REPORT | WEALDSTONE 1-0 BOSTON UNITED

Wealdstone produced an excellent performance to edge fellow strugglers Boston United at Grosvenor Vale, and propel themselves out of the relegation zone.

A first-half goal from top scorer Alex Reid proved decisive, sealing a vital three points for the Stones in their fight for survival.

Neil Gibson made four changes to the side that was defeated by York City on Saturday.

Dante Baptiste and Mustapha Carayol were handed their first starts, while Will Randall and Enzio Boldewijn also returned to the starting line-up.

The Pilgrims galvanised the first chance of the match within two minutes of kick-off, with Jai Rowe’s 25-yard rocket stinging the palms of Dante Baptiste.

On the quarter of an hour mark, Carayol then came close for Wealdstone with a speculative strike from a tight angle, but Gregory was equal to his effort.

The Stones then duly took the lead in the 20th minute through hotshot Reid, who glided through Boston’s defence and coolly slotted past Gregory for his 14th league goal of the season.

Graham Coughlan’s side came close to levelling in the 29th minute when Jordan Richard’s dipping drive from the edge of the box flew narrowly wide of the post.   

As Wealdstone looked to double their lead, they were nearly fruitful in the 33rd minute, but Gregory produced a solid save to deny Max Kretzschmar’s powerful strike.

With neither team able to generate any meaningful efforts on goal, the Stones took a slender 1-0 advantage into the interval.

The Pilgrims were first to strike in the second-half, with Jimmy Knowles driving a fierce effort towards goal in the 54th minute that had to be turned to safety by the impressive Baptiste.

The Stones looked like they had the perfect chance to extend their lead in the 66th minute when Tyler Walker crossed to Reid, but the visitors responded with a crucial block.

Gibson’s men continued to press for a second goal to put the result beyond doubt, and talisman Reid nearly provided that moment of magic in the 84th minute, directing his header from Kretzschmar’s free-kick agonisingly wide.

Despite Boston United’s attempts to salvage a late draw, the Stones’ defence, marshalled brilliantly by Deon Woodman, held firm to secure an important victory.

Wealdstone return to action on Saturday 5th April, when they entertain Forest Green at Grosvenor Vale, in a 3pm kick-off.

WEALDSTONE XI: Baptiste (GK), Boldewijn, Woodman, McAvoy, Randall, Carayol, Cesay, Dyer, Kretzschmar, Walker, Reid.

Unused subs: Gunter, Mariappa, Omole, Georgiou, Scott, Sohna, Brown.

Attendance: 1405