STONES CRUISE PAST WEST BROMWICH ALBION U21S | MATCH REPORT

Wealdstone signed off their National League Cup campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion's U21s on home soil. Despite their dominance on the night, the triumph will likely not be enough for the Stones to advance in the competition.

Wealdstone got off to a flying start with an instant goal from Olufela Olomola, and later in the second half, the Stones doubled their advantage with a clean strike from Daniel Nkrumah to secure the victory.

Sam Cox made seven changes to his squad that earned a hard-fought point against Forest Green Rovers last weekend, making the most of his squad depth.

Under the lights at Grosvenor Vale, the Stones were forced into a couple of early adjustments, with Enzio Boldewijn and Nathan Tshikuna making way for Joshua Clay and Issac Christie-Davies, as Wealdstone reshuffled to meet the competition’s guidelines.

In the opening moments, Cox’s side settled into the game well, capitalising on a clever pass from substitute Issac Christie-Davies, which enabled Olufela Olomola to work his magic, dispatching a neat finish into the bottom right corner to send the Stones into an early lead.

West Brom urgently went in search of an equaliser as Ollie Bostock went through on goal but dragged his shot wide away from Hubert Graczyk.

The Baggies tightened their grasp on the game as Ollie Bostock tested the Stones' defence once again, charging down the left flank, but his run was cut short with an excellent block from Joshua Clay.

In the 30th minute, Ollie Bostock lined up for a free kick, which weaved through Wealdstone’s wall and looked destined for the bottom left corner, but Hubert Graczyk’s rapid reactions produced a stunning save to deny an equaliser.

Just minutes later, down the opposing end, Daniel Nkrumah dribbles along the left side and makes a thunderous strike that finds the bottom right corner, but it is flagged offside by the linesman to thwart the Stones from extending their lead.

As half-time loomed, Cox’s side came close again from a free kick, with Deonysus Woodman's header just clearing the crossbar.

Half time: Wealdstone 1-0 West Bromwich Albion U21

Following the interval, Wealdstone came out leading the charge with a fierce attempt from Olufela Olomola that forces Brian Onkonkwo to tip the ball over the bar.

The Stones' defence was under pressure in the 54th minute, with Deon Woodman producing a brilliant block to prevent Michael Parker from levelling.

Wealdstone then had a moment of brilliance in the 60th minute, as Daniel Nkrumah dribbles past the Baggies backline and through excellent technical flair, steers one into the bottom left corner to put the Stones into a comfortable two-goal advantage.

Sam Cox makes a double substitution after entering the final thirty minutes with Endurance Johnson making his debut for the Stones between the sticks and top goal scorer Micah Obiero is brought on in an attempt to put the game to bed.

Approaching the final whistle, Wealdstone remained in control, with Daniel Nkrumah once again exploding down the left, flashing a powerful strike inches wide of Onkonkwo’s goal.

Hunting for a cup progressing goal, substitute Omar Mussa steps up for a freekick, but his effort is lofted over the bar and Wealdstone wrap up a comfortable two-goal victory, making it seven games unbeaten in all competitions.

Wealdstone return to National League action on Saturday 29th November where they face Solihull Moors on the road at Damson Park, in a 12:30pm kick-off.

Our next home match is on the 6^th December when we will face Cheshunt in the FA Trophy. Tickets for that one are available here: https://wealdstonefc.ticketco.events/uk/en/m

Wealdstone: Graczyk (Johnson 65’), Woodman, Boldewijn (Christie-Davies 2’), Kadji (Mussa 46’), Olomola (Obiero 65’), Diarra, Petrie, Nkrumah, Tshikuna (Clay 2’), Tiensia, Turner.

Subs not used: McAvoy, Agyemang