Wealdstone 2 – 1 Uxbridge
Wealdstone2 - 1
UxbridgeUxbridge had the worst possible start to this match when their goalkeeper, Nore Gabbidon was held up in traffic, the match starting with Gavin Bamford in goal and John Swift in midfield.
Stones had a couple of long range efforts early on, putting the keeper under pressure, and they got the breakthrough after 11 minutes.
Marvin Morgan broke down the left flank, and beating his defender for pace drilled a low cross into the six yard box where Stuart Bamford could only steer the ball past his own goalkeeper to give the home side the lead.
Uxbridge immediately brought on their goalkeeper, but it was Stones who stayed on top of the match throughout the first half, although they struggled to break down a solid defence and chances were few and far between. Uxbridge were also pegged back, limited to a couple of long shots as they sought an equaliser.
The second half followed a similar pattern, Stones best effort from a Rob Courtnage free kick which struck the bar just after the hour, but the flow of the game was disrupted by the officials who for a period in the second half seemed intent on booking as many as possible for what seemed from the sidelines to be fairly innocuous challenges.
One of these on 73 minutes brought Stones second goal when Walters fouled Morgan on the edge of the box. He was booked and substituted as Charlie Mapes curled a free kick round the wall and into the far corner to give Stones a 2-0 lead.
Ten minutes later Uxbridge pulled a goal back when Gill stabbed home after a scramble in the six yard box, but Stones were not really threatened, and they maintained their momentum to win 2 – 1. The final action came as the referee blew for full time when Gavin Bamford appeared to head butt Rob Courtnage (after the whistle) which incensed the Stones fans and players alike. As he left the field the assistant spoke to the referee and he was called back and sent off.
Wealdstone: Andy Carter, Danny White, Rob Courtnage, Robin Tucker (Capt), Matt Carvell, Billy Amarteifio, Charlie Mapes (73), Jason Shaw, Mickie Swaysland Marvin Morgan (b58, s73 Jermaine Beckford (b80)), Danny Tilbury Subs Not Used: David Godfrey, Tyronne Hercules, James Fisher