REACTION: Anger & Apologies - Waddock On Worthing

ANGER was Gary Waddock's overriding emotion immediately after the game at Worthing where he witnessed Wealdstone pass up the chance to secure at least a point on the road.

It led the Stones' boss to head straight for the tunnel at full-time, and in doing so not acknowledge nearly 350 travelling fans massed in the far corner of Woodside Road Stadium, but he was quick to apologise and explain when speaking to Wealdstone FC TV. 

"I was in an angry mood after the game and I do apologise for not going over and thanking them as it was a fantastic turn-out [here today]," said Waddock, speaking pitch-side after a 1-0 defeat for Wealdstone.

"I was fuming and I wanted to get into the dressing-room to have a conversation with the players when they came in. So I apologise; I didn't mean to do it."

It was a combination of factors that left Waddock frustrated, including playing most of the second 45 with 10 men after Dylan Kadji needlessly earned himself a second yellow card for a late challenge.

On the midfielder's dismissal, he remarked: "Yellow cards and red cards are not about players having a winning mentality and being strong.

"It was a foolish thing to do. You're on a booking, you get another booking and you're off."

Waddock added: "I don't want to talk too much about the sending-off or the bookings. I've just spoken to the referee and I don't want to get in trouble.

"Look, we had a sending-off and went down to 10 men and then 10 men gave a real good account of themselves and had a right go so I'm really pleased with that side of it."

After the previous weekend's game at home to Harrogate Town, the Wealdstone manager alluded to a shift in mentality he felt was needed.

Expanding on that comment, he cited the game's only goal as an example of the improvement required.

"We're away from home and, for 40 minutes or so of the first half it's evenly balanced, then we switched off from a free-kick and they go and score.

"That's what I'm talking about in terms of mentality. See that out, go in [to half-time] at nil-nil."

____________

'BIG WEEKENDER' v CARLISLE AWAITS THIS FRIDAY

CARLISLE UNITED are the opposition as Stones kick off August Bank Holiday Weekend in the best possible way: at home at The Vale Friday night (August 28) under the lights.

It’s a 7.45pm kick-off for the first of this season's 'Big Weekender' home fixtures. The Vale clubhouse & bar will be open from 5.00pm, allowing you to ease into the weekend with some refreshments and live, VAR-free football action. We’ll also have mobile bar units outside; much needed if the August weather ends as it began.

Boss Gary Waddock knows the important part Wealdstone supporters can play at home fixtures. 

"Our home fans will play a real important part," he said. 

"It's difficult at the moment because we've not won a game and we're coming up against a strong opponent. 

"We'd like the home crowd to get right behind the team like what happened today with the away fans here [at Worthing] who travelled in numbers and were really vocal.

"If that can happen on Friday evening, it'll be great."

Match tickets range from just £5 for Under-16s to £20 for adults – with buying online saving up to £3 against paying at stadium turnstiles.

Season Ticket holder elsewhere?

That’s okay – we understand. But we’d love to be your ‘second team’…after all, you love it at the Stones, right?

It’s just £15 for an adult match ticket if you hold an EPL/EFL Season Ticket. Select our dedicated Concession category and have your ST ready to display upon arrival.

Click HERE to join us for this big Carlisle clash under The Vale floodlights!