Report – Dartford 0 – 3 Wealdstone
Dartford
0 - 3
WealdstoneWealdstone’s progress so far this campaign was plainly evident for all to see at Princes Park on Saturday with an accomplished and emphatic win over a side that ought to be challenging at the top echelons of Vanarama National League South table.
Two first-half goals from Bradley Bubb and a magnificent strike from Jeffrey Monakana ensured all three points for the Stones, a result that will surely make the rest of the league sit up and take notice that Bobby Wilkinson’s side will not be satisfied making up the numbers in what is an extremely tough and competitive league this campaign.
Speaking to the Non League Paper after a relentless performance from his troops, an ebullient Wilkinson said: “ From start to finish we were outstanding. We’ve been working extra hard behind the scenes to show our ability and that was for everyone at the club who has supported me, the management team and all the players”. He added “ You always set up for clean sheets away from home but to get three goals and the manner of two of them were unbelievable”
Wilkinson had brought in Bubb in place of Stevenage loanee striker Joe White for this tricky encounter and the move paid dividends with the former Ebbsfleet striker scoring two excellent goals to give his side a strong first half lead that rocked their hosts to the core.
Bubb took advantage of some lax Dartford defending to put Stones ahead from an acute angle. Wealdstone gloveman Jon North did well to keep out a powerful strike from Ben Greenhalgh but the visitors were always looking to be in the ascendency with their strong pressing and high tempo style. Monakana and David Pratt both went close before Bubb netted again from close range on the half hour mark after Pratt’s excellent header had bounced off the cross bar from a corner ball.
Monkana sealed the match early in the second period with a superb strike. The midfielder cut in from the wide left position and found the back of the net via the underside of the bar from fully 25 yards out.
Stones continued to dominate the match with their defence and midfield outstanding and they counter attacked almost at will not allowing the Darts any real opportunity to stage a fight back. Bubb and Monakana could have added to their tally’s late on. The best opportunity for a Darts consolation was sub Manny Ighorae’s late effort on goal but North was equal to it.
Dartford were a little understrength on the day with key man Elliot Bradbrook missing through illness but nothing could detract from a brilliant all round performance from Wealdstone who sit in the 5th place in the league table after Saturday’s results, 3 points behind unsurprising early leaders Billericay Town.
We are back in action next Saturday (25 August) at The Vale when we entertain high flying Concord Rangers, kick off 15:00.
WEALDSTONE: North, Tyler, Stevens, Okimo, Grant, Green, Ahmidi, Poku, Monakana, Bubb, Pratt. Subs used: Mitchell, White. Not used: Mambo, Clarke, Lench