Stones Manager Neil Gibson was candid in his post-match assessment of our hugely disappointing defeat to Gateshead on Saturday, acknowledging the team’s lack of confidence but urging his players to rally and fight for improvement.
The Stones started brightly, pressing Gateshead aggressively in the opening 30 minutes and creating a few half-chances from turnovers. However, the home side struck first from the penalty spot and Gibson admitted that the setback seemed to drain his team’s belief.
“We were brave in how we pressed and for the first 20 minutes we had some opportunities,” Gibson reflected. “But once they got in behind us for the penalty, you could sense the dejection. We rallied briefly, but then conceding a second penalty right before halftime was a real blow.”
Stones emerged from the break still in contention, but Gateshead’s third goal - a cruel deflection off the post and back into the net - put the game beyond reach. Despite the frustrating nature of the goals conceded, Gibson stressed the need for his players to take responsibility and embrace the challenge ahead.
“You can feel sorry for yourself, or you can stand up and be counted,” he said. “We’ve got to work as hard as possible to change our fortunes. The effort is there in spells, but we need to overcome adversity when things don’t go our way.”
With 17 games remaining, Wealdstone remain in a battle to steer clear of relegation trouble. Next up is a crucial clash against Yeovil Town and for the first time since Gibson’s arrival, the squad has a full week on the training ground.
“This is a big week,” Gibson stated. “You only improve if you have a mentality of wanting to learn. The players need to step up and show progress. We owe it to the fans who spend their hard earned money to support us three times a week - we have to give them more.”
Despite the disappointment against Gateshead, Gibson remains confident in the squad’s ability to turn things around.
“There are good players and good characters in this group,” he added. “Some home truths were spoken after the game and I expect us to be like a coiled spring ready to go on Saturday.”
With the team determined to bounce back, the focus now shifts to delivering a performance at Yeovil Town that reflects the fight and resilience needed in the weeks ahead. The players and staff need your support more than ever. The Supporters Club are running a coach to Yeovil on Saturday and a few seats remain which can be booked HERE.