REPORT | WEALDSTONE 2-1 HALIFAX TOWN

Wealdstone made it two wins out of two, defeating ten-man FC Halifax Town at Grosvenor Vale, and propelling themselves to forth position in the National League table.

A first-half goal from Sean Adarkwa, along with a second-half wonder-strike from Jack Cook, secured maximum points for the Stones.

The Shay were presented with the perfect opportunity to take an early lead in just the fifth minute; Josh Hmami was brought down in the box by Micah Obiero, but Dante Baptiste brilliantly saved Jamie Cooke’s spot-kick and rebound.

Further drama ensued ten minutes later when the Shay were reduced to ten men, with Will Harris shown a straight red card after a dangerous high challenge on Dylan Kadji.

Three minutes later, the Stones duly profited from their numerical advantage, as Adarkwa clinically despatched the ball home past Sam Johnson to forge his side into the lead.

Against the run of play, the Shay were back on level terms in the 35th minute,

as substitute Kawa latched onto Cody Johnson’s free-kick and converted past Baptiste.

Wealdstone returned from the interval with added impetus and retook the lead in sublime fashion, with captain Cook rifling a screamer into the top corner from 30 yards.

Cox’s men looked like they had extended their advantage further when Max Kretzschmar’s flicked header nearly looped over Johnson into the net, but the Shay’s shot-stopper recovered well to deny the substitute.

Lakeland threw caution to the wind in the 79th minute with a treble substitution as he looked to salvage a valuable point on the road.

The lively Kretzschmar had another sight of goal in the 81stminute, volleying on target from the edge of the box, but Jack Jenkins provided a crucial block.

Moments later, forward Dom Hutchinson nearly put the result beyond doubt, firing a powerful effort from range that stung the palms of Johnson.

The Stones finished with a late flurry, peppering shots at the Shay’s goal, but custodian Johnson responded with a string of solid saves to preserve the score line.

Wealdstone return to league action on Tuesday evening when they travel to the Kingfield Stadium to face Woking in a 7.45pm kick-off.

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Cook, Woodman, Tiensia, Boldewijn, Kadji 6 (Massey 46), Mussa, Georgiou, Obiero (Hutchinson 82), Tshikuna (Kretzschmar 57), Ardarkwa (Nkrumah 82).

Subs not used: Covolan, Hassan.

Attendance: 1134