
Wealdstone were defeated 2-0 by AFC Fylde in an important National League clash at Mill Farm.
With former Stones Manager Matt Taylor joining Solihull Moors as Head Coach on Thursday, Assistant Manager Paul Hughes stepped up as Interim Manager ahead of the fixture.
“It was a scrappy and very competitive first half, as expected given how precious the points are for both teams,” said Hughes.
The biggest chance of the half fell to Sam Ashford, after being played through on goal on his favoured left foot.
But the Stones striker could only find the outstretched Fylde goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom, who kept his side in the match before the opening goal.
“We were very front foot from the start and we created a one-on-one opportunity and a few half chances while effectively limiting their attacking threat.”
Hughes side came out for the second-half with an injection of attacking threat, instantly trying to find the first goal of the game.
Winterbottom was called upon again to keep his team level, denying Ashford once more from close range and making a spectacular diving save to deny Anthony Georgiou.
”In the second half, the focus was on turning the opposition more often and gaining greater control in midfield. Up until their goal, we looked the stronger side, we put a lot of pressure on their defence with a series of corners and near-misses.”
Despite the Stones second-half dominance, the home side always looked a threat on the break. A quick move saw Fylde ahead after 67 minutes when Ashley Boatswain tapped home from close range.
Nick Haughton doubled the advantage after 80 minutes, punishing what looked a fatigued Stones side at the time.
“However, their goal came against the run of play—a sucker punch that shifted the momentum and momentarily took the wind out of our sails. We didn’t fully get back into our stride after that.”
“Overall I felt we had more pressure, more opportunities and slightly better moments in the game but they took the chances they had and eventually shut the game out.”
Next up for the Stones, a crucial fixture against Solihull Moors at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday at 3pm.
Tickets are available HERE