Preview - Hungerford Town (H) - Saturday 24th August
The Stones welcome Hungerford Town to The Vale on Saturday afternoon, as they face the 18th placed Berkshire side.
Dean Brennan's team are high in confidence; currently occupying top spot in the National League South, having won four out of their first five matches. This Saturday, the Stones entertain Hungerford Town, keen to continue their winning streak, and secure another three points to remain in pole position.
High flying Wealdstone have made an excellent start to the 2019/2020 campaign, claiming 12 points out of a possible 15; including, a plus 10 goal difference, having scored 12 goals and only conceded two. They also boast a winning streak of three consecutive matches, consisting of three clean sheets, due to the efforts of Norwich City loanee goalkeeper Aston Oxborough and his defence.
In-form forward Jacob Mendy has scored two fantastic goals in as many games; while fellow new signings, striker Ross Lafayette and midfielder Billy Clifford are joint top scorers, with two goals apiece. Another newcomer, Michael Phillips, is fresh from being named in the Vanarama National League South Team of the Week, having scored a goal and registered an assist in the Stones' comfortable away victory against Hemel Hempstead last Saturday.
Brennan will also have fire power in the form of the talented Dennon Lewis, who has had an impressive start to the season, also opening his scoring account against the Tudors. Similarly, recent signing Phil Roberts scored a sublime goal in Tuesday evening's friendly defeat of Hayes and Yeading United.
Hungerford Town return this season with Ian Herring at the helm, having taken over management in 2017 from previous Wealdstone manger, Bobby Wilkinson. The Crusaders will be looking to kick-start their season on Saturday, having only claimed four points from their first five matches, as they reside in 18th position.
Joint top scorers for Hungerford Town are defender James Rusby and forward James Constable, who both have scored two goals, respectively. While Crusaders' manager Herring's youthful squad will be bolstered by the return of former Stones player, Marcus Johnson-Schuster.
Last season, the Stones edged the head-to-head contest between the two sides - winning and drawing in the league; while also triumphing over the Crusaders in the third round of the FA Cup.
Wealdstone are boosted by the return of previously injured players Dejon Noel-Williams and Jonathan North, who both featured in the friendly against Hayes and Yeading United.
Unfortunately, Stones' left back Ryan Sellers remains side-lined, while Connor Smith and Billy Clifford have picked up knocks which could leave them out of the side this weekend.
Table toppers Wealdstone will aim to continue their positive start to this season's campaign, while Hungerford Town will look to climb the table, away from near the relegation zone.
Preview by Nicole Cho-Yee
Dean Brennan's Pre-Match quotes HERE
Full match details HERE