Congratulations once again to Gordon and the team!

An entertaining and even contest is anticipated, with the two clubs having secured one victory each in their two Southern League Division One Central matches, with Northwood also coming out on top when the sides met in the Southern League Cup.

Both the Woods and the Ash Trees have enjoyed strong ends to the League season, with Northwood narrowly missing a play-off place, while Ashford ended the season with a run of just two defeats in 14 matches.

This season, for the first time, funds raised by the Charity Cup will be donated to Help for Heroes, with around £1,500 already collected. Service personnel will be present at the match and we hope that the football family in Middlesex will turn out in support of this fantastic cause.

Admission is £10 for adults, £5 for concessions with programmes available priced at £2.00 each.

Courtesy of MCFA

Nine man Wealdstone suffered crushing heartbreak on Wednesday night as a penalty deep into injury time eliminated them from the Ryman League playoffs.

Despite the agony of defeat, it has been a remarkable season for Stones in which they finished fourth in the league, their highest ever placing as well as reaching the semi final of the FA Trophy. Everyone involved with the club will be extremely proud of the way the side have performed, and Manager Gordon Bartlett will be determined to get over the finishing line successfully next season with the excellent squad he has.

Played in front of a crowd of just under 1200, including 250 away fans, Stones fell behind midway through the first half but a much improved second half performance saw them pull level before the tie was turned on its head with successive dismissals of Chris O’Leary and Sean Cronin. Despite being down to 9 men Stones created a couple of half chances to snatch the win before they were undone by a late penalty in the sixth minute of injury time.

With so much at stake, it was a predictably nervy start from both sides with Lowestoft shading it in terms of possession and forcing a couple of early corners. There was a penalty shout for the home side with 9 minutes on the clock when Joe Francis went to ground in the box with Wes Parker in close attention; however the referee waved play on.

Town took the lead on 21 minutes with what was the first real attack of the game. A neat passing move resulted in Scott Mitchell pulling the ball back across goal from the right hand side to the unmarked Chris Henderson who slammed the ball home from 6 yards.

Wealdstone began to enjoy more of the ball towards the end of the half, and a swift attack ended with Lee Chappell seeing his effort from the edge of the box blocked after a tidy interchange between Scott Fitzgerald and Richard Jolly.

The half ended with Wealdstone forcing a couple of corners; however they were unable to capitalise despite Lowestoft ‘keeper Jake Jessup looking very vulnerable to ariel balls into the box.

Stones came out of the second half the quicker of the two sides, and four minutes after the restart Lee Chappell swung over a cross from the left which just evaded the onrushing Jolly. Town tried their luck with a couple of efforts from distance soon after, with Henderson sending a shot straight into the arms of Ashlee Jones before Greg Crane dragged one just wide from 20 yards.

Stones made their first change of the night on 62 minutes with Tom Pett replacing Alan Massey in a bid to give the side a more attacking edge. Pett had  been on the pitch just a minute when Stones levelled the match. Chappell send over a cross from the left, with Jessup flapping at the ball as it found its way to Scott Fitzgerald at the back post. The experienced striker met it with a towering header which just found its way over the line, much to the delight of the hugely vocal away support.

Wealdstone were now in the ascendancy and Chappell put another delivery into the box, this time from a free kick 30 yards from goal which Jessup again missed but luckily for him the ball dipped just over the bar.

The visitors were rocked when they were suddenly confronted with being down to ten men on 78 minutes. Chris O’Leary took exception to a challenge by Mitchell and pushed the Lowestoft man in retaliation. Having been booked for a challenge earlier in the half, the combative midfielder was shown a second yellow.

Two minutes later and Stones were down to nine. Sean Cronin went in with a strong challenge on the halfway line and the referee deemed it to be a two footed resulting in a straight red, with the Wealdstone man protesting that it was a 50/50 challenge with the opposing player going in equally hard.

Despite Lowestoft having a two man advantage Wealdstone summoned their renowned spirit and still created a couple of half chances late on with Alex Dyer firing just over from 20 yards before miscommunication between Jessup and Sam Gaughran saw the latter almost put the ball into his own net.

Despite the strong finish from Stones they were dealt a gut wrenching blow deep into injury time. The pacey Lubomir Guentchev burst into the box only to be chopped down by Scott McCubbin, giving the referee no option but to point to the spot. Dean Sinclair stepped up to cooly slot home the resultant kick to send his side into the final, ending Wealdstone’s promotion dream.

