REPORT: Wealdstone vs Carlisle United

Joe Campbell
3 hours ago
3 min read

Aaron Henry scored a superb late free-kick to rescue a point for The Stones on Friday night against Carlisle United at Grosvenor Vale.

The Cumbrians had led through David Ajiboye’s first-half goal, but Wealdstone delivered a competitive performance and deserved to come away from the match with a share of the spoils.

Gary Waddock made two changes to the side that was defeated at Worthing last weekend as Mason Barrett and Olufela Olomola came into the team in place of Jaydn Harris and the suspended Dylan Kadji.

The Stones set the tempo and had the better of the chances in the early stages. In the eighth minute, Micah Obiero delivered a dangerous cross that was just out of reach of Luke Norris, who was charging into the box.

Norris arguably should have opened the scoring a minute later after he was picked out by a Kyle Smith cross, but his header was palmed away by the goalkeeper. The Striker attempted to convert the rebound but was unable to sort his feet out.

Carlisle United had their first chance of the match in the 23^rd minute. A long throw-in was launched into the Wealdstone penalty area and flicked towards goal by Harvey Bunker, drawing a good save from Dante Baptiste.

The Cumbrians took the lead in the 34^th minute through David Ajiboye who ran onto the end of Georgie Kelly’s pass behind the Wealdstone defence and slotted confidently past Baptiste.

The Stones looked to respond quickly and almost scored an equaliser within five minutes as Luke Norris caused havoc in the Carlisle United penalty box. A loose ball rolled out to Kyle Smith who looked to bend a shot into the top left corner, but it was blocked on the line by a United defender.

Just before the break, Connor McAvoy rose highest to meet a cross from a corner, but his header went straight at the goalkeeper.

HALF TIME: Wealdstone 0-1 Carlisle Utd

The Stones started the second period like they had ended the first and immediately put pressure on the Carlisle goal, earning a corner kick. It was taken short to Olomola who delivered an enticing cross. Dion Conroy rose to meet it and his header went wide of the goal.

Carlisle United nearly extended their lead in the 58th minute as Georgie Kelly headed just past the post after a cross from Ryan Galvin.

Dante Baptiste then denied Stephen Wearne twice from inside the penalty area with impressive saves to keep The Stones in the game.

The Stones mounted a late assault on the Carlisle goal, determined to avoid a third straight defeat.

In the 86^th minute, Micah Obiero managed to find space in the box to get a shot away, which was deflected and Adam Desbois managed to make a great save, clawing the ball away as it almost crossed the line.

It appeared that would be the last big chance for the Stones before Jack Wells-Morrison was fouled outside the Carlisle United box in the 89^th minute.

Aaron Henry stepped up and delivered spectacular free-kick that ricocheted off the cross bar and into the back of the net to stun the visitors.

FULL-TIME: Wealdstone 1-1 Carlisle Utd

Substitutes: Francis-Clarke, Harris, Chesters, Newton, Johnson, Mullins, Waweru