St Albans 3-0 Weymouth

Once again it's been a while since I've completed a blog, more down to my laziness rather than workload. But due to the lack of football recently as a result of the weather, I thought I might try and get this blog kick started again.

Yesterday, Wealdstone's clash with rivals Lowestoft was postponed AGAIN, meaning it is looking increasingly like the Stones will be playing every midweek towards the back end of the season. However with teams around the constantly dropping points, the title challenge is still very much alive for Wealdstone. Having seen 2 games of football since boxing day, I needed a footie fix and having looked at the fixtures, there were 2 options, Northampton V Plymouth, or St Albans v Weymouth. I chose to go to the latter, mainly due to the fact a number of ex Wealdstone players are involved in the current St Albans set up, including James Gray, Lee Chappell, Darren Locke and Peter Dean. As well as this, there has been much discussion over whether the standard of the Southern League is as good as the standard of the extremely competitive Ryman League. So I decided to head to Clarence Park to see for myself!

Entrance to the ground was pricey, with £12 for adults and £8 for concessions, it was the most expensive game of football I had been to see this season. The ground is a nice set up, with plenty of elevated terraces to provide a good all round view, however there was limited standing cover, which would make watching in the rain a nightmare. The clubhouse was very small although it had a warm feeling to it, with a limited selection of beer at the bar. The tea bar consisted of one burger van run by one man, resulting in a long queue and pricey food. All in all not a cheap day out!

On the pitch, St Albans looked a very competent side, with no notable weak areas. Peter Dean linked up well with the very impressive John Frendo, who scored 2 excellent goals. He was by far the outstanding performer against a very average Weymouth side, who offered little throughout the game. The atmosphere was very subdued in the first half, however in the second half around 20 St Albans fans behind the Weymouth goal made some noise, however without covered stands it was hard to generate any atmosphere. With a crowd of over 700, it was clear there was a large number of neutrals, as when the goals were scored there were no wild celebrations or cheers within the stands. All in all it was too easy for St Albans, who, being 3-0 up at half time, took their foot off the pedal and eased to a 3-0 victory.

Based on what I have seen this season, I think that the standard of the Ryman League is far superior to that of the Southern League. If you take Hemel Hempstead out of the equation, who are running away with the league, I don't think any other sides in the Southern League would be challenging for the Ryman League this year. Weymouth, who sat in 10th place at the start of the day, looked very ordinary, and I would back Leiston, who sit 10th in the Ryman League to beat Weymouth with relative ease. As well as this, having seen both Wealdstone and St Albans this season, who now both sit in 3rd place in their respective leagues, I firmly believe, (unbiased, promise) that Wealdstone are the better side. I acknowledge the fact that I have only seen St Albans once this season, however particularly with players such as Tom Hamblin, Glen Little, Tom Pett, Scott McGleish and many others performing well every week, I believe the Stones would have the edge. In my opinion, the only St Albans player that would stand a chance of making the Wealdstone starting line up would be John Frendo, who took his two goals extremely well.

Having said this, a competitive game between the two sides would undoubtedly be an intriguing fixture, which, I would imagine, create a good atmosphere between two well supported sides. All in all a good day out considering I was unable to watch Wealdstone, and I do hope that we will be meeting St Albans in the conference south next season!

One month in..

If someone had told me at the start of the season that Wealdstone would be second in the league and still unbeaten, I would have laughed at you. The departures during the pre season of some crucial players from last seasons campaign seems a long time ago, with the replacements appearing to be more that competent.

Following the almost inevitable shaky start of three consecutive draws, Wealdstones season so far has been near perfection, from the goalkeeping to the goal scoring. Jonathan Norths recent performances suggest he has reclaimed his title of being the best goalkeeper in the league. Following a superb save at Hampton when the score was 2-0, he has been confident and assured, and has probably proved any doubters wrong with his performances over the past few weeks.

