Wealdstone 2 -0 Brentford B
Wealdstone2 - 0
BrentfordWealdstone hosted Brentford B at the Vale on Saturday afternoon, in their final pre-season friendly before next week’s season opener against Dartford.
A brace from in-form forward Ross Lafayette secured a comfortable win for the Stones, against a compact and dynamic Brentford B side.
The match started in a cagey and competitive manner, with both sides pressing aggressively, as they tried to establish some early momentum.
As the half progressed, the Stones began to find more impetus; edging the battle for possession. They also were able to galvanise a few half-chances through some cohesive attacking spells of play.
Influential midfielder Danny Green proved to be the home side’s main attacking threat in the first half; producing two goal bound strikes in the 12th and 15th minute, respectively. However, the Bee’s goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd was equal to both efforts.
In the 32nd minute, Wealdstone broke the deadlock through a quick counter attack. Goalkeeper Joe Ringer struck an excellent clearance to Green, who brought down the ball in fine fashion, playing through Lafayette.
The striker strode into the box to fire clinically across Shepperd into the bottom corner, allowing the Stones to take a first half lead.
The second half commenced in a brighter style, as Wealdstone began to dictate play, adopting a more direct attacking approach; with Green, Billy Clifford, and Lafayette demonstrating their creative flair.
Wealdstone came close to doubling their lead in the 63rd minute, as an error from the Bee’s defender Kane O’Connor presented Sanchez Watt with the ball on the edge-of-the-box. Sanchez Watt threaded the ball through to Lafayette, whole stole a yard, but his effort flew just wide of the post.
Three minutes later, the Stones came close to extending their lead further, as Lafayette produced a fantastic flick-on for Clifford; with his lofted effort being well-saved by the Bee’s substitute goalkeeper, Simon Andersson.
As the Stones continued to dominate play, they were duly rewarded in the 84th minute, as Lafayette completed his second brace for Wealdstone this pre-season.
Excellent pace from Dennon Lewis on the left-wing enabled him to beat his defender and square a perfect cross for Lafayette, who reacted quickest to convert past Andersson and seal the win for the Stones.
The Stones begin their 2019/20 National League South campaign at The Vale on Saturday 3rd August against Dartford, kick-off is 3pm.
Wealdstone: Ringer, Arnold, Efete, Clifford (Lewis, 74), Stevens, Okimo, Phillips, Smith, Lafayette (Richards, 87), Green (Trialist, 78), Watt (Mendy, 67). Subs not used: Paterson, Sheppard, Coker, Sellers, Saunders, Cook.
Report by Nicole Cho-Yee
Match Photos by Dan Finill are available HERE