Stones Defeat Ambers To Begin FA Trophy Campaign | Match Report

Wealdstone defeated a resilient Cheshunt 2-1 at Grosvenor Vale to progress through the third round of the Isuzu Trophy.

Second-half goals from Micah Obiero and Connor McAvoy gave the Stones a two-goal cushion, with Jessa Effa’s late strike proving only consolatory for the visitors.

The Ambers started the tie on the front-foot, with George Nunn firing an early shot over the crossbar in the third minute.

Cheshunt continued to rise to the occasion, and in the 6^th minute, Effa

Surged down the left-wing and flashed a shot wide of Dante Baptiste’s goal.

Wealdstone began to settle into the match and nearly took the lead in the 8^th minute through McAvoy’s powerful header, which flew just wide of the target.

The Stones gathered momentum and Dom Hutchinson was close to scoring a superb solo goal on the 25^thminute mark, slaloming down the right-flank and drilling a strike from the edge of the box that was well-saved by Aymen Azaze.

Cox’s side upped the ante further, and were nearly fruitful in the 29^th minute when Hutchinson struck on target, only to be denied by Connor Kurran-Brown’s brilliant goal-line clearance; Anthony Georgiou then fired the rebound marginally wide.

On the half-hour mark, the combative visitors were agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock as Mathias Faming went through one-on-one with Baptiste, but the Stones’ shot-stopper produced a phenomenal save with the tip of his boot to preserve the scoreline.

Wealdstone continued to dominate possession and push for an opener, and five minutes before the stroke of half-time, Sak Hassan fired a long-range effort towards the top corner, but Azaze reacted with a solid save to ensure the game was goalless at the interval.

The Stones returned from the break with added impetus and duly took the lead in the 50^th minute through a quick counter attack, with man-of-the-match Hutchinson flashing a dangerous ball across the box which was converted home from close-range by top goalscorer Obiero.

Despite falling behind, the Ambers nearly levelled moments later when the lively Effa burst through the Stones’ defence and dragged his shot just wide of the far post.

However, Wealdstone showed their superiority, doubling their advantage in the 59^th minute as aerial threat McAvoy headed home Georgious’ whipped delivery past Azaze.

The Stones looked to increase their two-goal lead and Hutchinson was denied twice in succession by excellent saves from Cheshunt’s custodian Azaze.

Substitute Fela Olomola was close to making an immediate impact after a fluid passage of play, rounding Azaze in the 79^th minute, only to be denied by the woodwork.

The Ambers were relentless in their endeavour to reduce the deficit and deservedly pulled a goal back in the 81^st minute through the talented Effa, who latched onto a loose ball and slotted past Baptiste to ensure a tense finale.

Three minutes later, the resilient visitors looked like they had drawn level to send the tie into penalties, but Kurran-Brown flashed his strike from the edge of the area inches wide of the far post.

With three minutes of regulation time remaining, the Stones had the chance to put the result beyond doubt when Georgiou squared the ball to Olomola; however, the striker blazed his effort over the crossbar.

The Stones return to National League action on Tuesday night when they travel to Truro City for a 7:45pm kick-off.

Can't make it to Cornwall? Join us at The Vale on Tuesday night from 7pm and watch it on our big screens!

Wealdstone: Baptiste, Cook (Boldewijn 78), Georgiou, Mussa, Woodman, Hassan, Obiero (Nkrumah 62), Hutchinson, Tshikuna (Olomola 78), McAvoy (Tiensia 62), Agyemang (Turner 62).

Subs: Johnson, Kadji.

Report by Nicole Cho-Yee