Banstead Athletic 2 – 3 Wealdstone
Banstead Athletic
1R2 - 3
WealdstoneA strange game played in a strange atmosphere – I walked round the ground just after kick off and there can only have been twenty Banstead fans there – and the constant drizzle, smoke from a nearby bonfire and general haze didn’t help!.
For the first forty five minutes, nor did the football. Stones started brightest as you may expect and really should have made more of their possession in the first twenty minutes, the only effort requiring a save, a header from Ben Alexander, while at the other end, Banstead failed to hit the target from a couple of attempts and a free header from a corner.
It was generally uninspiring stuff, and despite efforts from both sides as the half drew to a close 0-0 was about right although Andy Carter was forced into one outstanding save late on, pushing the ball beyond the post. The second half saw Williams on for Michnowicz and this seemed to give Stones a little more purpose, and Jones in particular more freedom.
He was involved in the move that led to Wealdstone’s first goal on 50 minutes, when Jolly finished the move from close in, as Stones forced the home side back with some neat football. A corner ten minutes later brought Stones’ second, Ryan heading home at the far post, and it seemed that there was only one possible outcome, despite the spirit of the home side.
Alexander seemed to have sealed the win on 76 minutes, Jolly broke through and the home goalkeeper could only parry his effort into the path of Alexander who scored from 10 yards. Stones then seemed to take their foot off the gas a little, allowing Banstead more time and space.
It had no effect until the 87th minute when John collected the ball and his swift turn and sharp shot gave Banstead a consolation. Except Banstead didn’t see it that way, and forcing Stones back they scored a second on 90 minutes.
Thankfully, with Stones in some disarray, there was not enough time for them to force a third and the draw…
Harrow Times Steve Paull
Banstead Athletic 2 Wealdstone 3
AS Wealdstone defeated Banstead in this FA Trophy tie they showed precisely the footballing highs and lows they have been capable of this season.
Wealdstone dominated an incredibly poor first half but had nothing to show for their endeavour. Ben Alexander, now starting in place of the departed Marvin Morgan, had three opportunities, the best of which was acrobatically tipped over the bar by Borg. Richard Jolly also brought out a good save from the home keeper.
Only their own errors in defence caused Stones any problems. although the home side’s skilful midfielder Beale had to be kept in check at all times. One of his runs, beating six players, led to a shot over Andy Carter’s bar and the first attack of note from the home side.
The second, from a corner just before half-time, brought out a superb lowdown diving save from Carter from John’s header.
For thirty minutes of the second half Wealdstone were at their very best and scored three times.
With the half five minutes old Brian Jones’s pass freed Jason Shaw on the right. A cross, low to the near post, was only part cleared and Jolly had time to compose himself for a moment before scoring competently.
Martin Carter and Alexander both planted headers against the bar in a matter of seconds following a corner, then Borg saved a deflected attempt at intercepting a cross by Finnie at full stretch.
Dave Ryan scored the second on the hour with a far post header from a corner, then, moments after Borg’s diving stop had kept out a Martin Carter free kick, Alexander scored the third.
Jolly. faced with only Borg, saw his shot hit the keeper but Alexander was on hand to coolly guide the ball in.
With the game seeming to be over now Wealdstone made changes and appeared to relax. This led to Banstead scoring twice in quick succession and almost to the embarrassment of a replay. Carter tipped over a 25 yarder from John as the game started its final fifteen minutes and, moments later, the keeper misjudged a freakishly bouncing ball and Beard put it over an empty goal.
Fortunately the two Banstead goals, from John and Huckle, both as a result of poor marking, came within the last five minutes of actual play to keep the Wealdstone victory secure.
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