TAYLOR READY TO DEFY THE ODDS AGAINST OLDHAM

Stones manager Matt Taylor is under no illusions about the challenge his team faces this weekend as they travel to Boundary Park to take on Oldham Athletic. Yet, in true Wealdstone fashion, Taylor - in an interview with the club Media Team - exuded quiet confidence ahead of what he predicts will be one of our toughest fixtures of the season.

Taylor knows what his side is up against. Oldham, currently sitting fifth in the National League, are led by seasoned manager Mickey Mellon, a man well-versed in building promotion-winning squads. "With the strength and depth they have, they’ll be up there at the end of the season," Taylor said. "They’re athletic, powerful and technically very good. We’ll have to be at our very best to get anything from this game."

Oldham’s formidable squad, strengthened over the summer, presents a different challenge from the side Wealdstone faced last season. Yet Taylor sees opportunity in the adversity. "Nobody is giving us a chance and I quite like that. We’ve shown in our recent run of form that we can be a tough opponent for anyone."

Wealdstone head into the match unbeaten in six league games, a run that has seen us collect three wins and three draws. Taylor attributes this to the team’s collective confidence and resilience. "The players have approached the last six games with a belief in themselves and their abilities. If we play to our strengths and stick to our game plan, we’ll give ourselves a chance," he said.

Taylor highlighted the importance of setting the tone early, a strategy that has become a hallmark of recent performances. "We need to start on the front foot, make it difficult for them and trust the players who can change games for us."

Despite our strong form, Stones' season has been plagued by injuries, particularly to goalkeepers. Taylor confirmed that Jacob Adams is sidelined with a broken scaphoid, an injury picked up in training. Adams injury comes after previous setbacks to Archie Matthews and Sam Howes, leaving the Stones reliant on Portsmouth loanee Toby Steward for the visit to Oldham.

"Toby will need time to adjust, just as Jacob did when he came in," Taylor said. "It’s been unprecedented; I’ve never experienced anything like it with goalkeepers in my 25 years in football. But we can’t dwell on it. Toby has to step up and we’ll support him to do that."

The injury crisis extends beyond the goalkeeper position. Key forward Alex Reid is unavailable against his parent club, while Sean Adarkwa, Craig Eastmond and Mason Barrett remain on the sidelines. Despite these setbacks, Taylor praised his squad’s resilience and ability to adapt. "We’re not a club that can go into the market for replacements, but the players we have are giving everything."

One bright spot for Wealdstone has been the form of midfielder Kallum Cesay, who was recently named Supporters’ Player of the Month. Taylor, who has known Cesay since the player was 16, credited his recent success to an improved understanding of his game. "Kallum knows his strengths and is playing to them. His work rate, enthusiasm and energy are standing out and he’s reaping the rewards."

Taylor also pointed to the impact of other midfielders like Jack Wells-Morrison and Josh Grant, whose contributions have strengthened the team’s core. "There’s good competition for places now and that’s driving performances higher across the squad."

As his squad prepare for one of our toughest tests yet, Taylor is leaning into the underdog status that has defined the club’s ethos this season. "We’re often written off, but that brings us together as a group," he said. "When others doubt us, we believe in ourselves."

Boundary Park will provide the latest proving ground for Taylor’s side, a game he knows will demand their very best. "We’ll need everyone to step up and for our goalkeeper to have a good day. It won’t be easy, but we’ve shown that when we’re at our best, we can compete with anyone in this league."