Wealdstone 0 – 2 Hemel Hempstead Town
Wealdstone0 - 2
Hemel Hempstead TownThere was very little to report on this performance.
There was no spirit and very little passion as Stones failed to compete in most areas against a Hemel side that themselves looked jaded, at least until they were given a goal on 45 minutes, when Carter and Fisher failed to clear their lines and Lawford poked the ball home.
Unfortunate, yes, but when you realise it came from a Wealdstone corner where after five touches, they had failed to put the ball into the Hemel box, it became embarrassing.
Three changes at half time told the story of the management’s thoughts on the first half, but the second was little better. Andy Carter conceded a penalty on 54 minutes, which thankfully Lawford shot onto a post before another forward blasted the ball high and wide from the rebound, but instead of this lifting Stones, the performance remained flat and uninspired
Hemel’s second came when Fergus Moore had a free header, unmarked at a corner and it really was the last action of the game on 62 minutes.
It was far from the send off that the walkers (me included!) wanted as they set off for Oxford – in fact if the team showed the same care and passion for the club as the supporters, there could be no complaints. On this performance there are a number of players that really should take a look at themselves. The ability is not lacking, the passion and a will to compete certainly is in all but a few.
Bright spots? Matt Carvell and sub Robin Tucker, both playing there way back from injury can at least sleep easy tonight and a few of the faces in the bar after the match at least showed that some of the other players cared enough to want to put it right…
Wealdstone:Andy Carter (b54), James Fisher (s45 Danny White b84), Rob Courtnage (s45 Robin Tucker), Mark Burgess, Matt Carvell, Dave Ryan (b41), Lee Gardener (s45 Jason Shaw), Tommy Williams, Richard Jolly, Mick Swaysland, Danny Tilbury, Subs not used: Jermaine Beckford, Andy Myhill