SHRIMPERS STUNNED BY SMASH AND GRAB RAID
WEALDSTONE boss Stuart Maynard enjoyed his side’s smash-and-grab win at Southend United.
The Shrimpers missed a number of clear cut chances in the clash at Roots Hall with defender Jason Demetriou seeing a first-half penalty saved by goalkeeper George Wickens.
But Maynard was pleased with how the Stones dug in before Rhys Browne came off to the bench to score the only goal.
“We’ve been on the other end of smash-and-grabs when we’ve been the better team but if I’m honest they could have been four or five up at half-time but the lads dug really deep,” said Maynard.
“We told them this place would be as noisy as Stockport was and you’ve got to understand when they get their chances the crowd will rise but the lads dealt with it and managed the game superbly.”
However, Wealdstone were still forced to survive a number of early scares including a missed penalty which Maynard confirmed referee Tom Bishop told him was incorrectly awarded.
“I spoke to the ref just then and he said it wasn’t a penalty and was a harsh one,” said Maynard.
“They’re given sometimes but it’s tough for the officials when you come to these places having four or five thousand fans all appealing for it as well.
“It does put that doubt in your head but fair play he admitted it and made a good a decision for our goal when he played a great advantage.”
Demetriou’s penalty was saved on 11 minutes before the full-back somehow failed to tap Jack Bridge’s left wing cross into a gaping goal from close range.
Wealdstone hit back with Josh Umerah having a header impressively saved by Southend goalkeeper Steve Arnold before Jerome Okimo’s follow up effort was somehow blocked on the line by Shaun Hobson.
Southend replied with Harry Cardwell missing the target from close range before Demetriou’s effort in the ensuing goalmouth scramble was ruled out for handball.
After the break, Bridge saw a curling shot blocked on the line by Ashley Charles before a left wing free-kick from Tom Clifford was diverted onto the inside of his own right post by Connor McAvoy.
But, after surviving the scares, Wealdstone struck and made sure of all three points in the 67th minute when Browne battled forward before sending a 25 yard shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
The defeat was Southend’s fifth straight and frustrated boss Kevin Maher.
“When you don’t take your chances you’re always susceptible to them scoring like they did and it’s very disappointing,” said Maher.
“You just can’t miss those chances like we did.”