After the leaky start, defensively the Stones seem to be back to their best. Sean Cronin has been absolutely immense at the back, paired with a selection of injury stricken, yet solid trio of Jerome Okimo, Josh Hill and the ever reliant Wes Parker. With Lee Chappell departing to St Albans in the close season, one area for concern was the full back area. For me, James Hammond has been fantastic at right back, and Jey Siva has proved his worth following a less than convincing start at left back. One area for concern over the last few seasons has been lack of cover in the full back positions, which seems to have finally been resolved, with Scott McCubbin being able to slot in at right back, and Okimo showing his strength in the left back position. One surprising yet encouraging addition to the defensive wall is Orlando Rodriguez, following his introduction from the reserves in the 1-0 away win at Bury. What a game he had at left back! All in all, I think Wealdstone have looked fantastic defensively this season, and should continue to be so if they cut out the silly defensive errors.

Wealdstones midfield so far this season has been more creative than I have ever seen it. The departures of Alex Dyer and Chris O'Leary were worrying at first, however Elliot Godfrey and Stefan Bailey, who showed mere glimpses of what the can offer towards the end of last season, have both been stalwarts so far. Tom Pett has been as consistent as ever and he will only improve. I for one don't think it will be long before he gets picked up by a team in the conference or higher. He has flourished in the role that sees him float around behind the front 2 this season. Long may it continue. Players such as Adam Martin, Peter Dean and the impressive Jack Hutchinson can only strengthen the squad, whether they be coming off the bench or earning a place in the starting line up. Obviously the big talking point is the impact of Glen Little. I really do believe that if he can say fit for the season, he could be the difference between staying down or getting promoted. His awareness and skill is just something that leaves everyone who watches him in awe. What a player. One thing that seems almost inevitable, is that players such as Brooks, Webb and Esmond James may not be around for much longer.

Going forward, the stones have been scoring for fun, especially Chris Moore. Playing second fiddle to Richard Jolly didn't suit him last season, but following Jollys retirement, Moore has been in great form alongside Scott McGleish, who despite his lack of goals so far, has worked so hard, and has been influential in almost every game this season. Reece Grant also looks very promising with 2 goals off the bench already this season. I think putting him on contract is a good move. I think the stones could do with another front man though, as Moore and McGleish are not exactly the youngest of players, and for them two to complete the season without injury would be a remarkable achievement. So another front man as backup, and I'll be happy.

All in all, the squad is looking VERY good. And although there is no denying the fact Wealdstone have played some very average teams, the season ahead is looking extremely promising. Too promising almost.

Next up for Wealdstone is away at the inform Hornchurch, which will undoubtedly be the toughest test yet. I would be happy with a point there. As for predictions..

My heart is telling me a 2-0 win,
My head is telling me a 2-0 defeat.

Pre-season & Maidstone 1-1 Wealdstone

The season begins! It has felt like an eternity ever since that gut-wrenching night against Concord Rangers 3 months ago, and its great to finally be back watching the Stones in action again. 

I'm not even going to talk about THAT night back in May, as I still can't quite believe how Wealdstone didn't win that! However after seeing the departure of key players such as Lee Chappell, Rikki Banks, Alex Dyer, Chris O'leary and of course Richard Jolly, it was always going to be intriguing to see what players Gordon Bartlett would be bringing into the side. The results have been encouraging! The signing of Jey Siva from Enfield seems to be a great signing as a replacement for Lee Chappell, as well as signings such as Dean Martin, Jerome Okimo, Lewis Putman and a certain Glen Little! The injury to Lewis Putman in pre-season was a huge blow, seeing him out for the season. This gives a chance to young Reece Grant though, who is highly rated coming from the reserves and has impressed me with his brief performances so far. 

It was a mixed pre-season for the stones with wins against Hitchin and Slough Town, but pretty awful defeats to Uxbridge, AFC Hayes and Hayes & Yeading. I saw the game against Chelsea U21's and I thought Wealdstone looked fairly competent against a very strong, quick and fit Chelsea side, who's quality really shone through in the second half despite some shocking defending. And it was the defending that was a huge concern heading into Saturdays opening fixture away at newly promoted Maidstone United.

