STRONG SECOND HALF NOT ENOUGH FOR STONES
Wealdstone slipped to their third consecutive narrow defeat at the hands of an unbeaten Sutton United side, at Grosvenor Vale.Charlie Waller’s first-half volley proved to be the difference between the two sides, with the Stones still yet to register a point this season.
Matt Taylor made three changes to the side that were edged by Oldham Athletic on Saturday, with Brandon Mason, Michah Obiero, and Yacou Traore returning to the starting line-up.
The Stones started the match brightly, with Obiero firing just over the crossbar within the first minute of play.
Three minutes later, the visitors saw their first sight of goal, as a well-worked move culminated in former Stone, Lewis Simper, shooting from the edge of box, but Archie Matthews produced a comfortable save.
Wealdstone fell behind in the tenth minute of the match, as a speculative volley from Waller looped over Matthews into the top corner.
Two minutes later, Taylor’s men looked like they had levelled when Henry Sandat converted past Steve Arnold; however, the goal was ruled out for offside.
The visitors continued to dominate proceedings as the first-half progressed, but resolute defending from the Stones ensured they remained in contention.
As the match approached half-time, Wealdstone began to find more cohesion and they were nearly on level terms in the 41st minute when Mason struck a superb effort from the edge of the box, but Arnold was equal to his effort.
With end-to-end action, Steve Morison’s side were close to extending their advantage further through Josh Coley’s fierce shot, but Matthews reacted with a smart save to preserve the score line.
The Stones had a golden opportunity to equalise in the 66th minute, when Alex Dyer’s curled free-kick found Jack Cook, but the defender volleyed just over the bar.
Wealdstone continued on the ascendancy, and moments later, Obiero cut inside and struck a low, driven effort, which was well-held by Arnold.
As the second-half progressed to the latter stages, the Stones played with added urgency as they rallied for a late equaliser.
Taylor’s final role of the dice came in the remaining ten minutes as he introduced striker Jahmari Clarke.
On the 90th minute mark, the Stones looked like they had drawn level at the death; substitute Anthony Georgiou swung in a dangerous cross that was met Cook, only to be directed straight at Arnold.
Three minutes later, Wealdstone seemed like they had pulled off the great escape, with Kretzschmar’s effort destined for the back of the net, but the number ten was agonisingly denied by the post.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Obiero latched onto the ball and rifled a shot towards goal, which flew just over the crossbar.
Despite Wealdstone’s endeavours to salvage a draw, Sutton United held firm to secure all three points on the road.
Wealdstone have the chance to bounce back on Saturday 24th, when they travel to Victoria Park to face Hartlepool United, in a 3pm kick-off.
Wealdstone: Matthews; Boldwijn; Cook; Mariappa; Mason (Georgiou 74); Dyer (Clarke 83); Cesay (Woodman 85); Hutchinson; Obiero; Traore (Kretzschmar 65); Sandat.
Subs not used: Adams, Dreher, Miller.
Attendance 1,566
Report by Nicole Cho-Yee
Photo by Sean Troup