At the final whistle Wealdstone were given a great reception from their fans who had once again been superb all night as they outsung the home contingent, with a large number of them staying long after the final whistle to ensure the players and management were given the ovation they deserved for what has been an incredible season.

Wealdstone: Jones, McCubbin, Massey (Pett 62), Parker (c), Cronin, Dyer, Brooks, O’Leary, Fitzgerald (Smith 82), Jolly, Chappell. Subs not used: Dean, Mulley, Hammond

 Cost will be £15 for Adults and £10 for Under 16′s, students and OAP’s.

To book, pls contact Jez Albert on 07903 805861 or email – jeremy.albert@jetsetflights.co.uk. When booking pls let me know all the names you are booking for and also which coach you would like to go on i.e either 2.30 or 3.30

It was mission accomplished as Wealdstone secured their place in the playoffs on Saturday as they triumphed with a 3-1 win over Concord Rangers at a soaking wet Grosvenor Vale.

The result was what Stones needed to finish 4^th, and they now face a very tough semi – final trip to Lowestoft Town on Wednesday night.

It has been a remarkable season for Stones; their league form in the last couple of months has been nothing short of spectacular with Gordon Bartlett’s men having won their last five matches. This feat is made all the more impressive with the huge number of games they had to play during April.

With the wind and rain lashing down, the home side got off to the perfect start with just 21 seconds on the clock. Tom Pett fed Scott Fitzgerald down the left who fired over a cross which rebounded off the inside of the post before falling to Alex Dyer on the edge of the box with the midfielder making no mistake as he slotted the ball into the corner to the delight of the vast majority of the 770 crowd.

Stones were then rocked back as a powerful looking Concord side levelled with their first attack of the afternoon on 12 minutes. Karl Beckford swung a free kick into the box from which Steve King was able to rise highest and loop a header over Ashlee Jones.

The visitors nearly took the lead three minutes later when Tony Stokes robbed Wes Parker of possession before squaring the ball to Harry Elmes who lashed the ball over the bar from close range when he should have scored. Stones were struggling to break out of their own half and were being pressed by the stubborn Beach Boys at every opportunity.

Another set piece caused Stones more problems ten minutes before the break, with Reece Harris hitting a vicious effort from a free kick which Jones did well to hang onto.

At the other end Kurtney Brooks fired straight at Eyre from the edge of the box after doing well to create space for himself.

With the wind now at their backs and playing down the slope Stones began the second half with a penalty shout for Stones when Lee White appeared to clip Tom Pett as he ran in on goal; however the referee waved play on. Stones were now in the ascendancy and looking far more threatening.

Wealdstone regained that vital lead after only six minutes of the turnaround. Man of the match Alex Dyer skilfully picked out Richard Jolly on the edge of the box, with the striker cutting inside and firing a shot which beat Eyre at his near post.

Jolly came close again just after the hour mark as, hitting a snapshot which skidded off the surface before being collected by Eyre.

Stones were now pushing forward relentlessly as they worked to make the win safe, and Eyre did well again as he saved a Richard Jolly effort with an outstretched foot after he had been put through by substitute Lee Chappell.

Concord were still threatening at the other end though, and Jones did well to beat away a shot from Stokes on 70 minutes, before the on loan ‘keeper excelled again sixty seconds later as he blocked an effort from Sherwin Stanley as the substitute ran clear.

Nerves were then settled in the 77^th minute as Stones added a third. Richard Jolly hit an effort which skidded across the box to an unmarked Scott Fitzgerald who smashed home from close range.

There was a scare late on for the home side as Stokes had a chance to set up a grandstand finish but he was once again denied by the on form Jones.

Details of coach travel for the play off semi final to Lowestoft will be announced on Sunday

Wealdstone: Jones, McCubbin, Massey, Parker (c), Cronin, Dyer, Brooks, O’Leary (Smith 81), Fitzgerald, Jolly (Mulley 83), Pett (Chappell 64). Subs not used: Dean, Mulley, Hoban.

Mom: Alex Dyer

All supporters and everyone connected with the Stones is very welcome to attend and with so much to celebrate this season the club is hoping for a large turnout for this informal event.

