball)

Highly rated midfielder Tom Pett has signed for Wealdstone from Ryman Division One North outfit Potters Bar Town.

The skillful 20 year old has been a standout performer for The Scholars over the past two seasons and was club captain. This campaign Pett has already found the net 12 times from his 28 appearances.

Last year the Potters Bar born player had two spells of trials with Brighton & Hove Albion and is now looking to further his career with the Stones.

Pett will be available to be included in the Wealdstone squad travelling to Ryman Premier championship chasers Lowestoft Town this Saturday.

(image from whtimes.co.uk)

Wealdstone drew their third league game in a row on Tuesday night as they were held 1-1  with near neighbours Hendon in a battling but ultimately frustrating display.

Although this result extends their run to just one defeat in 25 outings, they have drawn four out of their last seven games and Stones need to turn these draws into wins if they are to close the gap on the top five.

With the pitch at Vale Farm having survived the day’s earlier downpour, it was Stones who started the match the brighter of the two sides and they could have opened the scoring within the first three minutes.

Kurtney Brooks won a crunching tackle in midfield with the loose ball falling to Richard Jolly who carried the ball towards goal. As Jolly got to the edge of the box Ryan Wharton desperately tried to get back to make a challenge but he could only clumsily haul down the striker right on the edge of the box. It looked like Wharton had been the last man; however the referee opted to show the Dons defender just a yellow rather than the red that the huge contingent Wealdstone fans following were baying for.

Stones continued to enjoy greater possession early on at the home side stood off, and James Archer put in a great block on Jolly as the Stones top scorer hit a shot on the turn from just inside the box, before Brooks drove the ball narrowly wide from 20 yards.

After the decent start from Stones, Hendon began to get a foothold on proceedings as they were allowed to claw back possession in the middle of the park.

Elliot Godfrey had the home side’s first real chance of the evening on 28 minutes, hitting a volley first time from the edge of the box after a cross from Scott Cousins, however his effort sailed wide.

Former Stones striker Greg Ngoyi was looking lively for Hendon,  wanting to make an impression against his former employers, but he should have done better with a chance seven minutes before the break, snatching at a shot after a good ball from Elliot Charles.

Ngoyi did fare better on the stroke of half time though when he gave his side the lead. Former Ipswich and Brighton midfielder Darren Currie showed all his experience to thread a superb through ball to Ngoyi who was able to prod the ball past North from close range with an outstretched foot.

Wealdstone began the second half in a lot livelier fashion than they had ended the first, and they were able to bring the game level six minutes after the restart.

David Hicks seized on a loose ball in midfield and carried the ball forward before unleashing a low drive from 20 yards which snuck past Hendon ‘keeper Berkley Laurencin and nestled in the bottom corner.

The goal seemed to inject much needed life into Wealdstone, and it was only some superb goalkeeping from Laurencin which then kept the scores level. Brooks cut inside from the left hand side before letting fly with a dipping shot from 20 yards which was destined for the top corner. Laurencin was able to dive at full stretch though and claw the ball away brilliantly for a corner.

The game had become increasingly stretched as both teams looked to take the lead, and Ngoyi saw his header deflected just wide at one end before Britt Assombalonga volleyed straight at Laurencin at the other.

It was in the last few minutes that Hendon had their best chances to take all three points.

First , Jonathan North had to be quick off his line to block a close range shot from Godfrey before the former Watford ‘keeper pulled off an outstanding save in injury time. Substitute Karl McCloskey was able to turn on the edge of the box before unleashing an effort which was heading for the bottom corner, with North showing great reflexes to dive full stretch to his left to palm the ball away to ensure his side took home a point.

There were Injury worries on a bruising night for Stones as both O’Leary and Hicks went off injured

Wealdstone: North, Hammond, Chappell, Sterling, Cronin, Brooks, Smith, Hicks (Fitzgerald 77), O’Leary (Dean 68), Jolly, Assombalonga . Subs not used Poniskaitis, Goodman.