DYER KEEPS STONES ON GLORY TRAIL AFTER STU

ALEX DYER’S interim rein in charge of Wealdstone ended in a resounding success as the Stones defeated play-off hopefuls FC Halifax Town at the Vale.

The Montserratian midfielder stepped up to oversee proceedings after the departure of manager Stuart Maynard and his assistant Matt Saunders to League Two Notts County last week.

David Noble was named the new boss on Friday but he took as watching brief as his inherited side showed just why Maynard has been winning such plaudits.

An early strike from Aaron Henry, and a late clincher from Tahvon Campbell ensured that Wealdstone returned to winning ways after two weeks of postponed matches to leave Dyer delighted.

“I’m extremely proud of the boys as they followed the game plan and worked their socks off,” he said.

“Credit to all the players, staff and fans for a fantastic result – it was such an enjoyable experience.”

Wealdstone were quick out of the traps and as early as the third minute Henry struck a peach of a effort from outside of the box, which flew just wide of the top corner.

The Stones continued to dominate the opening exchanges with skipper Jack Cook nearly skilfully back-heeling Max Kretzschmar’s low cross past Sam Johnson.

And a minute later, they duly took the lead as Henry clinically fired home past Johnson from just inside the area – his first goal since returning to the club on loan from Charlton Athletic.

Halifax tested keeper Marcus Dewhurst for the first time through Adan George’s angled effort but momentum was lost when an assistant referee limped off with an injury and replaced by the fourth official, who was in turn was covered by a volunteer from the crowd!

Stones took over from there with a surging run and cross from Nathan Ferguson presenting Kretzschmar with the perfect chance to increase the Stones’ advantage but he could only fire wide.

Chris Millington’s side returned from the break with added impetus with Jordan Keane firing an effort narrowly past the top corner.

The Shaymen, though, were kept at bay by a resolute Wealdstone defence – the visitors largely restricted to efforts from range.

But on 81 minutes, they had their best chance to equalise when the ball fell to Luke Summerfield from a corner but the substitute could only fire over.

Sam Bowen had blazed debutant Charlie Seaman’s pinpoint cut-back over the bar moments later, but the Welshman made no mistake three minutes into stoppage time when substitute and former Halifax player Campbell, popped up at the far post to convert past Johnson at the death and seal all three points for the Stones.

STAR MAN: Brandon Mason (Wealdstone) ATT: 1,511 ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Michael Crushman