REPORT | WEALDSTONE 0-2 WYCOMBE WANDERERS

Despite a valiant effort, Wealdstone were knocked out of the FA Cup by League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers.

A first-half wonder strike from Beryly Lubala, along with a late goal from Richard Kone, saw the Stones bow out of the second round against the high-flying Chairboys at Grosvenor Vale.

Matt Taylor named an unchanged starting line-up from last week’s side that secured a credible draw with Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium.

Wealdstone’s eagerly anticipated cup-tie started with a high-intensity as both sides looked for a bright start in front of a record attendance of 3,534, and the ITV cameras.

The Chairboys’ first effort came in the seventh minute of play when Tyreeq Bakinson curled the ball over the crossbar from just outside of the box.

During the early stages of the match, the visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of possession as they looked to craft an opening.

As Wycombe Wanderers continued to dictate play, Jack Wells-Morrison and Jack Cook were called into action, successfully nullifying their attacking endeavours.

In the 22nd minute, the Stones looked certain to take the lead when a slick passage of play resulted in Sam Ashford drilling a pinpoint cross to talisman Alex Reid, who agonisingly blazed the ball over the crossbar from close-range.

Spurred on by the chance, Taylor’s men began to play with added impetus, with Anthony Georgiou coming close to scoring with a driven strike that was well-saved by Shamal George.

However, it was the Chairboys who broke the deadlock in the 29thminute; with Lubala curling a spectacular free-kick into the top corner past Jacob Adams, from just outside the box.

Undeterred by conceding a goal, the Stones galvanised another opportunity through the lively Georgiou, who struck another fierce effort which was denied by the visitors’ custodian.

Narrowly trailing at half-time, Wealdstone returned from the interval with added intensity and they were nearly back on level terms when Jaydn Mundle-Smith floated an inviting ball into the box, which was struck goal-bound by Wells-Morrison, but George was on hand to clear for the visitors.

Three minutes later, the Stones generated another chance as Max Kretzschmar latched onto the ball and fired from distance, but George snuffed out the danger once again.

Matt Bloomfield’s side looked like they had doubled their advantage in the 55th minute when Ryan Tafazolli rose highest to header on target from a corner, however Adams responded with a crucial goal-line clearance.

Moments later, Wealdstone came tantalisingly close to levelling as Reid pounced in the box, nearly converting from close-range, but the Chairboys’ shot-stopper reacted with a vital save to preserve the scoreline.

Taylor’s side were relentless in their pursuit of an equaliser, nearly profiting in the 72nd minute. Top scorer Reid intercepted the ball and fired a deflected shot that had to be thwarted by George.m

Despite the Stones rallying to find a leveller, substitute and top scorer Kone burst through the defence and rocketed a shot past Adams in the 85th minute, booking his team a place in the third round.

Talented midfielder Kallum Cesay put in a superb performance and was deservedly named Emirates FA Cup man of the match.

Wealdstone return to action on Tuesday 3rd December in the National League Cup, when they entertain Derby County U21s at Grosvenor Vale, in a 7pm kick-off.

Adams, Cook, Georgiou, Boldewijn (Thorpe 62), Kretzschmar(Obiero 82), Mariappa, Ashford, Cesay, Reid, Mundle-Smith, Wells-Morrison (Grant 70).

Subs: Woodman, Dyer, Sandat, Thorpe, Hillson.

ATTENDANCE: 3534