STONES ARE RUTHLESS IN ADDING TO CITY MISERY

IN THIS battle of play-off hopefuls and relegation strugglers, it was Stuart Maynard’s high-flying Wealdstone who came through following a feisty encounter at Grosvenor Vale.

Goals from Corie Andrews, Tarrelle Whittaker and Tarryn Allarakhia swept aside City, with Adam Crooke’s late consolation not enough to prevent a fifth straight league defeat for the managerless Minstermen.

“It was a great win and the football we played was of a really high level,” said Wealdstone assistant manager Matt Saunders.

“We dominated the ball and created chances, so you can’t ask for much more.

“I’m delighted with the goals we scored and even happier with the way we took the ball away from them and didn’t give it back.”

That said, Manny Duku almost caught them napping on seven minutes when beating the Stones’ offside trap to latch onto Olly Dyson’s through ball, but captain Jack Cook recovered to thwart the striker’s shot.

Wealdstone enjoyed the lion’s share of possession during the early exchanges; but were unable to profit from any of their half-chances.

That was, however, until the 35th minute when Brooklyn Ilunga’s teasing cross was volleyed home by Andrews in style – his first goal for the club.

As the second half progressed, the game became more open with chances falling at both ends. York nearly profited from a counter attack as Ollie Tanner’s whipped cross was met by skipper Paddy McLaughlin’s bullet header, but Sam Howes responded with a fine save.

Wealdstone went close to doubling their lead just before the break when Whittaker slipped through Allarakhia, but the forward’s drilled effort whistled just past the far post.

The home side returned from the break in a galvanised fashion and went close again when Andrews broke through but Whitely was quick off of his line to save the initial effort, before Whittaker narrowly missed the target with his rebound.

Wealdstone’s added impetus proved fruitful as Whittaker eventually doubled thei lead on the hour, drilling a fierce strike inside the near post from the edge of the area.

Substitute Olufela Olomola made an instant impact; surging down the right and arrowing an effort towards the far corner of the net which was deflected just wide.

Two minutes from time, a comfortable victory for the Stones was sewn up when the lively Ilunga picked out Allarakhia, who converted past Whitely with his second attempt.

York did manage a late consolation – Crookes tapping home from close range after Howes parried Alex Hurst’s strike – but it didn’t dampen Stones’ delight.

STAR MAN: Tarrelle Whittaker (Wealdstone) ATT: 1,703 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Ben Atkinson