Wealdstone 1 – 0 Crawley Town

Wealdstone

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Crawley Town

KO: 19:30 | Tue 23rd Jul ’24

Wealdstone secured their second victory of pre-season with an excellent 1-0 win against EFL League One side, Crawley Town.

A second half goal from Dom Hutchinson proved to be decisive as the Stones put in an accomplished and confident performance to defeat their higher league counterparts.

Matty Taylor continued to experiment with the starting line-up during preseason, making several changes to the side that beat Millwall U21s on Saturday.

The Reds generated the first chance of the match as Ade Adeyemo dragged his shot wide of the target in the 12th minute.

Former Red, Sam Ashford, nearly sent the Stones into the lead when he was put through on goal in the 26th minute, but Crawley Town shot-stopper, Joe Wollacott, was equal to his effort.

With seven minutes remaining in the first half, the visitors galvanised an opportunity to score as Ronan Darcy crossed a teasing ball into the box; however, Archie Matthews was quick off of his line to thwart the danger.

In the 57th minute, the Reds came close to breaking the deadlock through Rushian Hepburn-Murphy’s strike, but his effort was vitally blocked to safety.

Taylor’s men began a solid spell of attacking play, with excellent work from Enzio Boldewijin on the right flank to tee-up Ashford, whose drilled shot was well-saved by Wollacott.

The Stones nearly assumed the initiative in the 68th minute when substitute Brandon Mason surged forward and delivered a pinpoint cross to Ashford, who flicked a header goal-bound, which flew agonisingly over the crossbar.

Four minutes after his introduction, the lively Hutchinson pounced in the box on the 76th minute mark to clinically fire home and edge Wealdstone into a deserved lead.

The Stones held onto their advantage for the remainder of match, sealing a confidence-boosting victory against strong opposition.

Wealdstone return to preseason action this Saturday 27th July when they entertain MK Dons at Grosvenor Vale, in a 3pm kick-off.

WEALDSTONE XI: Matthews (GK), Barrett, Cook (Woodman 67′), Mariappa, Trialist A (Mason 67′), Trialist B (Simmons 67′), Eastmond (Dyer 80′), Boldewijn (Cesay 72′), Kretzschmar (Obiero 72′), Ashford (Hutchinson 72′), Adarkwa (Trialist C 67′).

Match Report: Nicole Cho-Yee

Matt Taylor post match Interview HERE

Jon Taffel Match Pics HERE

	Crawley Town Website Match Report