Wealdstone return to the National League South promotion charge at The Vale on Saturday when they host Billericay Town.
THE DETAILS
Wealdstone vs Billericay Town
National League South
Grosvenor Vale, HA4 6JQ
Saturday 8th February, 3:00pm kick-off
THE CONTEXT
Wealdstone will be full of confidence coming into this fixture, leading the table by six points after gaining a run of positive results from a difficult schedule. The Stones are a tough nut to crack on home soil, they are on a run of seven consecutive league wins.
Billericay Town have picked up in form since their victory against the Stones last month, they are unbeaten in their last four games. The Blues’ away form has been their weak point this season, with no win on the road since November.
TEAM NEWS
Full-backs Ryan Sellers and George McLennan and midfielder Kavan Cotter are not available for selection. This game could see an opportunity for Birmingham City loanee Olly McCoy, who impressed with a brace in the recent Middlesex Cup victory at Staines Town.
FORM GUIDE
Wealdstone:
Bath City (H) 7-0 (Clifford, Emmanuel, Stevens, Lewis 2, Green, Phillips)
Havant & Waterlooville (A) 2-4 (Efete, Emmanuel 2, Green)
Welling United (H) 1-0 (Efete)
Billericay Town (A) 3-1 (Okimo)
Oxford City (A) 3-2 (Mendy, Coombes)
Billericay Town:
Tonbridge Angels (H) 3-3 (Robinson, Akinwande, Potter)
Dorking Wanderers (A) 4-4 (Paxman, Akinwande, Robinson, Loft)
Slough Town (H) 2-2 (Alfa. Henry)
Wealdstone (H) 3-1 (Alfa, Robinson, Akinwande)
Bath City (A) 2-1 (Noel-Williams)
WHO TO WATCH FOR
Femi Akinwande: Winger Akinwande signed for Billericay from Braintree Town in November and is in impressive form, netting three goals in the last four games. Akinwande has stepped up in recent games after Ody Alfa earned himself a loan move to National League side Maidenhead United.
LAST TIME OUT
Wealdstone were dominated by Jamie O’Hara’s Blues a month ago at New Lodge, Alfa provided Billericay with a half-time lead and the Essex-based side pushed on in the second period. Jack Jebb was sent off for the Stones and Jake Robinson converted from 12-yards for his 21st goal of the season.
Jerome Okimo gave a late lifeline for the Stones when he headed in Connor Smith’s cross until Akinwande put the game to bed when he found the net in stoppage time.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Played – 20
Stones – 3
Draw – 7
Billericay Town – 10
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
January 2020: Billericay Town 3-1 Stones (Okimo)
February 2019: Stones 1-1 Billericay Town (Sheppard)
August 2018: Billericay Town 1-0 Stones
February 2018: Billericay Town 2-5 Stones (Bubb 3, Wellard, Whichelow)
April 2014: Billericay Town 4-2 Stones (Malcolm, Wright)
Preview by Dec O’Reilly