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...

Wealdstone 2-0 Harrow Borough

After Saturdays disappointment, this result and performance is exactly what Wealdstone needed against a lacklustre Harrow side. From the first minute to the last, Wealdstone were in complete command, barely breaking into a sweat, which is exactly what the players would have been hoping for after a very tough week. The scoreline flatters Harrow slightly, as they had 1 notable shot in anger at Jonathan North in the Wealdstone goal, which did beat the Stones stopper, only to be cleared off the line by Kurtney Brooks in the last minute.

It was the first time since Lewes away that I had watched Wealdstone play in the sun, it was just a shame that it was bloody freezing. In front of a surprisingly subdued crowd of 841, Wealdstone dominated the first half, without creating many chances, with Brooks having a powerful drive well held by the 'boro stopper. Wealdstone took a deserved lead after 37 minutes, when Sean Cronin rose highest at the back post to nod home a Lee Chappell corner. The Harrow goalkeeper was adamant he was fouled when the ball was played in, and he probably has a case, as pictures show Scott McGleish climbing on top of the keeper to try and win the ball himself. Nevertheless, 1-0 to Wealdstone. The Stones doubled their lead on the stroke of half time, with some lovely build up play resulting in McGleish whipping a ball to the edge of the 6 yard box, only for Harrow defender Dan Leech to powerfully head home past his own goalkeeper. This was Leech's THIRD own goal against Wealdstone in the past FIVE seasons. A comical record that I'm sure he is all too aware of. Sign him up Gordon. The second half passed by without too much to report, with Richard Jolly having a goal ruled out for a rather questionable offside. Wealdstone breezed to the final whistle for a very comfortable and well deserved 2-0 win, which will delight players and supporters alike. 10 points from a possible 12 in the space of 6 days is an admirable return indeed, and sets the Stones up for a strong finish to the season. As for Harrow, good results for Wingate & Finchley and Carshalton mean they are not quite clear of the woods just yet. Based on their performance today, and what I saw from Wingate at the weekend, I wouldn't be surprised if Wingate were to finish above Harrow, with 'boro looking bereft of ideas going forward, lacking creativity in midfield and seemingly weak defensively.