REACTION: “We’ll Need A Response” – Waddock Expects Players To Take Heed

WEALDSTONE boss Gary Waddock reflected on a disappointing result on Tyneside after his side’s hot streak ended with a tame 1-0 defeat to improving Gateshead in this rearranged Enterprise National League clash.

“We didn’t hit the levels or the standards or the levels that we’ve been able to reach in the last few games,” he lamented.

“It didn’t click for us this evening and it was one of those games where both keepers didn’t make a save – with their goal coming from a set play just before the end of the first half.”

A flicked header from a long throw-in did the damage for The Heed, during what was a far less exciting encounter than Stones’ fans have been treated to of late.

“We always say about first contacts with set-pieces and details like that,” explained Waddock.

“It’s a decent long throw but we’ve got to deal with it and we didn’t and it ends up in the back of our net.

“Tonight was a case of not seeing out the first half as we should have done and then failing to really create any danger to get back into things towards the end of the game.”

So disappointment on Tyneside after the relative euphoria – both on and off the pitch – of the last Wealdstone week.

Waddock acknowledged: “They (Gateshead) are a good team and their form is very, very good. But going into this game, so was our form.

"We will need a response to this on Saturday at Forest Green which is going to be another difficult game."

One undeniable boost from a tough Tuesday night a long way from home was the return to action of defender Mason Barrett after a long-term injury.

“It’s a big boost and I’m really pleased for him,” the Stones’ manager said.

“He’s had a tough time with injuries, but I’m looking forward to working with him now.”