STONES A-SPIRE TO GETTING SAFE
INTERIM Wealdstone boss Sam Cox masterminded a second successive win for the Stones, beating the champions to aid their fight for survival.
A second-half goal from substitute Dillon De Silva proved to be the vital difference between the two sides, leaving the Stones 17th in the table.
Chesterfield started in imposing fashion. But against the run of play, the home side countered and Tarryn Allarakhia released Manny Duku through on goal but Branden Horton thwarted the striker with a vital lastditch tackle.
A minute later, it was the visitors’ turn to test Marcus Dewhurst, Joe Quigley’s strike straight at the home goalkeeper.
Wealdstone gradually settled into the game and had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 17th minute when Allarakhia and Duku broke free, the latter denied by a smart save from Harry Tyrer.
Cox’s side began to play with intent and the lively Allarakhia embarked on a trademark mazy run, unleashing a fierce effort midway through the first half that had to be palmed clear by Tyrer.
The Stones stood up to Spireites pressure well while Dewhurst saved from skipper Jamie Grimes, only for Quigley to prod home the rebound.
Referee Aji Ajibola disallowed it for a foul on the hosts’ No.1.
Mason Barrett, fresh from notching his first goal for the club against Dorking Wanderers on Thursday, nearly made it two in two, heading Sam Bowen’s pin-point freekick narrowly wide.
Cox’s men grew in confidence and the introduction of talented Sri Lanka international De Silva gave them a cutting edge.
The change proved a masterstroke as the home side broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when substitute Jack Young fed De Silva, who coolly slotted home what proved to be the only goal of the game.
The visitors thought they had levelled on 85 minutes through Ash Palmer, who was adjudged to have been offside.
The hosts held firm to inflict a third straight defeat on promoted Chesterfield and Cox said: “I thought the boys were fantastic today.
“All I’ve asked is each man just leave their heart and soul on the pitch and they’ve done that to a tee.
They took the information onboard and we’ve nullified the league champions, who are going for a points record in the National League.
“We’re bruised and battered after playing three games in a week. It just shows the grit and determination, along the heart and pride that they have for this club.
“We still have two massive games left, we’re not done fighting as it’s mathematically possible we can be caught. We need to enjoy the moment, dust ourselves off and go again.”
STAR MAN: Tarryn Allarakhia
(Wealdstone) ATT: 2,143
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: Aji Ajibola