Banstead Athletic 2 – 3 Wealdstone

January 21, 2020 ⋅ 2004-05
BansteadBanstead Athletic
FA Trophy1R

2 - 3

WealdstoneWealdstone
KO: 0:00 | Sat 6th Nov ’04

A 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…