A free buffet will be available during the evening.

All Press colleagues are welcome to attend.

Top of the form table Wealdstone are now a single point away from entering the playoffs after another heroic performance saw them defeat Margate on Tuesday night with superb first half strikes from skipper Wes Parker and Scott Fitzgerald.

Incredibly, Stones ace marksman Richard Jolly was declared fit to play following his successful marathon feat only 48 hours before and remained on the pitch until substituted on 60 minutes to a great ovation from the travelling fans.

This hugely significant victory takes Wealdstone up to the lofty heights of 4th in the Ryman Premier table and a point against Concord Rangers at The Vale on Saturday would see them safely in the play-offs – although Stones will be looking for the highest possible placing; their unassailable goal difference advantage over rivals Bury could also prove vital if points are level. There will be absolutely no room for any slip ups though and Saturday’s clash will be another massive game in an already remarkable season for Gordon Bartlett’s men.

Scott Fitzgerald lead the line superbly for Stones all evening in the cloying conditions at Hartsdown Park and the former Watford striker capped his best performance of the campaign so far with a goal at just the right moment when he struck just before half-time to double the away side’s lead.

Stones had already stamped their authority on the game as early as the 12th minute when, from a corner, Fitzgerald headed on after good work from Kurtney Brooks and Wes Parker’s majestic overhead kick put them in front.

Wealdstone dominated throughout the first half and contained what threat came from the home side after the break as Gate rallied. Stones rear guard held firm and snuffed out whatever was thrown at them with Cronin, Massey and co in top form.

Alex Dyer had a good chance to make the game completely safe late on but he headed over.

All eyes are now on Saturday at The Vale as Stones play their final match of the regular season and will be hoping it doesn’t end there! A bumper crowd will be expected to turn up for this exciting encounter..

Wealdstone: 1 Jones 2 Hammond 3 Massey 4 Parker 5 Cronin 6 Dyer 7 Brooks 8 O’Leary 9 Fitzgerald 10 Jolly 11 Pett Subs used: Smith, Hoban,

The event ‘At Your Place – Wealdstone’ is set for a 7.30pm start on Thursday April 26 at the Ruislip Social Club and doors will open from 6pm. Bookings are free and first come first served and Watford will administrate applications for the evening.

To book follow these steps:

• Send an e-mail to: themediateam@watfordfc.com
• State “At Your Place Wealdstone” in the ‘subject line’ of your message
• Name all those wishing to attend (four max eg you + three others)
• Say if people are Wealdstone or Watford fans so we know the expected ratio

Expect a personal reply with confirmation before the event. 

Please bring the confirmation email to show upon entry (paper or on a mobile device)

Neil’s plane – a Cessna 172 – will depart from Elstree airport (with a local pub acting as departure lounge) on Tuesday afternoon (24 April) and the journey should take just over an hour with three other fans taking the flight to Kent’s Manston Airport (Kent International), a few miles from Margate’s ground.

Only the weather can now stop this novel away travel transport solution and shuttle runs are a possibility!

To book: please contact Jez Albert on 07903 805861 ASAP, please use mobile number as Jez has no access to email currently. We will have a cut off of 3pm tomorrow( Monday) if we don’t have sufficient numbers the coach will NOT run.

A minute into the second half , Claire Holden went through and scored a super goal. The Whiteknights keeper did well to keep the barage of goal attempts out of her net. Stevie Wickes took a free kick from outside the box and it shook the cross bar. Rosie Watts kept a cool head, and scored. Nicola Dixon beat the off-side trap and scored her second goal. The Stones confidence was growing and Emily Bermingham, from the halfway line,  saw the keeper was off her line and took advantage and scored. Catherine Fahy then came on again the opposition keeper came off her line and Catherine scored, and a minute later, scored again.
Just on the full time whistle, Whiteknights penetrated our defence and scored. Final Score Wealdstone 9 Whiteknights 1
Wealdstone Ladies: Kerry Guthrie Rebecca Mills Sophie Mooney Lauren Simmons Holly Robinson Emily Bermingham Stevie Wickes Fiona Williamson Katie Harling Nadia ElKandal Rosie Watts Claire Holden Leah Gibson Nicola Dixon Catherine Fahy Nicola Frasier

Next Game – California CC – away – 29th April 2012

Wealdstone dug deep on Saturday against a very competent Met Police side to come from behind and secure another vital three points in the relentless battle for a playoff spot.

