UP FOR THE CUP: Micah The Main Man

SEVEN goals so far this season and he's hungry for more; Stones' hitman Micah Obiero is raring to go for today’s FA Cup tie at Grimsby Town.

"When the season started, I had a good conversation with the gaffer - really good," explained Wealdstone's top goalscorer this season.

"I felt like I could be the main man up front if it went how we both agreed it could."

"He explained clearly what he wanted from me and said everyone would be here to back me and support me. And that's what's happened; I've had a lot of encouragement."

That sounds pretty simple stuff but it's had a significantly positive effect on Obiero, who signed for Stones from Boston United in October 2022.

"When you feel like you're wanted and respected, it's massive."

Obiero added: "The last couple of seasons I don't really feel like I've played in my natural position, and so I've struggled to finda consistent run of form.

"Like any player, I'll do what's needed to help the team but it's tough to be at your best when you're changing places in the team a lot.

"Your football squad is your second family. Arguably you see them more than some of your family. So those human things are a big deal."

He's enjoying the responsibility of leading the line for Sam Cox's side right now.

"There's a respect from what I'm bringing - but that comes with pressure to perform, a good pressure with people wanting you to do well.

"It's an honour to be playing every week. The responsbility that comes with holding the ball up, letting others join in then getting in the box - that's the kind of responsibility you want as a forward player."

No question it's taken a while for Obiero to fully find his feet in blue & white, but maybe that's down to those frequent positional switches...wing-back included.

"Maybe, yes, but also having to stay resolute that you've got the quality, and as I've played more I've found that easier to come by.

"Now I've got rid of that uncertainty, I feel I'm in a much better place to deliver regularly and hopefully that's showing in what I'm doing out there."

Having come on as a late sub and witnessed Alex Reid's winning goal at Blundell Park last season, Obiero is looking to continue his string of impressive performances today with what he described as "so much more belief in myself and my game".

"We were the underdogs last time and that's going to be the same again, no question," explained the 24-year-old.

"We were relaxed on the day and I remember coming on at 0-0, after all of the big scares for us had gone, and it was a funny goal with Sesay's flick and then Reidy putting it away.

"I remember the scenes after the final whistle with the fans. It was nice to see the smiles on their faces, having come all that way to support us."

He added: "In the changing-room, because it wasn't expected there wasn't so much relief around as just a feeling of 'Yes, we've done it!'.

"It was a great afternoon. Now we want to have another one."