REPORT: Wealdstone 2-3 Morecambe

Wealdstone were narrowly defeated 2-3 by ten-man Morecambe at The Vale, in Gary Waddock’s first match in charge.

Goals from Fela Olomola and Micah Obiero proved only consolatory for the Stones as a Chris Popov finish, along with a brace from Jack Nolan sealed all three points for the visitors.

New manager Waddock named his maiden starting line-up which included Notts County loanee, Jack Hinchy, slotting into midfield.

The Stones made the perfect start, taking the lead within the third minute of play when Olomola pounced in the box to convert past Jamal Blackman from close range.

Wealdstone’s next chance came in the 19^th minute as Connor McAvoy’s header ricocheted into the path of Nathan Tshikuna, who fired his shot just wide of the target.

Having dominated possession, the Stones probed for a second goal, and they were nearly fruitful in the 29^th minute when Dom Hutchinson burst forward and flashed an effort just over the crossbar.

Against the run of play, the Iron equalised in the 34^th minute with Liam Hogan heading Jack Nolan’s corner into Popov, who fired home past Dante Baptiste to restore parity for the visitors.

The teams looked to be going into half-time on level terms, but two minutes into stoppage time, Nolan drilled a fine strike into the bottom corner from just outside the box to give the Iron the lead.

Wealdstone returned from the break with added impetus as they pressed for a quick equaliser, and Tshikuna came close within three minutes of the restart as he fired a powerful strike narrowly wide.

Dylan Kadji was next to nearly score for the Stones in the 52^nd minute, as he rose highest to meet Sean Adarkwa’s inviting cross, but his header flew inches over the woodwork.

Moments later, Tshikuna stepped up for a free-kick and unleashed a fierce shot that whistled over the bar.

The Stones’ fortunes took a further dent when the Iron increased their lead in the 58^th minute as Miguel Azeez played an inch-perfect through ball to Nolan who rounded Baptiste and slotted home to notch his brace.

Waddock rolled his dice with four changes and these proved to be the catalyst as his side reduced the deficit in the 73^rdminute; the substitutes combined and Obiero fired home Sak Hassan’s driven cross.

Determined to score a late equaliser, the Stones were relentless in their endeavour and Olomola nearly provided a moment of magic, surging forward and thundering a strike on target that forced Blackman into a diving save.

Late drama ensued as the Iron were reduced to ten-men in the 85^th minute when defender Lewis Payne was dismissed with a second yellow card.

The Stones were awarded a free-kick in the 88^th minute and Elijah Dixon-Bonner found Deon Woodman with his delivery, but the defender dragged his effort just wide of the far post.

Wealdstone return to action on Saturday 7 March when they travel to Cressing Road Stadium to face Braintree Town, in a 3pm kick-off.

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Boldewijn, Woodman, McAvoy, Hutchinson (Adu-Poku 70), Kadji, Hinchy (Spencer 93), Tiensia (Hassan 70), Adarkwa (Obiero 63), Olomola, Tshikuna (Dixon-Bonner 63).

Subs not used: Johnson, Waller.