REPORT: Wealdstone 3-0 Aldershot Town

Wealdstone bounced back to winning ways, comfortably defeating Aldershot Town 3-0 at The Vale on Easter Monday.

An early strike from Dom Hutchinson, along with second-half goals from Ashley Nathaniel-George and Fela Olomola secured all three points for the Stones.

Gary Waddock made two changes to the side that were comprehensively beaten by Boreham Wood on Good Friday, with Sean Adarkwa and Junior Tiensia returning to the starting line-up.

The Shots were quick off of the mark, testing Dante Baptiste in the opening minute of play as Charlie Warren hit a fierce strike, but Wealdstone’s shot-stopper was equal to his effort.

Undeterred by the visitors’ fast start, the Stones assumed the lead a minute later as Nathan Tshikuna spread the ball to Hutchinson on the right wing, who rifled a powerful shot first-time over Coniah Boyce-Clarke into the roof of the net.

Moments later, goalscorer Hutchinson nearly turned provider as he flashed the ball across the face of the goal, however the on-rushing Sean Adarkwa was unable to capitalise.

Keen to notch an instant equaliser, Cameron Hargreaves drove at the Stones’ defence in the 7^th minute, winning a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the area. Warren stepped-up and drilled an effort towards the bottom corner, but Baptiste reacted with another fine save.

Despite being a goal to the good, Wealdstone had custodian Baptiste to thank for nullifying the Shots’ attacks, and he pulled off another crucial save in the 25^th minute to preserve the scoreline.

Eager to increase their narrow advantage, the Stones pressed for a second goal with Tiensia surging down the left flank and crossing to Micah Obiero, though the top scorer was unable to convert.

In the 32^nd minute, Adarkwa received a lofted ball and teed-up strike partner Obiero for a one-on-one opportunity, but Ryheem Sheckleford made a fantastic recovery run to thwart the danger.

Six minutes later, it was Aldershot Town’s turn to have a sight of goal, with Brody Peart  darting towards the penalty area and scuffing his shot just wide of Baptiste’s post.

Two minutes before the stroke of half-time, Adarkwa was presented with another chance to double the Stones’ lead, but his shot drew a comfortable save from Boyce-Clarke.

Wealdstone returned from the interval on the front-foot with Dylan Kadji played through on goal in the 49^th minute, however Will Nightingale responded with a solid challenge to deny the midfielder.

After an uneventful passage of play, the Stones galvanised an opportunity in the 64^th minute as the energetic Hutchinson burst down the left wing and squared the ball to Obiero, though his shot was vitally blocked.

A minute later, the Shots crafted their own chance with a quick counterattack as Sheckleford powered down the right touchline, before crossing to Callum Stewart, who was unable to direct his effort on target.

The Stones continued to probe for another goal and Adarkwa nearly created a moment of magic in the 72^nd minute when he held off his defender, swivelled, and shot, but his effort was always rising over the crossbar.

With eight minutes of regulation time remaining, substitute Olomola nearly made an instant impact, winning the ball, driving forward, and firing a deflected shot which had to be smartly dealt with by Boyce-Clarke.

Wealdstone finally sealed their two-goal cushion in the 86^th minute when fellow substitute Nathaniel-George beat his man, cut inside, and clinically fired home into the bottom corner to open his account for the club.

In the third minute of stoppage time, the Stones cemented their victory in style with a wonderful flowing move that started with Olomola and ended with the striker latching onto Tshikuna’s threaded pass and coolly slotting home past Boyce-Clarke.

Wealdstone return to action on Saturday 11^th April when they travel to the Crown Oil Arena to face Rochdale in a 3pm kick-off.

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Woodman, Barrett, Kadji (Boldewijn 83), Obiero (Nathaniel-George 66), Hutchinson (Agyemang 83), Tshikuna, McAvoy, Wells-Morrison, Adarkwa (Olomola 78), Tiensia (Georgiou 66).

Unused subs: Johnson, Hinchy.

Attendance: 1,812