MAYNARD | "We don't fear anyone in this competition"
Ahead of a jam-packed schedule, Stuart Maynard took the time to speak to the club about last weekend’s game against Ebbsfleet United and the upcoming schedule for the Stones.
A largely dominant Stones performance last weekend unfortunately saw the end of the Stones five game unbeaten streak, after Maynard’s side were defeated 2-0 away at Ebbsfleet United.
Sean Adarkwa, Tahvon Campbell and Corie Andrews all featured on the pitch for the last ten minutes of the game as the Stones desperately looked to pull a goal back, but it wasn’t to be on the day for the visiting side.
“I thought we were excellent,” said Maynard. “We had 99 successful entries into their box. We needed to cross the ball more and get into their area. I don’t think we’ve come across a team before that play a 6-3-1 before but it’s credit to our lads for how they controlled the game.”
“The performance level was good but the finishing wasn’t there. We’ve worked on it this week so if it happens again, we’ll be ready. We’ve got a really good mentality in this group. When we lose one or two on the bounce the lads stay strong.”
“We try not to analyse games based on outcomes but performance. Obviously the result is the most important thing but we are happy with the performances.”
After the 4-1 win at Billericay Town just a few weeks ago, the Stones progressed to the 4th Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy, and will be looking to go all the way for the first time since 1985, no matter who the competition are.
“This is one of those games where you have an opportunity to get to Wembley and we’re looking forward to it. When you’re in the FA Cup it’s about getting as far as you can and trying to help with finances but this competition we believe we can get far in it and we’re looking to go all the way.”
“For us at Wealdstone it would be a huge achievement (winning the FA Trophy). We don’t fear anyone going into the competition and believe we can go all the way. At the end of the day it’s a cup game so you do need a bit of luck but we need to go into it with the right mentality and the right attitude.
Last season, the Stones were defeated by 2-1 by Chelmsford City in the previous round, so they’ll be looking to put things right after what was a disappointing result in the cup, given the dominant level of performance on the day.
“We know Chelmsford is going to be a tricky game. We went out to them last year after going there and creating lots of chances which was frustrating in the end to come away with a loss. We know it’s going to be very open with the athletics track so we need to go and be competitive.”
The Stones head to Chelmsford City tomorrow in the 4th Round, in a 3pm kick off at the Melbourne Stadium.