 Having fallen behind to a wonder strike from Police’s Sam Hurrell, goals from Alex Dyer and, inevitably, Richard Jolly saw Stones snatch the win which means they remain one point behind fifth placed Lewes who also won but with a game in hand and a far superior goal difference. They now make the long trip to Margate on Tuesday knowing that a victory will lift them to fourth place in the table going into the last game of the season against Concord Rangers next Saturday.

Stones were once again backed by a superb away following, many of whom who had taken advantage of the free coach travel laid on by the club, and they had the better of the early chances. Richard Jolly fired over when well placed following a good through ball by Kurtney Brooks before The Blues ‘keeper Jamie Butler just beat Peter Dean to the ball following a low cross from Jolly.

Tempers flared on the twenty minute mark when Tyron Smith put in a nasty looking lunge on Tom Pett with both sets of players racing in to confront each other. Once the melee had quietened down Smith somehow escaped punishment for the challenge.

The home side were then ahead just before the half hour mark. Smith swung over a free kick from the left hand side which was only cleared as far as Sam Hurrell 25 yards from goal. The Wealdstone defence failed to close him down and he was able to take a touch before drilling an unstoppable shot into the corner which gave Stones ‘keeper Ashlee Jones no chance.

Hurrell tried his luck from distance again five minutes later, this time hitting a powerful effort from 20 yards which Jones did well to hold onto.

Stones dug in and levelled the match on 35 minutes. Pett played a neat one two with Alex Dyer and the former Northampton midfielder beat two men all ends up before hitting an effort from the edge of the box which took a deflection off a Police defender; with Butler wrong footed the ball ran into the bottom corner much to the delight of the 250 strong Stones contingent.

Both sides had chances to take the lead in the closing stages of the half, with Jones doing well to block an effort from Stafforde Palmer before Butler did well to palm away an effort from Pett.

Ten minutes after the restart a piece of route one football saw Stones take the lead. Jones punted the ball up field with James Tyrell swinging a boot at the ball and missing it which allowed the tracking Jolly to run through on goal. When one on one with the ‘keeper Jolly usually comes out on top, and he made no mistake this time as he coolly slotted past Butler for his 47^th goal of the season.

Police pressed hard for an equaliser and Jones twice had to be alert to keep out long range efforts from Smith.

On 62 minutes Craig Brown had a good chance to level the match when a deep cross from the left hand side found him just inside the box. He had time to take a touch before firing just the wrong side of the post.

Substitute Chris Bourne tried an ambitious effort from distance on 64 minutes with his wicked dipping effort flying just over the bar.

The final twenty minutes saw the home side enjoy plenty of possession in a tense finish for Wealdstone. Despite the superior ball retention of The Blues, the visitors were defending superbly well, with ‘keeper Jones showing great command of his area and the central defensive partnership of Wes Parker and Sean Cronin keeping chances to a minimum.

The final whistle was greeted by a huge roar from the Wealdstone fans as they celebrated their side’s third win on the bounce, knowing full well that the playoff dream is still very much in their team’s hands.

Wealdstone: Jones, McCubbin, Chappell, Parker, Cronin, Dyer, Brooks, O’Leary, Dean (Fitzgerald 63), Jolly (Mulley 90), Pett (Smith 86). Subs not used: Hoban, Massey.

Howard Krais, Wealdstone FC Chairman said: “The support from our fans has been fantastic throughout the season, both at home and away, so it is only right that we do something to say thank you. We saw in the FA Trophy run how the players responded to a large and vocal support so I hope plenty of people take up this offer and get behind the boys on Saturday for this crucial match.”

Coaches depart The Vale, Ruislip at 12.00 noon , leaving Met Police straight after the match

To Book – Contact Jez Albert on 07903 805861 or email – jeremy.albert@jetsetflights.co.uk

Wealdstone cruised to victory against a makeshift Tooting & Mitcham side on Tuesday night with this emphatic result seeing them move up to 6^th place in the table.

Stones Manager Gordon Bartlett couldn’t have wished for a better evening as his side improved their goal difference without ever really being tested against a young Tooting side who even had to play a striker in goal due to a player shortage. Stones now sit just one point behind 5^th placed Lewes with a game in hand.

