Wealdstone 2 -1 Worthing

Wealdstone

2 - 1

Worthing

KO: 0:00 | Sat 20th Aug ’05

Stones brave new era got off to the best possible start with a solid win over highly rated Worthing. The 2-1 score line must have flattered Worthing, who in my opinion were generally outplayed by a hardworking and organised Stones outfit.

The first 10 minutes belonged to Worthing. However, they never really tested keeper Ling in goal and slowly but surely, Stones begun to pass the ball around. Harris should have headed Stones into the lead on 15 minutes, but his header flashed inches wide. Jolly was put through from a quick free kick, but his tame shot went straight to their keeper. Two almost  penalty appeals were turned down before the referee finally pointed to the spot and Jermaine converted with ease to put the Stones 1 up.

Stones were beginning to play some good football and Dean Harding was making some excellent attacking runs down the right, of which one of these came within inches of being buried by Jolly. Worthing didn’t seem to have much idea up front, and most of their long balls were meat and drink to Stones new keeper Russell Ling.

Second half started with Stones in control. An excellent cross from Harding saw Adolphe inches from connecting and soon afterwards Jermaine waltzed through, but his shot was charged down.

However, a poor mistake from their keeper saw Jolly get a toe end on the ball and it trickled over the line to put Stones 2 up. We began to dominate and should have gone 3 up, but with the keeper stranded, Jermaine fired wide from the edge of the box. Worthing began to kick lumps out of our players and on 80 minutes, the referee showed their captain the red card having kicked Jermaine off the ball. Jermaine was substituted as he was getting very frustrated at the treatment he was getting.

A late, late strike from Worthing gave the score line an unbalanced look, but victory was well deserved from this new look Stones side. Team

Wealdstone:: Russell Ling, Dean Harding, Gary Burrell, Ryan Harris, Liam Baptsite, Andy Keepence, Paul Adolphe, Paul Burton, Jermaine Beckford, Richard Jolly, Carl Ashton subs used: Dave Norman, Marvin Walker Subs not used: Josh Cooper, Lee Chappell, Phil Turner.

Report by Adam Williams