Wes to play through pain barrier

Wes Parker has vowed to play through the pain barrier in a bid to get Wealdstone back to winning ways.  The Stones skipper returned for last Saturday’s goalless draw with Lowestoft – his side’s first point in four games – but admitted  afterwards he is far from 100 per cent fit as he struggles with suspected knee cartilage trouble.

The 27-year-old hopes to delay the almost certainly necessary surgery until the end of the season, but admits he is playing on very much a game by game basis.

Parker on his injury: “I tweaked it in training a few weeks ago before the FA Cup game and it just seems to have dislodged a bit of scar tissue in the cartilage so that is floating about apparently, as well as general damage to the patella, but I think that is old age.

Thankfully it is my left knee. My major problem was striking the ball with my left foot, but as you know I don’t use that much, it is just for standing on. I will just have to get by as well as I can while I am out there. I will give it my all until it completely goes.”

Saturday’s home game with Hastings is the next challenge for Parker and his dodgy knee – a game where they will have to do without last year’s  leading scorer Peter  Dean who is suspended. This could open the way for a recall for recent arrival at the Vale Ricky Millar, a youngster Parker knows well from their time together at Boston United.

Parker on Ricky Millar: “Ricky is raw, he’s got pace. He will probably admit himself he is not quite match fit yet. “When he came to Boston we were struggling in the relegation zone and he banged a hat-trick in first game. That’s what Ricky will give you a rawness and enthusiasm. It may be a few games before he gets his first goal, but he will be a great addition.”

Courtesy of Harrow Observer