REPORT | WEALDSTONE 2-0 ROCHDALE
Wealdstone produced an impressive victory over playoff-pushing Rochdale to make it three wins and a draw from their last four league matches, propelling themselves out of the relegation zone.
Second-half goals from Max Kretzschmar and Kallum Cesay proved decisive as the Stones swept aside Jim McNulty’s men at Grosvenor Vale.
Matt Taylor made two changes to the side that produced an impressive performance to defeat Aldershot Town on the road last week. Jacob Adams and Jadyn Mundle-Smith returned to the starting line-up, while new signings Josh Grant and Nathan Harness were named to the bench for the Stones.
Wealdstone started the match with intent, crafting a chance in the third minute of play as in form Max Kretzschmar volleyed over the crossbar from the edge of the area.
Rochdale were next to register a shot on target in the 10th minute, with talented former Stone, Tarryn Allarakhia, curling an effort towards goal, but Jack Cook produced a crucial block.
The Stones continued their bright start and nearly profited from a quick free-kick in the 18th minute, as Kretzschmar’s chipped ball found Ashford, but the Dale’s custodian Sam Waller was quick off of his line to deny the forward.
With just over half an hour gone, Taylor’s side thought they had broken the deadlock when Alex Reid’s brilliant flick-on released Ashford, who coolly fired past Waller; however, the linesman flagged for offside.
Jacob Adams nearly presented Rochdale with a goal in the 37th minute as his clearance was intercepted by Conor McBride, but the Stones’ shot-stopper recovered well to claim the ball.
After a goalless first-half, Wealdstone returned from the interval with added impetus, seizing the lead within one minute of the restart - danger-man Kretzschmar clinically firing home past Waller after a slick passage of play.
Bolstered by the goal, the Stones nearly doubled their advantage four minutes later when talisman Reid was agonisingly close to converting Anthony Georgiou’s teasing cross.
With end-to-end action, McNulty’s side looked for a quick response and former Stone, Aaron Henry, looked like he would provide a moment of magic in the 52nd minute, but his powerful long-distance strike flew just over the crossbar.
Ten minutes later, the Dale had another shot from range, this time a sweet strike from Beckwith; however, Adams was equal to his effort.
Despite Rochdale’s endeavour to find an equaliser, the Stones were next to score, extending their lead in the 67th minute as the lively Cesay latched onto a sublime through-ball from Ashford to calmly slot home past Waller.
The visitors rallied late to try and reduce the deficit, but the Stones defended resolutely to preserve their two-goal cushion and a secure a consecutive clean-sheet.
Wealdstone return to action next Saturday 23rd November, when they travel to the Silverlake Stadium to face Eastleigh, in a 3pm kick-off.
WEALDSTONE: Adams, Cook, Mariappa, Mundle-Smith, Boldewijn, Wells-Morrison, Cesay, Georgiou, Kretzschmar (Adarkwa 69) (Grant 71), Ashford (Thorpe 87), Reid (Obiero 98)
Unused Subs | Harness, Woodman, Sandat
Attendance: 1,922
Match Report: Nicole Cho-Yee Photos: Sean Troup