COX HAILS "OUTSTANDING STONES"

Stones manager Sam Cox praised his side’s professionalism, spirit and togetherness after Wealdstone booked their place in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup with a hard fought 1–0 victory over Southend United at The Vale.

A first-half goal from Olufela Olomola proved decisive as Wealdstone produced a mature and disciplined display to overcome their National League rivals in front of a buoyant Grosvenor Vale crowd.

“Amazing. The changing room’s buzzing - the boys thoroughly deserved it,” said Cox after the final whistle. “From start to finish we looked the dominant side. Southend had a spell early on, a few corners in the first ten minutes, but we weathered that storm and managed the game with real control and professionalism.”

Cox made several changes to his starting line-up, introducing Dom Hutchinson and Sak Hassan to add pace and width.

“We wanted to mix it up,” he explained. “We’ve had a few niggles and not the biggest squad, but what we do have is 20 lads full of heart and spirit. Dom and Sak gave us great outlets out wide - Sak especially was excellent in the first half before coming off on a booking.”

The Stones boss also praised Terrell Agyemang, who impressed after returning to the side following a week’s absence.

“He wasn’t even in the squad last week, but messaged me asking when he could come in for extra running. His attitude was first class and it was hard not to play him today. He was outstanding.”

Striker Olufela Olomola grabbed the game’s only goal, his reward for hard work and persistence in recent weeks.

“Fela’s still finding full fitness, but he’s an outstanding human being and a real leader,” said Cox. “He’s worked his socks off in training and I’m so over the moon he got the winner. He deserves it.”

Even after Southend were reduced to ten men, Cox warned his players to stay focused.

“When a team goes down to ten, it can sometimes make it harder - it inspires the opposition to dig in,” he said. “Credit to Southend, they didn’t stop running. But our lads showed real character. The back line was colossal defending set pieces and the subs came on and saw it out superbly.”

Cox admitted to some nervous moments, with several players on yellow cards.

“Yes, I was concerned! Enzio and McAvoy both played nearly the whole game booked. But they managed themselves brilliantly - real maturity.”

Attention now turns to Monday night’s second round draw, with the Stones dreaming of another memorable tie.

“Whoever we get, it’s a fantastic occasion,” Cox said. “You don’t get many chances to reach this stage of the FA Cup. I never did in my playing career, so for the boys to experience it is special. They’ve earned it and I’m buzzing for what’s next.”

Photo: Jon Taffel.