AFC Hayes 0 – 3 Wealdstone
AFC Hayes0 - 3
WealdstoneFollowing two high profile friendly matches against top level pro clubs it was back to the real business of pre season graft for Wealdstone at Zameretto League AFC Hayes on Saturday. Stones had decided to split their squad with a second match at Enfield to give Manager Gordon Bartlett the opportunity to assess the capabilities of a number of triallists. Whether the decision making process has been made any easier remains to be seen but there were some good performances at the Brook House ground.
Rangy forward Charlie Mpi came on as a sub, looked lively, and the raw prospect bagged a couple of second half goals – the first a well taken header. Greg Ngoyi opened the scoring for Stones in the first period with typical sharpness. Stones soon realised that this match was never going to fully stretch them and an early goal grabbed by Ngoyi from a Ross Lafayette effort set the tone for a comfortable first half.
Not that they had it all their own way as AFC went close soon after but then Ngoyi was unlucky not to increase his tally with a free header from a good cross. Lafayette hit the side netting when well placed and then Stones defence tidied up after a couple of decent AFC forays at the other end
Both sides struggled to get to grips with the rather long grass which slowed the ball up at times.
HT: 1-0
The second period followed a similar pattern but Stones keeper Sean Thomas did his job bravely when called upon on two or three occasions. After Lafayette had a goal bound effort kicked off the line Stones increased their lead when substitute Charlie Mpi exchanged passes with Terrell to finish off a slick move with a fine header that dipped over the AFC keeper.
A minute later Mpi ran through unchallenged as the AFC back line waited for an off side whistle that never came and the tall forward tucked the ball away for his brace. So a 3-0 win and a good work out for the Stones as they continue their preparations for the big kick off now only three weeks away.
In the match played at Enfield, Wealdstone secured a 2-1 win with Jamie Osborne and Lucas Williams on the score sheet.
Wealdstone: Thomas, During, Lake, Smith, Massey, Fitzgerald, Terrell, Quaye, Lafayette, Ngoyi, R Hicks. Subs (both used): Mpi, Nppieh.