REACTION: "We Started Too Slowly" - Conroy Calls For Better

CENTRE-HALF Dion Conroy believes wins aren't far away for his new club, given what he's seen in the early weeks of the Wealdstone campaign.

But it didn't happen for the defender and his Stones' colleagues at Worthing, a single goal from a quickly-taken free-kick just before the break enough to separate the teams.

"Today was a matter of we started too slowly and switched off for the goal," explained the 30-year-old, most recently at Crawley Town in the EFL.

"Second half, we were the better team - even once we go down to 10 men.

"We've spoke about it inside; we've got to start games better because in the three [league] games so far we've shown we're the better side for large parts and we should probably at least have three draws in a row."

Going down to 10 men made things tougher, Conroy conceded.

"With the pitch how it is [4G astroturf], it makes it a lot harder to cover the ground.

"Everyone's on the same page. We know we're a good team and it's quite obvious we've got to start the games better."

He added: "The fans that travelled were great supporting us and we've got to give them a bit more."

Conroy featured on loan under Gary Waddock at Aldershot Town 10 seasons ago, and cited the manager's quality as his main reason for arriving at The Vale.

"It [Gary Waddock being manager] was the main attraction for me joining," he said.

"I wanted to get back to enjoying football. I had a period at Crawley where I didn't play. It happens in football.

"To play for a manager I admire, I think he's a top man, means I'm grateful to have the opportunity to play here."

Click HERE to watch Dion's post-match interview in full on Wealdstone FC's YouTube channel.

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'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.

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!