STONES TOO HOT TO HANDLE
IN blistering heat at The Vale on Saturday, Wealdstone opened the new campaign in fine style with a comprehensive 4-1 defeat of Weston-super-Mare and the scoreline could have been even more emphatic.
The writing was on the wall for the West Country side after only two minutes when some slick Stones passing through the midfield saw Stevenage loanee Joe White smash the ball past a stranded Luke Purnell.
Stones pressed again and White almost doubled his tally three minutes later when his effort struck the upright.
The hosts were rampant and the Seagulls could not contain their high tempo passing game, soon conceding again. Another superb move saw striker David Pratt rifle a shot past Purnell.
Weston rallied briefly and Ben Swallow saw a half-chance dealt with by the Stones defence. But from another rare foray into Stones territory, Weston scored to temporarily peg back the home side. Lax defending allowed Eli Phipps to steal in from a corner and finish past Jon North after 21 minutes.
This set-back did little to disrupt the pattern of play and, minutes later, Bradley HudsonOdoi produced a fantastic strike from 30 yards only to see the ball clip off the post to safety.
However, the winger was not to be denied and soon found the net with a neat cut-in and curling strike that bounced in off the far post for 3-1, restoring the home side’s two goal-cushion.
Stones had further opportunities to increase their lead before the break with the closest being White’s effort that hit the side netting with the Seagulls defence in disarray.
The second half continued with unrelenting Stones pressure.
Man-of-the-match Godfrey Puko was controlling midfield, winning challenges and passing accurately to set up attacks.
Purnell produced a remarkable point blank save from Pratt as the home side drove forward.
The Seagulls then had their best spell of possession as Stones eased off, but they were unable to break down a stubborn defence with Jerome Okimo, Connor Stevens and both fullbacks outstanding.
Stones sealed the victory with a fine, accurate strike from Pratt, who claimed his double with five minutes remaining.