MATCH REPORT | Wealdstone 3-2 Weymouth

Wealdstone came from behind to defeat relegation threatened Weymouth at The Vale, and edge even closer towards guaranteeing National League football for next season.

A first half goal from Brad Ash put the Terras ahead, but a second brace from in-form Rhys Browne ensured that the Stones snatched all three points in the fight for survival, with captain Josh McQuoid’s late goal proving consolatory.

Stuart Maynard made one change to the side that convincingly beat Maidenhead in style on Tuesday evening, with top goalscorer Josh Umerah returning to the starting line-up for Wealdstone.

The Stones were off to a bright start - within four minutes of kick off, Jerome Okimo found the dangerous Browne, with only the crossbar denying the forward’s powerful strike from nestling in the back of the net.

On the 15th minute mark, the visitors came close to scoring themselves, as midfielder Sean Shields’ effort was diverted just wide of George Wickens’ post.

A lacklustre first half performance from both sides saw neither team gather any rhythm or momentum as they failed to move out of first gear.

Nevertheless, Weymouth broke the deadlock one minute into stoppage time; Jack Cook failed to clear his lines, resulting in Ash curling a shot from inside the box, over Wickens, into the top corner.

The Stones responded well, nearly levelling within four minutes of the restart as Okimo’s shot from the edge of the box looked to be heading into the bottom corner, but Haji Mnoga’s vital deflection sent the ball just wide.

In the 51st minute, skipper Okimo turned creator, finding Browne with a low cross for the striker to coolly fire home past Ross Fitzsimons into the far corner and send his team into the lead.

The hosts extended their lead three minutes later with a quick-fire second, as Aaron Henry’s free kick was fired home from close range at the far post by Cook; atoning for his first-half error and bagging his third goal of the season in the process.

A quarter of an hour from time, David Oldfield’s team looked to be consigned to their four straight defeat when Browne notched his second goal of the match, poking Umerah’s volley past Fitzsimons at the near post, from Henry’s whipped corner.

However, five minutes from time, Weymouth’s’ substitutes Tom Blair and Brandon Goodship linked up, with the latter cutting inside and crossing to McQuoid to slot past Wickens and set up a tense finale.

Despite five additional minutes added, the Stones held firm to thwart the late rally from the Terras, with Okimo marshalling his defence resolutely until the final whistle.

Wealdstone return to action next Saturday 19th March when they travel to Edgeley Park to face Stockport County, in a 3pm kick-off.

WEALDSTONE: Wickens, McAvoy, Cook, Okimo (c), Mundle-Smith, Henry, Ferguson, Cooper (Elito 74), Clayden, Browne, Umerah (Dyer 82).

Subs not used: Sesay, Jackson, Mascoll.

Attendance: 1,003

Report by Nicole Cho-Yee