In front of a 2000+ crowd, both of 'The Stones' played out a rather cracking fixture ending in a 1-1 draw, a result that will probably disappoint Wealdstone given the way they played in the second half, although if offered that at the start of the game, they probably would have taken it. The atmosphere throughout a majority of the first half was absolutely fantastic, with both sets of fans in fine voice sharing some rather amusing banter. With regards to the football, a very even first half saw Maidstone take the lead right on half time following a sweetly struck effort hit straight across Jonathan North. Half time 1-0 to Maidstone.

Unfortunately, I missed the goal due to some unsavoury scenes between Maidstone supporters and Wealdstone supporters. I find it bemusing how supporters from both clubs are so quick to shift the blame so quickly upon each other. From what I could see, it was 5-10 idiots from both sides who had enjoyed a little too much beer before the game, and things had gotten slightly out of hand. It doesn't really matter who started what, the fact of the matter is a very small minority of so called supporters from both clubs, somewhat spoiled a brilliant first half. For some Maidstone fans to judge Wealdstone as 'a bunch of cunts' is somewhat ridiculous, as there were no more than 10 idiots amongst 220 away supporters. Either way, I hope the reputation of both clubs isn't damaged too much, as 95% of the banter was light hearted and taken very well.

The second half saw Wealdstone up their game slightly and they grabbed a deserved equaliser on 57 minutes through Chris Moore. A handball outside of the Maidstone penalty area saw Peter Dean play in Tom Pett with a quick free kick, who in turn slotted the ball across goal to the unmarked Chris Moore to punt home from 6 yards to send the away supporters ballistic. The final 20 minutes was end to end stuff, but Wealdstone should have won the game in the 92nd minute, when Jack Hutchinson did brilliantly to sell 2 Maidstone defenders leaving him 1 on 1 with Lee Wogan who had a brilliant game in the Maidstone goal. From 10 yards out, Hutchinson cooly sent Wogan the wrong way with his shot, but the ball agonisingly hit the inside of the post before Wogan managed to clear the ball. The full time whistle sounded shortly after and 1-1 was probably a fair result on the balance of play.

Maidstone looked a decent side and will be there and there abouts regarding the play offs at the end of the season, and if Wealdstone continue to play like they did for the rest of the season, with Scott McGleish and Sean Cronin to return, it could be yet another successful season for the blue Stones. The crowd trouble was a slight dampener on a great day, but I honestly believe it was 5-10 morons from both sides that had over indulged a bit too much. Maidstone are a great club in my opinion and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season, apart from when they come to the vale!

Ryman Premier division play off semi finals

It's been a while since my last post on this blog, this being due to various reasons, mainly exams at uni, which are now out of the way. As a result, I can turn my attention to todays absolutely massive play off semi finals between Wealdstone and Concord Rangers, and Lowestoft and East Thurrock. The past few weeks have been somewhat rocky, particularly for Lowestoft, earning a hard fought draw at Wealdstone before heading to lowly Wingate and Finchley and losing 3-2. Concord Rangers have picked up since their lull in form earlier in the Month, before drawing 0-0 with Leiston on the last game of the season. East Thurrock, the surprise package of this seasons play offs, have done remarkably well to get themselves into the position that they are in. Following a 2-0 home defeat to Wealdstone at the end of January, East Thurrock found themselves mid-table. Since then, they remained unbeaten until the last game of the season away to Whitehawk, to sneak ahead of favourites Bury and Margate to steal the final play off spot. Personally, I think they are the team to avoid in the play offs, and I would tip them to topple a tired and depleted Lowestoft side.

