Aveley 1 – 2 Wealdstone
Aveley1 - 2
WealdstoneAfter a days rain, both sides took a time to get used to the speed the ball came of the surface and the opening exchanges were scrappy with the home side having more possession without threatening, but as the half progressed, Stones got more into their stride and took a little more control of the game.
The first goal though, came from an Aveley corner. A long clearance found Marvin Morgan who slotted the ball onto Mickie Swaysland, his first time pass was sent through the defence and Ty Hercules running on beat his man to the ball, he controlled in his stride and hit a low shot from the edge of the box to give Wealdstone the lead on 26 minutes.
The remainder of the half was scrappy to say the least, the only ‘highlights’ being a long cross from the home side which came back of the crossbar and a scuffle eventually involving some 14 players. Marvin Morgan beat three strong challenges before finally losing possession, won back by Rob Courtnage, and then among two more heavy challenges, a scuffle broke out in front of the referee.
The players were separated and the referee called both assistants across to him, only to award the home side a free kick – not a word was spoken to any player, yet barely a minute later, rob Courtnage won the ball in another strong challenge and was immediately booked, but thankfully the half time whistle allowed both sides to settle down.
The second half started with Stones extending their lead, as a long clearance from Dave Ryan bounced on the edge of the home goal area. With the home keeper running out to meet the ball, Mickie Swaysland won the race and got there first, sneaking a header past the stranded custodian to make the score 2 – 0.
Aveley continued to battle and a good cross and header saw them again foiled by the woodwork, while stones worked hard but failed to create any real chances.
On 70 minutes Danny Tilbury was adjudged to have fouled a home player and argued with the referee who sent him away. Tilbury though continued to argue and received his second yellow card, immediately followed by a red on 70 minutes, as the rain poured down.
This gave the impetus to Aveley, but although they threatened, they didn’t trouble the Stones goal until the 86th minute. A long free kick was headed home by sub Mosley to give the home side yet more hope and they certainly finished the stronger.
well into injury time, Beckford found Mapes in the home penalty area but he was dispossessed by the goalkeeper as he tried to walk the ball in for Stones third. Immediately from the long kick, Stones defence pushed out to far and left Blunden with only Andy Carter to beat but his brave dive at the forwards feet was enough to preserve Stones lead and win the points.
Wealdstone:Andy Carter, James Fisher, Rob Courtnage (b44), Dave Ryan, Matt Carvell, Tyronne Hercules (23), Martin Carter, Jason Shaw, Mick Swaysland (47, s85 Charlie Mapes), Marvin Morgan (s80 Jermaine Beckford) , Danny Tilbury (b38, s/o 70) Subs not used: Billy Amarteifio, Fred Cummins