Hungerford Town 2 – 0 Wealdstone
Hungerford Town
2 - 0
Wealdstone
Wealdstone fell to another defeat on Saturday, this time on the road to newly promoted Hungerford Town as the alarm bells continue to ring with frustrations ever more voluble. As a result Stones were leapfrogged in the National League South table by their hosts as they now drop to 11th place.
Stones had brought in on-loan right back Ryheem Sheckleford from Fulham for his debut with Eddie Oshodi unavailable due to suspension.
A goal-less and generally scrappy first period produced few clear-cut opportunities, although Town’s James Clark produced a couple of snap-shots and Danny Green fired wide with Stone’s best and only real chance.
The second half got off to a livelier start when the host’s Nat Jarvis played through Louis Soares, who slid the ball past Jonathan North before a linesman’s flag went up for offside. Mike Jones sent a low shot skidding through a crowded box that forced North to get down well to save.
And it was Jones who was on the receiving end of a 59th minute nudge from Sheckleford that was apparently enough for the referee to point to the spot; Jarvis smashed home the spot kick to break the deadlock. Sheckleford was unlucky with the decision but this did not unduly dent a strong performance from the 19 year old on his first outing and a rude awakening in challenging circumstances.
Hungerford maintained their momentum until midway through the half when Wealdstone began to finally exert some real pressure to test the home side’s defence. Stones seeming inability to break down a strongly formed and physical back line once again raised its head and their onslaught sadly burned itself out.
The Crusaders wrapped up the points when Jarvis was bundled over by Liam Goulding and Luke Williams’ free kick was too much for North to hold – substitute Harry Googer swept home the rebound to end another bitterly disappointing day for Wealdstone. There is much to reflect upon.
Wealdstone: North; Sheckleford, Goulding, McLeod-Urquhart, C. Brown; Wright, Hunt, Green, Whichelow; Benyon, Green. Subs used Kabba, Koroma. Not used: Godfrey, Gibson, Hamblin
Report by WFC Press Officer
Steve Foster Pictures HERE