Travelling to the East coast on a Wednesday night to face a strong Lowestoft side is by no means an easy feat, however given the recent form of the sides and the momentum heading into this semi final, I think this game may be closer than the table suggests. With Lowestoft missing top goalscorer Jack Defty due to a broken leg, goals have been somewhat hard to come by for the Trawlerboys. When taking this into account with East Thurrocks impressive defensive record, goals may be hard to come by in this encounter. E. Thurrock man Sam Higgins will definitely be one to watch for the Lowestoft backline, and I think he may influence the final result. My prediction for this game is a cagey 2-1 win for East Thurrock after extra time. As a Stones fan, I am very cautious in choosing a preferred opponent should Wealdstone make the final. However, due to the home advantage and the recent form against both sides, I would have to say I would rather play East Thurrock in the final, IF the Stones make it that far.

Onto the big one as far as I'm concerned! Wealdstone v Concord Rangers. What a mouthwatering tie given both the league positions of the two sides and the events that took place just a month ago when they clashed at the Vale, with Wealdstone stealing 2 last gasp goals to win the game 2-1 when, in truth, they had been completely outplayed by 10 men for the majority of the game. I cannot even find the words to describe how excited I am for this encounter, which should be played infront of a lively, volatile but hopefully respectful bumper crowd. Wealdstone are missing two key players in the creative Tom Pett, who scored the second in injury time in the last game between the sides, and Scott McCubbin, who has proved to be a bright spark in the Stones midfield over the last few games. Concord however, are missing one of their main players in Nicky Cowley, who is suspended following 10 bookings. This game really should be end to end stuff played in a rather aggressive manner, which has the potential to be a great advert for non league football. Unfortunately, despite my optimism throughout the season, I am very fearful of a Concord side who will be more than fired up for the occasion. My prediction for this game is a 2-0 Concord win. TOUCH WOOD I am wrong!!!

Wealdstone 2-3 Bury Town

Bury Town inflicted Wealdstones second defeat home defeat of the season in what was an entertaining night at the Vale, but another poor performance from the Stones. With Lowestoft winning 4-1 at home to Cray Wanderers, the result leaves Wealdstone in third place with only five games remaining this season. 

It was a very lively start for Wealdstone creating several openings in the first fifteen minutes, with Chris Moore and Scott McGleish linking up well together. Although there were no clear cut opportunities, the Bury Town keeper did well to hold on to a couple of low, stinging efforts from McGleish. As the half wore on, Bury clawed their way into the game, and missed a guilt edged chance when John Sands blasted wide when one on one with Jonathan North. Bury then deservedly took the lead after 32 minutes when Sam Reed fired a shot into the bottom corner, although it looked as though Jonathan North should have done better with the ball bouncing over his hands. Wealdstone did respond, and on the stroke of half time Chris Moore had a great chance to equalise, but the Bury keeper did very well with a reaction save from close range. Half time, 1-0 to Bury.

After the break, Wealdstone came out all guns blazing, and deservedly equalised after 53 minutes. After some neat play down the right hand side, the lively Esmond James drilled a ball into the near post where Chris Moore cleverly clipped the ball over the Bury keeper into the net to make it 1-1. At this point Wealdstone were flying, and took the lead after 56 minutes with a wonderful goal. After several one touch passes down the left hand side, Lee Chappell was set free to drill a ball across the face of the goal where Scott McGleish finished off a truly brilliant move and put Wealdstone into the lead. At this point there looked like only one winner, until Bury equalised in bizarre circumstances. A free kick from the left was swung into the area, and the usually reliable Jonathan North produced a clanger, missing the ball resulting in the free kick going straight in. This goal knocked Wealdstone out of their stride, and Bury took the lead after 76 minutes, again through some questionable goalkeeping. After failing to clear their lines on several occasions, Bury frontman Sands scuffed a shot across the face of goal which barely rolled into the corner of the net, with keeper North seemingly letting the ball out for a goal kick, but misjudging the direction of the ball. Wealdstone then battered Bury for the remainder of the game, and almost equalised through Chris Moore, who was denied by a brilliant save from the Bury keeper, tipping a pile driver onto the bar, which was then headed out for a corner. In the dying minutes, the Bury keeper then produced another great save after a goalmouth scamble. Final score, a somewhat harsh 3-2 defeat for Wealdstone.

