WEALDSTONE THROUGH TO FACE AFC HAYES

An impressive Wealdstone side ran in six goals against a much changed Enfield Town (only Dave Kendall remaining from the Grays Athletic starting XI) in the Middlesex Senior Cup second round game at the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium last night. Steve Newing used the evening to give some much needed game time to players who have warmed the bench of late with Michael Bardle, Craig McKay and Lee Allen making come backs from recent injuries. It was also good to see several youth team players as substitutes with Charlie Crowley and Connor Bolton making their first team competitive debuts.  

Wealdstone fielding a strong team were much the better side with Connor Smith in an attacking midfield roll and forward Britt Assombalonga standing out. I was not surprised to hear that both have recently joined The Stones on loan from Championship side Watford as they both look decent players in particular Smith. In the video Smith in number 7 and Assombalonga in number 11 for Wealdstone who played in red. Both scored two goals each with a penalty from Scott Fitzgerald (more Watford connections as he made 55 appearances for the Hornets between 2003 to 2005) and Monseratt International Alex Dyer hitting the back of the net as well.

Assombalonga was on the bench for the Hornets in the final two matches of last season. Smith was also an unused sub twice in March last season and is probably best known for being runner-up in Sky One’s television programme Football’s next star.  

Town did create some chances with Bolton looking lively and drawing a good save from the Stone’s keeper. He then worked hard to make a good cross into Walid Mattata whose shot was also saved well. Matata was also unlucky when he hit the post in the second half.

All in all a good night for The Stones and despite the rivalry between the old Enfield FC and Wealdstone it was good to see their away following giving Charlie Crowley a well deserved  ripple of applause at the end of the game.

The Stones now face AFC HAYES in the next round who won 1-3 at Enfield 1893 FC.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS ARE BELOW
Apologies for missing Alex Dyer's goal.