Wilkinson gets one over his former employers

Another 1-0 defeat, this one the cruellest after a spirited game with few goal-scoring chances to either side, came with a penalty 2 minutes into injury time, robbing us of a point and denying a large band of our supporters of the reward their loyalty had earned.

The game had added spice due to the fact that the entire management team and three players in the Wealdstone squad had started the season at Bulpit Lane, but this was all forgotten once the game had kicked off and the match was played in a good spirit.

Ian Herring had the first real attempt, but his shot glanced off a Wealdstone defender and was easily saved, while Marcus Beauchamp, in for the departed Lewis Ward, handled the ball confidently and showed all the good form he had promised in his earlier appearances. A long ball from James Clark was too far ahead of our forwards to present any danger, whilst Jonathan North saved well from Soares..

Halftime came without a goal looking likely to either side, but we were well-satisfied by the first-half display, and Alex Wall soon fired over the bar from a free kick before being replaced by Luke Hopper. Bobby Wilkinson sent on all three subs at once, but there was little change in the balance of play as the two sides cancelled each other out, although Diak John appeared to be fouled by Harry Goodger as he chased the ball down the wing, but the free-kick went Wealdstone’s way with John receiving a yellow card for good measure.

There had been several stoppages and it was no surprise when 5-minute injury time was signalled, before the crucial goal came two minutes into the added time, when a Wealdstone forward went down in the penalty area to earn his side a penalty which was dispatched by Abobaker Eisa, who, ironically had earlier been booked for diving.

It was a sad end for us all, and with Truro and Chelmsford matches coming up shortly, we have some tough times ahead, especially with the recent departures, but recent signings, Alex Wall, Anton Rogers, and Darnell Smith and the undiminished spirit of management, players, and supporters we can face future battles with confidence.

Team; Marcus Beauchamp, Rhys Tyler, Diak John, Ian Herring, Darnell Smith, Louie Soares, James Clark,Anton Rogers(Richie Whittingham)Alex Wall(Luke Hopper),Nicholas Bgnall(Jamal Lawrence)Paul Stonehouse