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Wealdstone Preview

Wealdstone Preview

Matt Robinson9 Nov 2017 - 21:29
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It's been tagged as one of the games of the weekend!!

Wealdstone have become somewhat of a spectacle since the rise of the Wealdstone Raider, who famously asked a travelling fan "Do you want sum?", but even more so, since offering former Hungerford Manager Bobby Wilkinson the managerial role earlier in the season.

The former Hungerford Manager swopped "little old Hungerford" for the ambitious Wealdstone, after Chairman, Peter Marsden pulled him in with a significant playing budget and his ambition for promotion.

Wilkinson immediately took both Matty Day and Luke Williams after they requested to cancel their contracts to seek football elsewhere, Stephane Ngamvolou then followed 7 days later after an official approach.

Wilkinson has since added pacy winger Alan O'Brien and powerful centre forward Harry Goodger both again have that Hungerford connection, Defenders Olomwewe, Wilson and forwards Tiryaki and Aldershot loanee Shaun Okojie. It is certainly a new look squad and Wilkinson has only lost 2 games in 11 since joining the side, winning National League Manager of the Month for October, something he narrowly missed out on at Bulpit Lane.

Another win for Wealdstone will put them in contention for the play offs and will be the priority for Wilkinson.

Hungerford go into the tie on Saturday with a number of injuries and with the loss of loanee Goalkeeper Lewis Ward this week who was recalled back to Reading will be a big loss.

Boardman & Herring will be keen to get three points, with Boardman quoting "We need a win regardless of who we are playing, our approach will be the same as always”

The atmosphere is expected to be fiery with a big crowd and it will be a tough game for the Crusaders who are struggling to find their form currently. Two 1-0 back to back home losses, with Wilkinson in attendance for the last against Havant & Waterlooville won't have given much away in terms of how the Crusaders will line-up. Joint Managers Herring and Boardman will be looking to add a Central Defender to the squad after losing James Rusby to injury on Saturday.

Wealdstone had the weekend off, allowing The management to return to Bulpit Lane on Saturday to scout the Crusaders, they were in county cup action on Tuesday night winning 3-0 against Hayes & Yeading fielding a strong side, but saw Alan O'Brien limp off in injury time with a hamstring injury. Wilkinson seems to have turned the Wealdstone fans around with recent victories, after an onslaught of abuse with early losses to Weston Super Mare and an early exit from lower league opposition in the FA Cup. But Wilkinson has silenced any critics with 4 back to back home victories recently also beating high flying Truro City 2-1.

One thing is for sure, The Crusaders need a win and it will be a big morale boost to get three points versus Wilkinson's new look side.

There is lots of support for this game and the club are taking a packed 62 seater coach to Wealdstone leaving Bulpit Lane at 11:00am. Come along a support the boys to a much needed win!

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