COX PRAISES RESILIENCE AND BELIEF

Wealdstone came away from Damson Park with a valuable point on Saturday afternoon, drawing 1–1 with Solihull Moors in a performance that manager Sam Cox described as “dominant for large spells” and “a testament to how far this group has come.”

The Stones had to come from behind once again but showed character, control and attacking intent throughout to extend their impressive run to one defeat in eleven ahead of next weekend’s Emirates FA Cup second-round trip to Grimsby Town.

Cox felt his side were excellent for the opening period and deserved to be ahead before Solihull took the lead.

“For 70 minutes we dominated the game,” he reflected. “We should probably have been ahead at half-time. Their main threat came from long passes and runs in behind and that’s where their goal came from.”

The Stones boss admitted he was informed the Solihull goal may have involved both an offside and a foul on Jack Cook, but chose to focus on his team’s overall display.

“Across the majority of the game we implemented our style, played into the final third and went after outcomes. The boys were disappointed because they felt we deserved more, which shows where we are as a group.”

The equaliser came through a thunderous finish from Omar Musa, who reacted superbly to a second-phase ball after a set piece.

“We speak all the time about causing chaos from set pieces,” Cox explained. “The percentage of goals scored from second phases is much higher and Omar’s strike was fantastic. It got us back in the game at a crucial moment.”

The Stones continued to push, with chances at both ends in a contest that could have swung either way. Goalkeeper Dante Baptiste again played a vital role, making two outstanding saves in the second half to preserve the point.

Cox praised the performances of his attacking players, including Fela Olomola, Micah Obiero, Dom Hutchinson, Nathan Tshikuna and Enzio Boldewijn, as well as substitutes Sak Hassan and Daniel Nkrumah.

There was a moment of frustration late on when Olomola felt he could have been played in, but Cox sees that as a positive trait.

“Forwards want to score goals, that’s natural,” he said. “Tish went for it and on another day maybe slides in Fela. Those are the fine details we keep working on, but I can’t fault their endeavour or how they applied the game plan.”

He also highlighted the form of Dominic Hutchinson, who has become a key figure both in and out of possession.

“Dom brings real energy and enthusiasm. He’s a threat going forward but also fantastic at dropping into the back line and helping us defensively. He’s earned his place.”

Attention now turns to a huge week of preparation for the FA Cup second-round trip to Grimsby Town, where Wealdstone will be backed by a large and vocal away following.

“Of course we believe,” Cox said. “The fans are travelling in numbers and the staff and players all feel we can do something special.”

With confidence high and momentum building, Cox insists the Stones will head to Blundell Park with ambition and nothing to fear.

“It’s the magic of the FA Cup, anything is possible. This group has real positives about it, and we’ll go there to try our best to get a result and put ourselves in the hat for the third round.”