REPORT | WEALDSTONE VS NOTTINGHAM FOREST U21S

The Stones conceded two second half goals in a tepid performance against Nottingham Forest U21s as they were defeated for the first time in the National League Cup this season.

After last weekend’s 4-0 defeat to York City in the league, Sam Cox opted to rotate his starting 11 with an eye on Saturday’s fixture against Sutton United.  Those who were given an opportunity on Tuesday are unlikely to have given the manager a selection headache, as the Stones rarely threatened to score over 90 minutes against Forest’s young stars.

Before the game a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Harley Pearce, who tragically passed away last week - the son of former Wealdstone and Nottingham Forest legend, Stuart Pearce.

Nathan Young-Coombes went closest in a largely uneventful first half, as his cross-come-shot was lifted over the keeper, onto the bar, and Forest scrambled to block any efforts on the rebound.

There was more disappointment for our captain Jack Cook who was withdrawn after 25 minutes. His injury was described after the game as an inflammation issue in the opposing leg to the one that had been causing his frustrations so far this season.

The Stones conceded 10 minutes into the second half after Jimmy Sinclair squared the ball to Lamin Sillah who finished from close range.

Forest began to grow further into the game and were encouraged by the Stones being uncharacteristically loose in possession. Their momentum was restricted however with 20 minutes to go, when Archie Whitehall was sent off for a second bookable offence. 

Whitehall had appeared to call for a Wealdstone player to be booked by waving an imaginary card in the air which prompted the wrath of the referee.

Despite some late pressure, the Stones were unable to make the extra man count as Forest stood firm against their more experienced opponents. When the second goal eventually came, it was for the visitors.  

Lamin Sillah was in the right place for his second goal of the game. Finishing off a counter-attacking move from Forest after the Stones had piled bodies forward in search of an equaliser. 

The result sees Forest pick up their first win of their National League Cup campaign. For the Stones, the focus will now shift to Saturday’s fixture against bottom of the table Sutton United in what will be seen as a huge opportunity to return to winning ways.