REPORT | WEALDSTONE 0-1 CARLISLE UNITED

Wealdstone’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Carlisle United at Grosvenor Vale.

Despite their first loss, the Stones’ maximum points from their first three games mean that they reside in sixth position.

A first-half goal from Blues’ forward Luke Armstrong proved to be the decisive difference between the two sides.

The Blues were quick out of the traps and only a superb reflex save from Dante Baptiste prevented Junior Luamba from firing his side ahead in the sixth minute; Luke Armstrong smashed the rebound home, but the offside flag was raised.

Sam Cox’s side came close to taking the lead in the 13thminute when Sean Adarkwa forced a fine save out of Gabe Breeze from an acute angle. Moments later, Dom Hutchinson squared to Max Kretzschmar; however the number ten was unable to convert from close range.

In the 18th minute, the visitors were rewarded for their early dominance as Archie Davies’ corner was met at the front post by Armstrong, who nodded home past Baptiste to break the deadlock.

Carlisle United should have doubled their advantage in the 27th minute when Luamba was released for a one-on-one with Baptiste, but Wealdstone’s shot-stopper responded with a crucial save.

The Stones had an opportunity to equalise two minutes later when Deon Woodman rose highest to meet a cross from the right wing, but the defender could only direct his header over the crossbar.

Five minutes before the stroke of half-time, Wealdstone’s custodian was called into action once again, producing a vital save to deny Regan Linney from a quick counterattack.

The Blues returned from the interval in the same attacking vein as the first-half and were close to extending their lead in the 48th minute when Harvey Macdam rifled a hot from distance, but Baptiste was equal to his effort.

As the Stones settled into the second-half, they looked like equalising in the 55th minute when Junior Tiensia span and powerfully shot from inside the box, but Breeze was on hand to thwart the danger.

Cox’s side continued in the ascendancy and should have drawn level two minutes later through Woodman from six-yards, but Breeze’s fine save preserved the scoreline.  

Down the opposing end, Davies’ deft floated ball found Linney in space who was only able to fire into the side netting from a tight angle.

Carlisle United’s chance to notch a two-goal cushion was then squandered in the 75th as the lively Linney dragged his shot wide.

With six minutes additional time, the Stones rallied for a late leveller, but Breeze held firm to deny Sak Hassan and Anthony Georgiou.

The Stones return to action on Bank Holiday Monday when they travel to the Jakemans Community Stadium to face Boston United in a 3pm kick-off.

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Cook, Woodman, Tiensia (Chinedu 79); Boldewijn, Kadji (Mussa 67), Massey, Hutchinson (Hassan 74); Georgiou, Kretzschmar (Obiero 67) Ardarkwa (Tshikuna 74).

Subs not used: Covolan, Diarra.

Attendance: 2,025