Despite a stuttering and somewhat disjointed performance, Wealdstone still had enough attacking prowess to subdue a struggling but spirited Thamesmead Town side at The Vale on Saturday.
As a result of this win Stones moved back to the top of the Ryman Premier League table, remaining unbeaten. They edged above Maidstone United who could only draw on Saturday and kept ahead of fellow pace setters Kingstonian, on goal difference
Wealdstone were grateful to their in form striker Chris Moore who found the net twice, maintaining his fine form and taking his early league goal tally to an impressive eight.
This was without doubt an ‘ugly win’ with the midfield – still without the hugely influential Glen Little – misfiring a little too often and not feeding Tom Pett who seemed to be playing too deep. The right flank didn’t have sufficient attacking threat from the overlap and crosses in the first half but this improved when James Hammond replaced the impressive but inexperienced youngster Orlando Rodrigues after half time.
Stones started archetypically slowly but Scott McLeish, who had a frustrating afternoon in front of goal, was just wide from a good cross early on. And it was McGleish who threatened again on 29 minutes; he was on-side and through on goal with only Mead’s keeper Rob Budd to beat when he shot agonisingly wide of the posts.
The away side made a rare foray up field but Sean Roberts blasted over when well placed. Stones finally made the breakthrough they needed on 32 minutes when McLeish sent over the perfect cross for Chris Moore to power a bullet header past a helpless Budd.
The second period largely followed the pattern of the first with Wealdstone having the majority of possession in front of a 686 crowd but unable to find a way past a creditably stubborn Mead defence that at times rode their luck.
Stones lack of midfield cohesion and strange lethargy as times almost cost them on 52 minutes when experienced Thamesmead striker Jon Main got through but inexplicably shot wide with North grounded and with the whole goal to aim at.
The game became more stretched and Jey Siva was starting to create real problems down the left flank for a tiring and increasingly pressurised away defence. With the game now delicately poised Stones finally sealed the match 10 minutes from time; Moore, under close attention, turned smartly in the box to find a cool finish after more good work from Siva and the hard working Scott McCubbin
It was now all over for Town but Stones spurned several late chances to add to the score line including a decent strike from debutant striker Jonny Wright who had just come on as substitute.
Stones will face a hugely tougher task on Monday evening when they entertain fellow unbeaten side Lewes in a clash that is sure to draw a large crowd.
Wealdstone: North, Rodrigues, Siva, Parker, Cronin, Godfrey, McCubbin, Bailey, McGleish, Moore, Pett. Subs used: Hutchinson, Hammond, Wright. N/u: Dean, Haxhia (GK)
Attendance: 686
William Hill MoM: Chris Moore
