Preview - Braintree Town (A) - 10th August
Wealdstone return to National League South action with another away fixture on Saturday afternoon when the Stones travel to Cressing Road and face Braintree Town.
Dean Brennan’s side will look to bounce back with a positive result after Tuesday’s defeat at Dulwich Hamlet.
Although a narrow defeat on Tuesday, the two games that the new Stones squad have participated in so far have identified positive performances, with momentum to go into Saturday’s game.
The same can be said for Braintree Town. The Iron have had a tough start back in the National League South but produced a more deserving performance against Billericay Town on Tuesday evening, despite losing 3-2.
Brennan on Braintree’s narrow defeat: “They didn’t deserve to lose the game [against Billericay], they should have won the game.”
There were positives to take from Tuesday into Saturday’s game for Glen Driver and Braintree Town, including striker Tom Richardson’s brace which opened Braintree’s account this season.
Brennan on Braintree’s recruitment this summer: “They’ve given a lot of players an opportunity from the division below which is refreshing to see”.
Glen Driver’s appointment this summer sees the Iron start the season with a fresh team; over 10 signings have been secured at Cressing Road during the off-season.
Brennan mentioned this week that it’s not about how the opposition play; if the Stones play how the manager wants them to play then results will follow.
Brennan on playing a certain style: “We are wary of their [Braintree’s] strengths but the way I look at it, it’s all about what we can affect which is how we want to attack, go forward and improve.”
The pressing style that Brennan has installed into his new Wealdstone side puts pressure on opponents, which was particularly evident against Dartford last Saturday.
With the defeat on Tuesday at Dulwich Hamlet after a good performance, it will show what sort of character the Stones have in the squad.
Brennan briefly mentioned about bouncing back: “That will be a test to the character and bravery of the team”.
Wealdstone will still be without left-back Ryan Sellers who has a knee problem, while Kavan Cotter has agreed to a 30-day loan move to Farnborough this week.
Stones striker Dejon Noel-Williams and goalkeeper Jonathan North were both involved in training on Thursday evening, although it’s doubtful that they will make an immediate return on Saturday.
Can the Stones keep the good performances going and bounce back on Saturday?
Preview by Dec O'Reilly
Full quotes from Dean Brennan HERE
Full match details HERE