Wealdstone took control of this match from the first minute when Richard Jolly netted the first of the evening. Lee Chappell launched a long throw into the box which was flicked on by Wes Parker to Jolly who made no mistake; turning the ball home from close range.

A second was then added a second on 13 minutes. Alan Massey won the ball in his own half before threading a delightful through ball to Jolly who beat the offside trap before slotting past stand in‘keeper Charlie Stimson.

Stones continued to look threatening, and Wes Parker volleyed straight at Stimson before former Wealdstone defender Dominic Sterling did well to block an effort from Jolly as he looked for a hatrick.

Jolly did get his hatrick ten minutes before the break. Chappell played a short corner to Kurtney Brooks who returned the ball to the winger. Chappell then sent a cross into the box which was flicked on by Chris O’Leary to the far post where Jolly was able to scramble the ball home from close range for his third of the night and 46^th of the season.

The one way traffic continued after the break and Stones found themselves four nil up on 50 minutes. Chappell cut inside before unleashing an effort from the edge of the box which deflected off a defender and into the back of net.

The fifth came three minutes later, with captain Wes Parker getting in on the scoring act. Chappell sent a corner deep into the box with Parker rising unmarked to head the ball into the far corner.

The scoring was then complete on 55 minutes when a sixth was added. Connor Smith did well to turn on the edge of the box before shooting left footed, with the ball squirming underneath the hapless Stimson and finding its way into the bottom corner.

With Stones now six goals to the good they were able to relax a bit for the remaining half an hour, with no more being added to the scoreline as they sat back.

Tooting did have a couple of chances late on for a consolation goal, with substitute Ryan James firing straight at Ashlee Jones before the same player headed just wide from a corner.

Wealdstone now turn their attention to Saturday’s tough looking trip to Metropolitan Police, where they will be looking to keep this tremendous run of form going.

Wealdstone: Jones, McCubbin, Massey (Mulley 57), Parker (Hoban 60), Cronin, Brooks, Smith, O’Leary, Fitzgerald, Jolly (Dean 53), Chappell. Subs not used: Dyer, Pett.

Saturday’s win or bust clash at The Vale produced a wonder goal from Tom Pett ensuring Wealdstone are back in control of their own play-off destiny. As a result they move to within four points of the top five with two games in hand.

It was a superb all round performance from Gordon Bartlett’s men as they toppled second placed AFC Hornchurch, all but ending the Essex side’s title hopes in the process. Stones now face a tense trip to already relegated Tooting & Mitcham United on Tuesday evening where a victory will see them move into 6^th place.

Experienced striker Scott Fitzgerald had been restored to the starting line up for this daunting encounter, and he looked eager to impress, chasing down Hornchurch ‘keeper Joe Wooley inside the first three minutes and getting an outstretched leg to his clearance only for the ball to dip over the bar much to the relief of the visitors.

A great double save from Wooley then denied Richard Jolly with eight minutes on the clock as he did well to block the striker’s effort with an outstretched foot as he bore down on goal following a neat through ball from Lee Chappell. Stones top scorer was then first to the loose ball but Woolley did well to get back to his feet and block the second effort.

Tom Pett showed great skill on 27 minutes to cut inside his marker on the edge of the box before lofting in a cross to Fitzgerald whose glancing header flew wide.

Fitzgerald and Pett were in the thick of the action again a minute later as the young midfielder released Fitzgerald who was denied by a great last ditch challenge from Reiss Noel who slid in and hooked the ball behind as he looked set to pull the trigger.

It proved to be just a temporary respite for The Urchins though as Wealdstone took the lead from the resultant corner. Pett lofted the ball in with Fitzgerald’s flicked header from close range finding the back of the net.

The visitors hit back instantly and Tambeson Eyong was chopped down 20 yards from goal by Parker after a strong run, with Jonathan Hunt sending the resulting free kick just wide.

The lead was soon doubled though with a moment of pure brilliance from Pett on 42 minutes. Woolley made a hash of a clearance with the loose ball falling to the former Potters Bar man in the centre circle and with time and space available he embarked on a mazy run. Beating three players, who could only watch in admiration, Pett calmly stroked the ball home for his first goal in a Wealdstone shirt.

Hornchurch nearly pulled a goal back on half time when Lewis Smith got down the left before finding Eyong whose volleyed effort flew just wide of the far post.

