Match Report by Nick DuGard: Monday, 14 March 2016: National League South:
Wealdstone 3 Hayes & Yeading United 0
Wealdstone finally chalked up their first home win since November 21st last year and ended the stream of draws that have hampered their efforts to pull away from the drop zone.
As a result of this much needed victory, Stones moved up to 13th place in the Vanarama National League South table on 41 points.
On a cold and breezy night Wealdstone comprehensively outplayed a poor Hayes side that rarely threatened the home side all evening.
A first half three goal blitz effectively killed off a surprisingly lack lustre away side – all the goals coming in a 15 minute spell of attacking pressure.
The match saw the debut of new loan signing from Premiership outfit Swansea City, James Demetriou, and the front man was unlucky not to mark his opening game with a goal late in the second half. Fellow loanee Nathan Mavila (West Ham United) also featured as a substitute and did well with his pace and trickery.
After a quiet start the game burst into life after 8 minutes when United’s experienced centre half Darren Purse put through his own net from a goodScott Davies Corner.
Stones piled forward sensing the away side’s subdued approach to the contest was the opportunity at last to fully exploit. And they surely did.
4 minutes later it was 2-0. A great run and curling strike from the busy Daviesfound the net bulging, giving keeper James Hamon no chance. Rarely have we seen a defence allow such time and space but this was just reward for Davies’ work rate and powerful running.
Hayes won a free kick in a dangerous looking area but the opportunity was wasted
But on 21 minutes after good work from Bradley Hudson- Odoi and Jefferson Louis, Matt Harriott found time to lash in the third and killer goal and it was pretty much all over and even the most nervous of Stones’ fans couldn’t see this one being thrown away.
Credit must be given to Stones defence who kept proceeding tight and the return of Tom Hamblin at the heart of the back line made a key difference in keeping sporadic attacks at bay
The second half was a far scrappier affair with Stones frustrated in their attempts to add to the score line. Their shape was disrupted by an injury to skipper Wes Parker and Johnny Wright dropped back into the left back position.
An excellent and hard working team performance finally brought its reward on a night when the win was absolutely required
Wealdstone: Bransgrove, Urquhart, Binns, Parker, Hamblin, Godfrey, Wright, Harriott, Louis, Davies, Hudson-Odoi. Subs used: Mavila, Demetriou, Ball. Not used: Morgan, McGleish
Attendance: 638
MoM: Dale Binns
