Banbury 3 – 1 Wealdstone
Banbury United3 - 1
WealdstoneStones hadn’t played since the 9th of December and for the first 45 minutes, although with a couple of new faces in the side, it looked at times like they hadn’t played this season. there was a lack of cohesion and no talking as players struggled to find team mates with passes, at times allowing Banbury to push on at will.
It has been the story of a couple of recent home games, but yet again Stones managed to concede a simple goal on three minutes, as Paul Lamb’s cross was met with a free header at the far post from Forinton.
Stones had a couple of good chances in the first half from Montgomery, both saved well, but in injury time they managed to concede a second (almost identical) goal, this time Stanbridge on hand to score with Banbury’s second attempt of the half.
The introduction of Graham hall at half time gave Stones more shape and they took the game to their opponents forcing the home side into some frantic defending, and it was Hall himself who pulled a goal back on the hour with a low shot from 18 yards. Montgomery, Papali and Gooderick all saw efforts saved as Stones got on top of the home side looking for an equaliser, but it was all to no avail as Gavin Bamford was guilty of giving away a needless penalty with a push and received his second booking for arguing with the referee about the decision, leaving stones to play the last 15 minutes 3-1 down and with ten men.
They still battled but were unable to break through again, but were depleted even further on 88 minutes when a late block from Dean Papali was mistimed, catching the defender on the thigh, and Papali too received a red card to end another fruitless journey for Stones.
Wealdstone: Mitch Swain, Josias Carbon, Fergus Moore, Carl Martin, Ernest Simon 40, Gavin Bamford 13,75, Dean Clark, Josh Cooper s45 Graham Hall 60, Hector Mackie s60 Matt Gooderick, Dean Papali 88, Graeme Montgomery, Subs Not Used: John Christian, Stuart Goodall, Adriano De Moraes