AFC Hayes 1 – 1 Wealdstone
AFC Hayes1 - 1
WealdstoneWealdstone’s final pre-season match resulted in another draw, this time against AFC Hayes on the artificial grass pitch at Rosedale College.
The Stones line up was again changed to give some of the squad players an opportunity to play a full 90 minutes and some established players were understandably rested with this Saturday’s Ryman Premier opener in mind. A somewhat disappointing performance in terms of frittered goal scoring opportunities but Stones did provide some very enterprising approach play throughout. Stones management will not doubt be giving some priority to the art of finishing this week as the League season rapidly approaches.
AFC Hayes took the lead on the stroke of half-time with a well struck shot into the top right hand corner of the Stones net, following a period when the visitors ought to have held at least a two goal cushion.
In the second half, Nick Salapatas was particularly unlucky with a great cross shot that took the slightest of deflections for a corner in the second half. With only six minutes remaining Stones drew level with a typical close range goal from striker Dean Papali and he would have be pleased with to get off the mark against his former club.
Two magnificent saves from keeper Sean Thomas in the closing stages ensured that Stones ended their warm up games with a result.
Attention will now be fully focussed on the big kick-off this Saturday (16 August) when the real action begins at the Vale with a very tough encounter with Tonbridge Angels FC, kick -off 3pm.
Wealdstone: Thomas, Boyce, Chappell, Ashy, Sonuga, Ashe, Salapatas, Hicks, Papali, Matthews, Burrell. Only sub: Jones