Leyton 4 – 0 Wealdstone
Leyton
4 - 0
WealdstoneI’m really struggling here as there was so little of note in this match!
Stones started well, but lost Robin Tucker to injury after 12 minutes and never really regained their composure in what must go down as one of the least cohesive performances of the season.
Leyton offered little other than solid defending in numbers when required and long ball’s forward to their front line who made the most of their advantage with speed.
Yet Wealdstone managed to have a hand in all four Leyton goals. The first on 31 minutes when Williams collected the ball wide left, some 12 yards outside the penalty box, and he then seemed to stroll past three challenges before dummying Andy Carter in a one on one to open the scoring.
Just before half time, Gary Burrell conceded a corner which was somewhat unnecessary as the Leyton forward chasing the ball could only swing a foot at it. Lo and behold an unmarked Bajeda at the far post to head home for number 2.
The second half followed a similar patter, then on 61 minutes Ryan’s half clearance fell to Hawes who made it 3-0 and five minutes later another failed clearance allowed Williams to square to the grateful Bajeda who scored number 4.
When Wealdstone did get forward, it was Ryan on three occasions that came closest to scoring, once with a shot and twice with looping headers just over the bar, but much as the score line flattered Leyton, it would have been an injustice if Wealdstone had scored.
Harrow Times – Steve Spaull
WHAT a depressing and weak surrender this was. Apart from the opening minutes where Richard Jolly’s header had to be dealt with and Gary McKeown sent a fizzing 20 yard shot just past the post, the Stones attack was almost toothless; certainly the game was long gone before a late flurry made home keeper Hasell do some work.
It was a very flat afternoon if you were a Wealdstone supporter. It seemed as if defender Robin Tucker hobbling off with a hamstring injury after 15 minutes was the signal for surrender. Once the gates had been breached with the first Leyton goal fifteen minutes later, all heart seemed to go from the side, especially the defence.
Even the usually dependable Dave Ryan cannot be excused criticism.
Three of the four goals came from defensive hesitation and the failure to take charge of the situation.
With the ball lost in a tackle 30 yards out, a quick pass put Williams away on his own to round Andy Carter and score the first.
The second, scored by Bajada just before half-time, was a far post header from a right wing corner, but where was the marking and where was the challenge?
Nothing much changed after the break. On 65 minutes, a Wealdstone stumble gave possession away and Williams was clear again, this time squaring for Hawes to score the simplest of tap-ins.
Ten minutes later more hesitation allowed Bajada to score his second. The same player had two more chances to score his hat-trick, one wide and one saved, before Stones applied some late pressure. Hasell saved from Ryan and Jolly went close.
Stones’ defensive problems continue and only one side in the division has now conceded more goals. With many teams on a similar points tally, victories against the mid-table outfits are essential to ensure Stones’ survival.
To lose at high-flying Leyton was no surprise, but the manner of the defeat sets alarm bells ringing.
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