Report – Wealdstone 1 – 1 Concord Rangers 1

August 31, 2018 ⋅ 2018-19
WealdstoneWealdstone
Vanarama National League South

1 - 1

ConcordConcord Rangers
KO: 15:00 | Sat 25th Aug ’18
Match Sponsor(s): (1) 'In Memory of John O’Connor'

Wealdstone and Concord played out an absorbing and highly entertaining draw to keep both sides’ early season momentum going at The Vale on Saturday.

In-form and second-in-the table Concord began the encounter well on top, pegging the home team into their own half. Despite their early dominance they couldn’t capitalise, failing to create anything from a considerable number of early corners. Bradley Bubb did have a half chance early on but couldn’t connect with David Pratt’s pass.

Wealdstone were then almost undone by a smart quick free kick, the experienced Alex Wall had his shot brilliantly palmed away by Stones stalwart gloveman Jonathan North, making his 350th appearance for the home side.

But Stones hit back and scored against the run of overall play, an excellent counter attack ending up at Danny Green’s feet, before he cleverly rifled home in the top corner

The tide of the match then swayed towards the resurgent home side, with tricky winger Jeffrey Monakana providing a real threat down the left.  However, they too conceded when on top, a brilliant volley from Alex Wall on the edge of the box that flew into the bottom corner, following a knock down from Jack Midson.

The second half was a much more tense affair, as neither side carved out many opportunities. Wealdstone did however have an effort cleared off the line. A curling cross found Bradley Bubb in the 6 yard box who seemed to have headed past Sam Beasant, only for Tyrone Sterling to clear.

The remainder of the match was somewhat scrappy but just as competitive, with a handful of yellows handed out to each side. The away keeper made an important late save, ensuring both teams came away with a valuable and hard won point, Concord maintaining their unbeaten start to the season with Wealdstone handily placed in 5th position in the National League South table and preserving their unbeaten home record.

Stones now travel to Oxford City on Bank Holiday Monday in search of more league points.

WEALDSTONE (4-4-2): North , Tyler , Grant , Okimo ,  Mambo , Poku , Monakana  (Mitchell 62,), Ahmidi  (Lench 83, ), Pratt , Green , Bubb  (Hudson-Odoi 62,) Unused Subs: Wilson, White

Pics by Geoff Smith here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/156680995@N07/albums/72157672622229238