Stones started the second half on the front foot when the surprisingly fit Alex Dyer miskicked when in a good position following a neat layoff from the ever lively Pett.

Only a great block from Woolley then denied Wealdstone a third ten minutes after the restart. Jolly headed back across goal from Scott McCubbin’s cross, with the ball dropping to Pett whose powerful volley was well blocked at the near post by the Urchins stopper.

Hornchurch then found a route back into the match on 59 minutes with their first real attack of the half. Eyong hit a vicious effort from 20 yards which was half blocked by Alan Massey with the loose ball falling to Lewis Smith in the box who made no mistake from close range.

Stones came close to re-establishing the two goal margin on 67 minutes with Woolley again finding himself in the right place at the right time to block a close range effort from Chris O’Leary.

The visitors then began to enjoy more possession, and substitute Leon McKenzie headed over from close range from Lewis Smith’s right wing cross.

Despite all their strong ball retention Hornchurch were still struggling to create clear cut chances and were becoming increasingly frustrated as they failed to find a way past a well organised Stones defence with the centre back pairing of Wes Parker and Sean Cronin leading by example.

There was a heart stopping moment in the final minute when a corner was played to Jonathan Hunt whose powerful effort hit underside of the bar from the edge of the box.

The Urchins did manage to force a number of late corners as the referee opted to play six minutes of added time, but Stones stood firm to claim a huge three points.

Wealdstone: Jones, McCubbin, Massey, Parker (c), Cronin, Dyer, Pett, O’Leary, Fitzgerald, Jolly, Chappell. Subs not used: Dean, Mulley, Brooks, Hoban, Smith

Man of the match: Sean Cronin

Stones’ Manager Gordon Bartlett said: ‘Tom has enjoyed his first couple of months at the club and we have been impressed with him and he has adapted well to the higher level of football. The contract will be beneficial to Tom and the club and will help him flourish into a very good player; we are very hopeful that he will follow in the footsteps of the many other young players that have progressed on from Wealdstone in recent years’.

Wealdstone endured a frustrating night against neighbours Harrow Borough on Wednesday as they had to settle for a share of the points against the Ryman League strugglers.

Despite showing great work rate and commitment, they were unable to find a way past a resilient Harrow backline who are desperate for points themselves as they look to avoid relegation. The result now leaves Stones four points off the playoffs with a game in hand, meaning they cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to gain a much coveted top five spot.

With the Wealdstone fans once again totally outnumbering and outsinging the home contingent at Earlsmead, they nearly saw their side fall behind with 12 minutes on the clock. Goalkeeper Ashlee Jones only half cleared a corner from Steve Ferguson with the loose ball falling to Wayne Walters who hit a fierce effort. His effort looked to be heading in only for Kurtney Brooks to find himself in the right place at the right time to block the ball on the line.

Another slip from Jones almost gifted Harrow a goal five minutes later as the loanee ‘keeper dropped a corner resulting in a goalmouth scramble which was eventually cleared by the covering Chris O’Leary.

After the shaky start the visitors then began to take control of proceedings. James Mulley showed great skill on 21 minutes to bring down the ball before releasing Richard Jolly who carried the ball into the box before cutting back onto his left foot and letting fly with an effort which Jamie Jackson did well to beat away for a corner.

Tommie Hoban then headed just wide from Kurtney Brooks’ free kick a few minutes later, before Jolly shot just the wrong side of the post after showing quick feet on the edge of the box to make room for himself.

A superb flowing move then almost created a goal seven minutes before the break. Jones picked out Pett with a ball from the back with the young midfielder bringing it down superbly before finding Richard Jolly. Jolly then threaded a great ball through to Mulley who fired just over from an acute angle off of his weaker left foot.

Much like the first half Wealdstone were slow starting the second and it took a good save from Jones to keep the scores level five minutes after the restart. Garry Jones let fly with a vicious 25 yard effort which was palmed round the post by the Stones stopper.

At the other end Jolly send a looping header goalwards following a corner which was fumbled onto the cross bar by Jackson who managed to gather at the second attempt.

James Mulley then looked like he was going to run clear on 65 minutes; however he was hauled down by Danny Leech with the Borough defender escaping with just a yellow card.

Tom Pett then spurned a good chance three minutes later as he blazed a shot wide when unmarked from a Lee Chappell corner.

