Report - Wealdstone 2 - 0 Great Wakering Rovers

Wealdstone progressed into the next round after an inauspicious start to this seasons Emirates FA Cup trail when they eventually overcame a stubborn Great Wakering Rovers side at The Vale on Saturday.

In a tepid first half, Stones found it frustratingly hard to break down Rovers who unsurprisingly defended in depth and continually caught the home side’s forwards offside. But both sides had chances to take lead but sloppy play and poor final balls from both sides meant that several good opportunities went begging.

Rovers weathered a difficult patch when under pressure and almost grabbed a goal on the counter when Brandy Mokeni broke free and drew a fine save from Jon North on 23 minutes. But 5 minutes later Stones were awarded a clear spot kick when Bradley Bubb was bundled over by Keeper Coey Turipa. Typical of the wayward finishing of the half, Stefan Brown’s penalty was comfortably saved.

The second half saw more determination and attacking threat from Wealdstone as they pressed forward with far more conviction. Rovers attempted to slow the pace down with time wasting tactics as they came under increasing pressure as the game started to open up for the home side. Stones finally made the breakthrough on 66 minutes with a smart piece of finishing from Fumnaya Shomotun and there seemed to be no way back for Rovers.

Wealdstone then created chance after chance but wrapped the tie up with 10 minutes left on the clock when Connor Stevens headed powerfully home from a corner.

Despite numerous late chances, Stones couldn’t make the score line more emphatic.

WEALDSTONE:  North, Tyler, Grant, Stevens, Okimo, Poku, Lench, Ahmidi, Brown, Bubb, Shomotun. Subs used: Monakana, Sheppard. Not used: Wilson, Mambo, Hudson-Odoi, Thomas (GK)

Report by Nick DuGard

Geoff Smith pics HERE