Forest Green Rovers vs Wealdstone | Match Preview

The Stones will finally be back in action on Saturday afternoon after a two-week gap between matches due to poor weather. Sam Cox’s side make the trip to Gloucestershire to face Forest Green Rovers in the FA Trophy.

The Basics

Date: Saturday, January 31

Venue: The New Lawn, Nailsworth, GL6 OFG

Competition: The Isuzu FA Trophy

Kick Off Time: 3:00pm

Broadcast Information: N/A

News From The Vale

As previously mentioned, the Stones’ last two games, against Tamworth and Gateshead, were postponed, but both fixtures have now been rearranged.

Our home game against Tamworth will take place on Tuesday 10th March, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

We will travel to Gateshead on the following Tuesday, 17th March, and the game will also commence at 7:45pm.

Due to a flooded pitch, the Wealdstone Women’s historic first fixture at the Vale had to be relocated, but this did not deter Saj Vigneswaran’s side as they romped to victory against Rose FC!

In what was perhaps the outstanding performance in the game, Bethany Walker scored a brace on her debut for the Stones! Sumaiya Dadabhoy also scored two goals, and Emma O’Hare and Avril Clarke were on the scoresheet.

The side have now won each of their last six games in all competitions!

There has also been another important fixture change during that period, as our game against Solihull Moors at the Vale has been moved to a 12:30pm kick-off, with the day remaining the same (14th March).

Tickets for our next home game, against York City, are available to purchase now. The game will see former Stones manager Stuart Maynard return to the Vale and take up an unfamiliar position in the away dugout. You can buy your tickets here.

Ahead of Wealdstone’s last game, against Woking, the club sent out its first message via its new e-communications platform, StonesShot!

The introductory email was sent to a number of existing fans, but if you did not receive it, or want to know more about the new service click on this link.

The Opposition

Recent form: WWDDL

League Position: 6th

A poor recent run has seen the great entertainers of the early part of the National League season fall away from the title race.

Robbie Savage’s side have dropped down to sixth place in the table and are nine points off league leaders Rochdale. Even more worryingly, the Green have played three games more than the table-toppers.

However, Forest Green have managed to find success in the FA Trophy, beating Weston Super Mare and Ebbsfleet United on their way to the last 16 of the competition. Winning non-league’s premier cup competition may be the only chance that Forest Green have to secure silverware this season.

Previous meetings: The Stones have faced the Green once in the league this season, securing a respectable one-all draw at the Vale.

Sam Cox’s team started brightly, as Micah Obiero latched onto a ball over the top of the Forest Green defence, cut inside and fired a powerful shot wide of the goal.

The visitors grew into the game and opened the scoring in the 24th minute courtesy of Isaac Moore, who produced a beautiful header to guide Jili Buyabu’s shot past Dante Baptiste.

Five minutes into the second half, Temi Babaloa had an excellent chance to double Forest Green’s lead, but Dante Baptiste produced a brilliant save to keep the Stones in the game.

This save proved crucial, as the Stones levelled the scoring on the hour mark. Dom Hutchinson did well to beat his man before delivering a cross into the box, which Obiero bundled in!

Robbie Savage’s team tried hard to score a winning goal in the final 20 minutes, but Baptiste made a string of top saves to secure a point for Wealdstone.

Buy Your Tickets Now!

The Stones are one of just eight National League teams left in the FA Trophy, and have an excellent chance of going deep in the competition if they can get over the line on Saturday.

Your support could be the difference between victory and defeat against Forest Green, so be sure to buy your tickets now! Click HERE