Sittingbourne 1- 2 Wealdstone
SittingbourneQF
1 - 2
WealdstoneWealdstone overcame a stubborn Ryman Division 1 South Sittingbourne in the quarter final of the Championship Manager Cup on Thursday evening, maintaining their current winning run.
Stones will now entertain Croydon Athletic, also of Division 1 and second in the table, in the semi-final at the St Georges Stadium on Thursday evening, March 18th.
Wealdstone rested some first team regulars and gave debuts to two players: Italian Seny Diedhiou, a midfielder who has had experience in Serie C started, and Sam Blennerhassett made a substitute appearance having been close to a first team spot this season following some fine performances for the reserves.
On a freezing cold evening at Central Park, Stones took an early lead from striker Greg Ngoyi who headed in after good work from Diedhiou had created the chance.
But Stones gradually found themselves under increasing pressure with the Brickies pacy left winger Jimmy Bottle causing problems for the visitor’s rearguard. The home side equalised 4 minutes before the break when Bottle again broke down the left and cut the ball back for Hicham Akhazzan to fire past an exposed Sean Thomas.
The hard working Greg Ngoyi turned from hero to villain a few minutes after the break when his penalty kick was saved. Play became more open with both sides attempting to break the deadlock; Stones keeper Sean Thomas brought off several excellent saves to keep his side in the tie.
More penalty drama on 75 minutes when it was Sittingbourne’s turn to attempt a spot kick but remarkably Stones were relieved to see the ball strike the cross bar and fly away to safety.
But the away side regained the lead a few minutes later when Charlie Mpi turned smartly in the box and smacked a shot through the keeper’s legs.
Stones held out despite some late pressure and move into the semi-final. The Margate league match scheduled for the 18th March will now be re-arranged.
Wealdstone: Thomas, McCoy, Chappell, Locke, Logie, Diedhiou, Lavers, O’Leary, Mpi, Ngoyi, E’Beyer. Subs used: Johnson, Blennerhassett. N/u: Osborne, Gray, Beagle (GK)
Steve Foster Match Pics HERE