The errors from Jonathan North this game will provide Bartlett with a tough decision for Saturdays game against Cray Wanderers. This was the worst I have ever seen North play, and it ultimately cost Wealdstone three points. There is no denying that the midfield were also lacking creativity, and the defence was looking very vulnerable at times, but had Rikki Banks been in goal, would we have lost that game? I dont think we would. Moore and McGleish looked very lively up top for Wealdstone, and created several chances for themselves, and would have had more goals each had the Bury keeper not been in such good form. Nothing can be taken away from Bury, they worked very hard all across the pitch and caused the Stones defence a lot of problems, but I cannot help thinking that on their day, Wealdstone would be beating them fairly comfortably. Despite the result, I think Wealdstone were quite unlucky, although recent poor performances mean a defeat is hardly a surprise. So onto Saturday at home to Cray Wanderers, where three points is an absolute must, and given Crays recent form and position in the table, it should be a comfortable win for the Stones. I for one am incredibly pessimistic for Saturday, and can't see Wealdstone winning after the recent performances. Alex Dyer must start on Saturday as should Esmond James who was very impressive tonight. Prediction for Saturday, 0-0. Hoping its a 4-0 job though! 

Bury Town 0-0 Wealdstone

After a fairly straightforward win for Wealdstone on Easter Monday, this Saturdays game against Bury Town was a much more challenging affair. Despite the result, the day out was a very enjoyable one, which is just as well as the performance from Wealdstone was not one that will live long in the memory! Despite the lack of attacking threat, the Stones defended well and limited Bury to just one clear cut chance, a questionable penalty, that was thankfully missed. 

After a slow start for both sides, Bury began to gain some momentum in a game that was dominated by both defences. Wealdstone were limited to just the one long range effort that the Bury keeper spilled to the feet of Scott McGleish, however the Stones striker was signalled offside before he had the chance to put the ball in the net. Bury also were limited to long range strikes, testing Jonathan Norths handling from distance which he dealt with fairly comfortably. Bury were then gifted a golden opportunity on the stroke on half time when Sean Cronin was adjudged to penalise a Bury forward, for a push in the back from a long punt forwards. At the time it looked very harsh, and I think the highlights confirm this, with Cronin simply beating the forward to a header with the Bury man falling over very easily. Luckily for Wealdstone, justice was done, and the penalty was blazed over the bar, much to the delight of the 150 travelling Wealdstone contingent. The second half passed by without any real incidents to report other than Wealdstone stopper North being pushed into the net resulting in a disallowed goal. Full time and a rather drab 0-0.

Wealdstone play Bury Town again tonight at the vale in the return home leg, after one of the fixtures was postponed earlier in the season due to the weather. Based on the recent form of Bury, I think a point away at Bury is a good result, particularly when you take into consideration the fact that both Concord Rangers and Margate lost. However from what I saw on Saturday, Bury did not look a special team by any means. Defensively solid and well organised, they looked difficult to break down, but maybe this was due to Wealdstones lack of creativity? Despite having the leagues top goalscorer in John Sands, Bury didn't look like a side that will cause Wealdstone a huge amount of problems tonight, and hopefully that will remain the case! Based on what I saw on Saturday and whats at stake for both teams, I think Bury will do well to come away from the Vale with anything tonight, as Wealdstone can only improve on what was a poor performance on Saturday. But the Stones will certainly have to be at their best in order to ensure that they do earn the three points, as Sands is not the top goalscorer in the league for nothing! My prediction for tonight is a 3-1 Wealdstone win. I hope my optimism is rewarded...

