REPORT | WEALDSTONE 1-0 SOUTHEND UTD

Wealdstone produced a brilliant performance to defeat ten-man Southend United 1-0 at Grosvenor Vale and knock Kevin Maher’s side out of the Emirates FA Cup.

Sam Cox made four changes to the side that produced a thrilling comeback last Saturday to beat Sutton United 4-2. Terrell Agyemang, Sak Hassan, Dom Hutchinson and Dylan Kadji were named in the starting line-up for the Stones.

A first-half goal from Olufela Olomola proved decisive as the Stones edged the Shrimpers in a tightly fought contest to book their place in the Second Round.

Southend United started on the front-foot, winning three corners and two set-pieces within eight minutes of kick-off, but Wealdstone were able to weather the storm.

The Stones grew into the match and came close to forging ahead in the 13^th minute when Hassan found Hutchinson, whose strike had to be deflected, wide of the target.

In the 14^th minute, the Shrimpers were agonisingly close to seizing the advantage when a defensive mix-up presented a chance for Tom Hopper; however, Dylan Kadji responded with a vital last-ditch tackle to preserve the scoreline.

Drama ensued in the 17^th minute when Ben Goodliffe was caught in possession and proceeded to bring down Olomola, prompting the referee to produce a straight red card and give the defender his marching orders.

A minute later, Cox’s side profited from their numerical advantage as Olomola pounced in the box to comfortably slot home past Nick Hayes and send the Stones into the lead.

As the first-half entered the latter stages, the Shrimpers crept back into the tie, with Oli Coker’s free-kick nodded just wide of the near post by skipper Nathan Ralph.

Three minutes before the stroke of half-time, Maher’s side had another goal-scoring opportunity as Cav Miley fired a fierce strike from range that had to be gathered by Baptiste.

Despite being down to ten-men, Southend United returned from the interval with an aggressive high press, however the Stones were able to break through this, with Gubbins having to make a crucial interception to deny Nathan Tshikuna from doubling Wealdstone’s lead.

Moments later, the Shrimpers nearly drew level on the counterattack, with Agyemang denying Leon Parillon with a fantastic block.

The visitors continued to press for an equaliser with Parillon unleashing a venomous shot from range in the 84^th minute that was well-held by Baptiste.

Two minutes from regulation time, Agyemang came tantalisingly close to putting the result beyond doubt for the Stones, drilling an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

As the tie entered stoppage time, Anthony Georgiou also rifled a long-distance strike that had to be parried to safety by Hayes.

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Boldewijn, Woodman, McAvoy, Hutchinson (Cook 69), Agyemang, Kadji, Georgiou, Hassan (Tshikuna 46), Obiero, Olomola (Kretzschmar 69).

Subs not used: Graczyk, Mussa, Diarra, Nkrumah, Young-Coombes.

Attendance: 2,146