Hastings United 2 – 1 Wealdstone
Hastings United
2 - 1
WealdstoneWealdstone slipped to an unexpected and disappointing Ryman Premier League defeat at a dank Pilot Field stadium on Saturday. As a result of this reverse Stones dropped one position to 10th spot in the table.
The only team change for Stones, from last week’s narrow home defeat to table topping Dover Athletic, was new signing Danny Spendlove coming in on the left for Graeme Montgomery who was on the bench.
Stones dominated the first period of the match and deservedly took the lead after a good run and an incisive pass from midfielder Kieron Forbes allowed Lee Chappell to drill superbly past the home keeper Paul Nessling on the 20 minute mark.
But Stones appeared to take their foot off the gas and United came right back into the contest and as the first half wore on and visiting Keeper Sean Thomas was forced into making two very good saves.
Despite the pressure, it looked as though Stones would hold onto a 1-0 lead but they were dealt a psychological blow when right on the stroke of half time a dangerous cross into the box was turned into his own net by an unfortunate Stones skipper, James Gray. Half-time: 1-1.
In a game of very few clear cut chances for both sides, United took the lead on 60 minutes when Wealdstone’s Kieron Forbes poor clearing header was seized upon by United’s Antonio Gonnella who volleyed in from close range to complete their come back and the scoring.
Stones worked hard in an attempt to bring the scores level using all of their available outfield substitutes but were not able to find enough invention or cohesion in attack in most of the second period to break down a stubborn United rearguard. However, Marvin Sordell hit the woodwork late on and Graeme Montgomery was unlucky at the death with a good volley that went just wide.
Wealdstone take a break from league action when they entertain a strong Met Police side, currently second in Division One South, in the second round of the Isthmian League Cup at The Vale on Tuesday 2 December, Kick off 7.45pm.
Wealdstone: Thomas, Martin, Chappell, Gray(c), Massey, Ashe, Forbes, O’Leary, Haule, Sordell, Spendlove. Subs used: Hicks, McCoy, Montgomery. N/u: Woods.
Attendance: 435
Steve Foster pics can be viewed HERE