The top of the Ryman League

As the season enters its final stages, it is becoming clearer and clearer as to who will be finishing where at the top of the Ryman League. As it stands, Whitehawk top the league, with Wealdstone and Concord in second and third respectively, and Lowestoft in fourth, but with games in hand on the two above. It does promise to be a very tense end to a very competitive season!

From what I have seen of these clubs so far this season, I am somewhat surprised at Whitehawks seemingly unassailable lead at the top of the league. When Wealdstone played Whitehawk at the enclosed ground, I thought Wealdstone completely outplayed the league leaders in the second half, without being at their best themselves. However it seems the Hawks ability to grind out the results against teams lower down the table has proven the difference between themselves and the chasing pack, with Wealdstone and Concord in particular dropping points in games they should be winning. As well as this, the money that Whitehawk invest in player wages is also a telling factor as to why they are top of the league. I am led to believe that one of their players lives in Bradford, and travels down for every game. I would find this absolutely astounding for any player at Championship football, let alone the Isthmian Premier division. But, spending large amounts of money has proven successful for Whitehawk so far, and I suppose no one can blame them for spending money that is easily available to them. Despite their current position, I do feel that they will be overturned by Lowestoft.

Personally, I think that Lowestoft are the best team in the league. I have seen them on three different occasions since May last year, all against Wealdstone, and all three times they have completely outplayed the Stones. After a poor start to the season, Lowestoft have inevitably picked up, now without a defeat since late November. They seem to have the ability to win games while not playing well. The number of games that seem to be won in the second half is incredibly frustrating for a Wealdstone fan, but their persistence can only be admired. As I previously mentioned, I think Lowestoft are the best team in the league, and my opinion was backed up in December when they cruised to a 3-0 win at home to Wealdstone. Defensively solid, quick and nimble going forwards, and just a very frustrating side to play against with lots of time wasting and attempting to influence refereeing decisions. But, like Whitehawk and their money, it works for them, and if Lowestoft don't win the league, they are definitely a team I would like Wealdstone to avoid in the play-offs. A very very good side.

Concord Rangers are without a doubt the best team Wealdstone have played at the Vale in the league this season by a mile. I for one did not expect Concord to be so near the top of the table at the end of the season, but credit to them for being so consistent this season. Even with 10 men away at the team third in the table, Concord worked very hard to shut Wealdstone down, were defensively solid, and while not looking too dangerous from open play, Concords set pieces were so good that even top, top teams would struggle to defend against them. All season I have expected Concords run to come to a halt, but each time they have proved me wrong, as they did yesterday winning 2-0 at local rivals Canvey Island which is a great result for them! Again, Concord are a side I as a Wealdstone fan would rather avoid in the semi-finals of the play offs, which makes coming second or even first a must for the Stones!

I think the final play off spot will be occupied by Margate. Gate outplayed Wealdstone at the Vale for 85 minutes before 2 goals from captain Wes Parker got the Stones out of jail. And also at Margate, I thought they were a very good side, moved the ball quickly and looked like they could get goals from anywhere. Gate looked quite fragile at the back however, and I believe Wealdstone were very good value for their 4-2 win at Margate last week, being very clinical when taking their chances and giving Margate no time on the ball. Despite Wealdstone doing the double over Margate this season, I think they are a very, very good side, and it'll be no surprise if they do occupy the final play-off spot. If I could chose 1 side for Wealdstone to play out of Whitehawk, Lowestoft, Concord or Margate, it would be a close call between Whitehawk and Margate.

As I previously mentioned, I think that Lowestoft will win the league, purely because I believe they are the best team in this league. The play offs, in order of second place to fifth place, I think it will be Whitehawk in second, Concord Rangers in third, Wealdstone in fourth and Margate in fifth, meaning Gate face a trip to Whitehawk and the Stones face a trip to...'gulp'...Concord. What a tie that would be! This is my predicted final table, although the ideal situation would be for Wealdstone to steamroll the rest of the season and win the league!!! One can dream...