Stones then opted to make three changes for the last ten minutes in a bid to grab that elusive goal with Scott Fitzgerald, Connor Smith and Peter Dean all entering the fray.

The closing stages were a tense affair as both sides looked to snatch all three points; however it was the home side that had the best chance late on with Tommie Hoban producing a great last ditch tackle to deny JonJo Bates as the substitute found himself through on goal.

All in all it was a very frustrating night for Stones who once again looked out of sorts, no doubt due in no small part to the recent fixture pile up. They must however pick themselves up yet again for Saturday’s vital encounter with 2^nd placed and title challengers AFC Hornchurch, with 3 points being absolutely vital if they’re to keep their season alive.

Wealdstone: Jones, Hammond (Fitzgerald 74), Chappell (c), Hoban, Massey, Brooks, McCubbin, O’Leary (Smith 76), Mulley (Dean 80), Jolly, Pett. Subs not used: Cronin, Ahamed

Wealdstone fell to a disappointing defeat in the 119^th Middlesex Senior Cup final on Monday night as a lacklustre and leggy second half performance saw them go down 2-0 to Blue Square South side Hampton & Richmond Borough.

After a very solid first half in which Stones enjoyed far more possession than their opponents, the second half saw them look jaded and lacking energy as the fixture pile up at this critical late stage of the season is possibly starting to take its toll. The side now have to lift themselves hugely for the vital upcoming double header of league games against Harrow Borough on Wednesday followed by a home encounter with AFC Hornchurch on Saturday.

With the wind and driving rain making conditions difficult at Uxbridge FC’s Honeycroft stadium, both sides got off to a sluggish start as they failed to get to grips with the greasy playing surface.

The first chance of the evening came on 10 minutes when Scott McCubbin made a surging run down the middle before releasing Tom Pett. The youngster managed to get a decent shot away despite the close presence of a defender; Hampton ‘keeper Craig Ross produced an outstretched hand to turn the effort round the post.

McCubbin then had an effort of his own on 25 minutes as he hit a fierce volley over the bar following a pin point cross field pass from Connor Smith.

Borough defender Dean Inman had to be alert just after the half hour mark to turn a powerful Richard Jolly effort behind. From the resultant corner there was a scramble as Stones players tried to turn the ball goalwards, however Paul Johnson was eventually able to clear.

The Beavers had failed to threaten the Wealdstone goal in the opening stages, however Stones were thankful that James Simmons fluffed his lines on 34 minutes as the striker missed his kick when well placed after he had been picked out by Lewis Farrell.

Despite Wealdstone having enjoyed the better of the half, it was Hampton who finished on top as Stones ‘keeper Ashlee Jones did well to beat away a powerful effort from a tight angle by Dave Tarpey before the Braintree Town loanee excelled again to tip over a 25 yard effort from Carle Andrews in first half stoppage time.

10 minutes after the restart Wealdstone had their best chance of the contest so far when Tom Pett got down the left hand side before drilling the ball across the face of goal. From Pett’s ball Peter Dean managed to get a shot away which was well saved by Ross before Jolly’s powerful follow up effort was blocked by a covering defender.

Stones began to look increasingly leggy and Hampton began to dominate proceedings. Josh Higgins hit an effort straight at Jones before the Wealdstone ‘keeper was called into action again to keep out a 20 yard effort from Joe Bennett which skimmed awkwardly off the wet turf.

Striker James Tarpey was certainly looking lively for Hampton and Tommie Hoban had to be alert to block an effort from him as he turned smartly in the box before letting fly with a powerful effort.

Andrews then tried his luck from distance on 70 minutes; hitting a 20 yard effort which zipped just wide of the post.

The goal that the Beavers had been threatening eventually arrived on 74 minutes. A ball over from the right hand side found James Simmons who saw his first shot blocked before making no mistake as the ball came back to him, sending an effort past the despairing dive of Jones and into the corner.

The lively Dave Tarpey then finished off Wealdstone in the 83^rd minute as he added a second; bringing down a long ball forward into the box with the Stones defence caught out, before sending a volley into the bottom corner.

Stones did have a chance late on to set up a grandstand finish, but Wes Parker headed over from 6 yards following a Kurtney Brooks free kick.

