MATCH REPORT | CARLISLE UTD 2-0 WEALDSTONE

Sam Cox called for the Stones to put in a “rugged performance” before facing Carlisle Utd on Saturday afternoon at Brunton Park. His team responded with a stubborn effort that frustrated their hosts for large spells of the game, before ultimately being defeated by a two-goal margin.

The Stones went into the match on a run of seven league games without a victory but knew it would be a difficult task if they were to end that run in Cumbria, where Mark Hughes’ side hoped to top the table by taking the points themselves.

The manager made one change from the Stone’s 4-1 defeat to Aldershot Town on Tuesday night, with Dominic Hutchinson replacing Sak Hassan.

Wealdstone adopted a more solid shape than in recent weeks, challenging the hosts to try and break them down which led to an opening twenty minutes with very few chances for either side.

The potential league leaders gradually began to threaten, creating the first real chance of the match as the Stones struggled to clear a corner before the ball fell to Regan Linney who dragged his effort past the post.

Dante Baptiste was then called into action and produced an excellent save to deny Josh Williams, who had struck a powerful effort towards the top corner from the edge of the area.

Wealdstone’s resistance was eventually breached in the 25th minute by Luke Armstrong, as he controlled a chipped pass inside the penalty area before finishing past Baptiste.

Wealdstone responded well and nearly found a way back into the game as slack play crept into the United performance.

Micah Obiero pounced on a loose ball and raced through on goal before opting for an early shot, but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper.

This jolted the hosts back into life just before the interval, with Regan Linney firing across the face of goal from a tight angle at the end of the first half.

HALF TIME: Carlisle United 1-0 Wealdstone

The Stones remained competitive after the restart and worked hard to keep themselves in contention, having some promising spells of possession in the opposition half.

Despite this, the hosts doubled their lead just after the hour mark. From a corner, Aaron Hayden reacted quickest at close range to turn the ball home.

Wealdstone continued to battle and created some half chances for a consolation goal.  Nathan Tshikuna combined well with Olofela Olomola on the edge of the area but blasted his effort over the bar. Carlisle Utd managed the latter stages well as the game drew to a close.

FULL TIME: Carlisle United 2-0 Wealdstone

The Stones will now look ahead to the FA Trophy Fourth Round fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday 10^th January as they aim for a second cup run of the season to regain some momentum for the latter half of the campaign. Buy tickets HERE!

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Cook, Mussa (Turner 81), Woodman, Boldewijn, Obiero (Olomola 81), Hutchinson (Hassan 70), Tshikuna, McAvoy, Agyemang, Tiensia

Unused subs: Johnson, Kadji, Diarra, Nkrumah