REPORT | NORTHWOOD 1-4 WEALDSTONE

Wealdstone won their opening pre-season fixture on a scorching day at Northwood FC

Goals in quick succession from Trialist A and B had the Stones two goals ahead around the 15 minute mark.

Dan Kearney pulled one back from the spot, 35 minutes in, before Dylan Kadji picked out the back of the net from range, just one minute before the break.

Trialist I scored the only goal of the second-half, a calm finish into the bottom corner in the 74th minute.

Knowing they wouldn’t hold a large share of possession in the first-half, the Hosts came out of the blocks flying, forcing a save down to the left of Dante Baptiste from a wide angle, just thirty seconds in.

On his first game back as Stones manager, Sam Cox opted for some familiar faces, including the likes of Enzio Boldewijn, Jack Cook and Max Kretzschmar, whilst handing full debut's to Junior Tiensia and Kadji.

Making his first appearance since November 2024, Sean Adarkwa came close to opening the scoring, six minutes in, when a clever passing move slipped him through on goal, only for his effort to force a reflex save out of Hafed Al-Droubi.

But it wouldn’t take long for the Stones pressure to pay dividends. Another scything passing move saw new signing Junior Tiensia unmarked on the left flank, allowing him to float the ball into Trialist A, who tapped home from close range.

Not giving Northwood any breathing room, Cox’s side looked to double their advantage instantly. A expertly curled finish from range, from Trialist B, had the Stones two goals ahead.

Fresh off the back of a new deal, Micah Obiero looked to get in on the action but his effort flew over the hosts goal from 40 yards.

The Stones dominance continued, with two efforts crashing off the bar around the 30 minute mark. Adarkwa with an acute chip before Max Kretzschmar rifled one from range.

Knowing they would need to take their chances, the hosts capitalised on their minimal opportunities, winning a penalty in the 35^th minute under strong pressure from Jack Cook, which Kearney converted calmly.

With just one minute before half-time, Kadji was on hand to place one in from range, on his Stones debut.

There were wholesale changes at the break for the Stones, with 11 players making way for a fresh second half side, filled with an abundance of trialists.

Trialist F came come to scoring just one minute into the half, his effort from range deflecting narrowly wide.

A slower paced second-half was lit up in the 74th minute when Trialist I spun his marker and curled one calmly into the bottom corner to wrap up a strong opening pre-season performance.

Next up for the Stones, MK Dons at Grosvenor Vale on Saturday 19th July at 3pm. Tickets are available HERE.

WEALDSTONE FIRST-HALF XI: Baptiste, Cook, Woodman, Trialist A, Boldewijn, Kretzschmar, Kadji, Tiensia, Obiero, Trialist B, Adarkwa.

WEALDSTONE SECOND-HALF XI: Trialist C, Trialist D, Trialist E, Trialist F, Hutchinson, Trialist G, Trialist H, Georgiou, Trialist I, Hassan, Sekyere.