MATCH REPORT | Forest Green Rovers 0-3 Wealdstone

After two weeks out of action due to back-to-back postponed matches, The Stones finally took to the field again and produced a memorable performance to defeat Forest Green Rovers in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Enzio Boldewijn opened the scoring during an impressive first half at the New Lawns Stadium, before Olofela Olomola and Sean Adarkwa secured a famous win.

There was one change to the side that defeated Woking last time out with the unavailable Jack Cook making way for Enzio Boldewijn who took the armband on Saturday.

Wealdstone started positively, moving the ball with intensity and working hard to deny their opponents any space when they lost possession.

Nathan Tshikuna fired the first warning shot after he was picked out by Dominic Hutchinson in the third minute, but his first time effort was closed down by the hosts and blocked.

Olofela Olomola drew the first save of the game just moments after when he found space on the edge of the area. A comfortable save for the Rovers keeper but an indication of the pressure that The Stones were beginning to put their hosts under.

In the nineteenth minute under more Wealdstone pressure, the Forest Green Rovers goalkeeper fell to the floor under a high ball after a Stones corner. This forced the referee to stop the game and allow Robbie Savage to call his team over for an unofficial timeout as he attempted to alter the flow of the game. 

The team talk appeared to have little affect however, as The Stones proceeded to win another corner just three minutes later.  Nathan Tshikuna delivered a perfect cross and Enzio Boldewijn rose at the back post to open the scoring.  

Just five minutes later, it should have been 2-0.  Wealdstone broke up the pitch with a swift counterattack before Nathan Tshiuna opted to square the ball to Dylan Kadji only for the midfielder to scoop his effort over an open goal.

The hosts eventually began to create chances themselves when Temi Babalola was played in behind the Wealdstone defence, but Dante Baptiste showed sharp reflexes to preserve the Wealdstone lead.

Baptiste was called upon again moments before half time when Gabe Kirkough rose highest at a corner for the hosts. Baptiste produced a spectacular save to tip the ball over the bar.

HALF TIME: FOREST GREEN ROVERS 0-1 WEALDSTONE

Shortly after the restart, Wealdstone survived a scare when Jili Buyaba found the back of the net from a Jay Mengi cross, only for the linesman to raise his flag for offside.

Forest Green Rovers continued to try and pull themselves level. Jayden Clarke was introduced at the break and tried an effort from long range, but pulled the shot wide of the post.

Babalola was then picked out with a good cross but couldn’t direct his header on target.

Wealdstone weathered this brief storm before going up the other end and doubling their lead.  Olufela Olomola reacted first in the box to toe-poke a loose ball into the back of the net.

The Stones continued to frustrate their hosts, limiting them to long range attempts. The best of which came from Kyle McAllister who’s driving effort drew another good save from Dante Baptiste.

Tre Pemberton then got onto the end of a ball over the top of the Wealdstone defence but he couldn’t sort his feet out and Baptiste came out to smother his eventual effort.

Wealdstone then sealed the win, racing away on another counter-attack finished off by Sean Adarkwa.  An important goal for the big striker on his return from a long-term injury.

The referee then blew the full-time whistle, confirming Wealdstone’s place in the Isuzu FA Trophy quarter final.