REPORT | EASTLEIGH 1-1 WEALDSTONE
Wealdstone bounced back from a one goal deficit to secure a valuable point with Eastleigh on the road, extending their unbeaten run in the league to four matches.
A first-half goal from Noah Boutin for the Spitfires was cancelled out by Sam Ashford as the spoils were shared at the Silverlake Stadium.
Matt Taylor, fresh from being named Vanarama Manager of the Week, selected an unchanged starting line-up from last week’s side that comprehensibly defeated Rochdale at Grosvenor Vale. The Stones’ bench was also bolstered by the addition of new signing Toby Steward, a goalkeeper on loan from Portsmouth.
The Spitfires were quick out of the traps, taking the lead in just the 7th minute of play, when Boutin latched onto a through ball to coolly slot home past Jacob Adams.
Boosted by the early goal, the hosts nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later, with Paul McCallum striking a fierce volley from the edge of the area, which was vitally blocked by defensive stalwart Jack Cook.
The Stones’ first sight of goal came on the half hour mark as Jadyn Mundle-Smith’s cross was met by Alex Reid’s head, with the top goalscorer directing his effort narrowly wide of the far post.
Kelvin Davis’s men looked like they had extended their lead in the 34th minute when talisman McCallum rifled a shot on target, but Adams responded with a crucial save.
With seven minutes of the first-half remaining, the Stones crafted their best chance. Anthony Georgiou advanced down the left wing and provided a pinpoint cross for Max Kretzschmar, who struck and excellent first-time strike that was denied by a superb reflex save from Joe McDonnell.
Moments later, Wealdstone were close to levelling again as skipper Adrian Mariappa rose highest to header Georgiou’s corner just over the crossbar.
With end-to-end action ensuing, the Spitfires were next to galvanise a goal scoring opportunity, with Tyrese Shade shooting from an acute angle, but Adams was equal to his effort.
Three minutes before the stroke of half-time, Taylor’s side came close to equalising through in form Kretzschmar; with the number ten firing from distance and forcing a solid save from McDonnell.
As both sides returned from the interval, the Spitfires generated the first chance, with Shade bursting forward down the right wing and firing a goal-bound effort that was thwarted by an excellent sliding challenge from Mundle-Smith.
Three minutes later, Eastleigh came close again to adding a second as Lloyd Humphries’ teasing ball into the box just evaded McCallum.
With 25 minutes of the second-half remaining, the Stones were back on level terms; an inch-perfect cross from Mundle-Smith was headed home in style by Ashford, with the striker notching his sixth goal of the season.
Both sides searched for a winner and Wealdstone nearly seized the lead in the 85th minute when Georgiou drilled a powerful strike on target, forcing McDonnell to make an important save.
As six minutes of additional time were added, the Stones nearly bagged all three points at the death when Cook headed towards goal, but McDonnell produced an instinctive save to preserve the score line.
Wealdstone return to action next Saturday 30th November in the second round of the FA Cup, when they entertain League One side Wycombe Wanderers at Grosvenor Vale, in an 11.30am kick-off.
Adams, Cook, Georgiou, Boldewijn (Thorpe 75), Kretzschmar, Mariappa, Ashford, Cesay (Grant 64), Reid, Mundle-Smith, Wells-Morrison.
Subs: Steward, Woodman, Dyer, Obiero, Sandat.