Yeading 2 – 1 Wealdstone

LOSING to the league leaders is no disgrace, but the manner of this defeat will have frustrated and annoyed all of those connected with Wealdstone.

For almost an hour this game was like a chess match and opportunities to score were very rare. Richard Morton failed when faced only with Yeading keeper Preddie in the first minute, and the home side were limited to just two attempts at Andy Carter’s goal. Campbell fired wide after a 40-yard run while Brown was also off target when well placed.

Although chances were few, a draw looked within Wealdstone’s reach as the defence was performing well for the first time in ages.

However, the order of things began to alter early in the second half.

Richard Jolly fired wide, then Yeading’s Newby was sent off following a horrid attempt at a tackle on Gary Burrell. Jermaine Beckford came on for Ben Alexander and within a minute had provided the cross from which Jolly’s shot smacked against the crossbar.

Suddenly there was a game on, and Carter saved full length to keep out an effort from Protain.

Unfortunately hero turned villain moments later as the keeper came for a cross and failed to make it. Former Stone Marvin Morgan headed into an unguarded net.

Enraged by this, and with the benefit of the extra man, Wealdstone pushed forward with purpose for the first time. Beckford headed wide, Burrell provided the perfect ball across goal that Paul Coyne was inches from getting a touch to, and Gary McKeown fired over.But the composure in defence had gone too and following a lengthy run straight at the heart of it, Brown’s slight mishit was enough to give Yeading a second goal ten minutes from time.

After a similar run Telemaque should have made it three but eventually shot wide.

The Wealdstone goal came in the last minute. Following a corner, Dave Ryan forced the ball through a crowd of bodies, prompting hopes of another two-goal comeback. However, it was not to be.

Harrow Times – Steve Paull