This was a disappointing night for Wealdstone, who were once again backed by a superb vociferous following who cheered on their team on throughout the game. Stones must now pick themselves up for Wednesday night’s local derby with Harrow Borough before they welcome AFC Hornchurch to The Vale on Saturday.

Wealdstone: Jones, Hammond (Ahamed 67), Massey, Parker(c), Hoban, Brooks, McCubbin, Smith, Dean (Fitzgerald 67), Jolly, Pett. Subs not used: Cronin, O’Leary, Poniskaitis.

Wealdstone’s quest for a playoff place is very much in their own hands again after they ultimately cruised to victory over 10 men Kingstonian on Saturday. With other results also going their way, they are now just two points off 5^th place with a game in hand ensuring that the season should run to a nail biting climax.

But Stones did not have it all their own way by any means in this entertaining clash and there was a scare for Stones early on when a ball from the back released Alan Tait; ‘keeper Ashlee Jones rushed from his goal to clear but in turn hacked down the K’s midfielder. The Braintree loanee was handed a yellow card for the challenge, and from the resultant free kick Bobby Traynor fired over.

Both sides were struggling to create chances in the opening half hour, although Stones did have a decent chance on 23 minutes when Richard Jolly found Tom Pett with an intelligent ball to the near post, but the tricky midfielder saw his shot turned behind for a corner.

In a dramatic turn of events, the visitors found themselves down to ten men on 25 minutes when Ian Gayle clumsily bundled over James Mulley on the edge of the box; the referee ruled that the central defender was the last man and immediately brandished a straight red.

Tempers then boiled over just past the half hour mark. Saheed Sankoh threw Scott McCubbin to the ground; remarkably the Kingstonian player got off with just a warning whilst McCubbin was booked.

 Wealdstone took the lead with seven minutes left to play in the half. A swift counter attack saw Lee Chappell surge down the middle of the park before looking to release Jolly. A Kingstonian defender only managed to half clear Chappell’s through ball though and it came back to the feet of the midfielder who took a touch before firing a great 20 yard effort across the face of goal and underneath K’s ‘keeper Rob Tolfrey for his third goal of the season.

Tom Pett was enjoying another effective game for Wealdstone and the youngster’s trickery created an opening five minutes after the restart when he jinked his way into the box before laying the ball off to Mulley who drilled just over the bar.

Kingstonian rocked Stones with an equaliser on 53 minutes. Wes Parker was adjudged to have tripped Sankoh in the box and Bobby Traynor stepped up to easily slot the resultant spot kick past Jones.

The game was level for just three minutes though as Stones took the lead again with a great flowing move. Pett and Mulley played a neat one two with the former threading the ball over the top to Richard Jolly who made no mistake with a vicious left foot finish into the top corner which gave Tolfrey no chance.

The lead was nearly doubled soon after when the excellent Pett showed great skill to bring the ball down in the box before firing onto the inside of the post. The loose ball fell kindly to substitute Peter Dean whose low effort flew just wide of the post.

Wealdstone grabbed a third on 76 minutes and again Pett was heavily involved. Chappell played a cross field pass to the former Potters Bar man who brought the ball down before laying off to Peter Dean on the edge of the box who swept the ball into the bottom corner whose joy at finally netting was plain to see.

Only some great goalkeeping from Tolfrey denied Stones a fourth with eight minutes left to play as he dived full stretch to his left to claw away a powerful effort from sub Connor Smith.

There was then a contender for miss of the season from Dean as the striker somehow managed to find the underside of the crossbar from two yards out after he had been picked out by Smith.

As Ks lost their shape completely, a fourth finally arrived with three minutes left to play; McCubbin released Smith who beat the offside trap before neatly lifting the ball over Tolfrey and into a gaping net.

Next up for Wealdstone is the Middlesex County Senior Cup final on Monday night against Hampton and Richmond Borough at Uxbridge FC’s ground, 7:30 kick off. Following that match they face neighbours Harrow Borough in a vital league clash at Earlsmead two days later (Wednesday), 7:45 kick off.

Wealdstone:  Jones, McCubbin, Massey, Parker (c), Cronin, Brooks, Pett (Smith 77), O’Leary, Mulley (Dean 62), Jolly (Fitzgerald 82), Chappell. Subs not used: Hoban, Poniskaitis

All juniors will also receive a free Easter Egg on entry!