SNOW WAY THROUGH Wealdstone’s outstanding www.wealdstone-fc.com 2017-18 Jake Sheppard battles through the blizzard in the first leg at Brackley last Saturday, supported by Mustafa Tiryaki.. but lurking (right) was Town’s Alex Gudger who ended as the match-winning hero Picture by STEVE FOSTER WEALDSTONE v BRACKLEY TN (aqueoussun photography) BLUE & WHITE RED & WHITE Jonathan North Danny Lewis Jake Sheppard Ellis Myles Ryan Sellers Alex Gudger Eddie Oshodi Shane Byrne Glenn Wilson Luke Graham Jerome Okimo © Gareth Dean © Ricky Wellard Glenn Walker Sam Cox James Armson Mustafa Tiryaki Lee Ndlovu Daniel Green Aaron Williams Bradley Bubb Adam Walker Matthew Whichelow Matt Lowe Dan Fitchett Andy Brown Tarfiq Olomowewe Theo Streete Ravan Constable Steve Diggin Reagan Ogle Jamie Lucas Shepherd Murombedzi

REFEREE Gavin Ward ASSISTANTS Graham Kane and Daniel Cook FOURTH OFFICIAL Wayne Cartmel MATCH SPONSORS Evolution Sports Trading Ltd BALL DONORS Alan Hill & Roge Slater NEXT HOME GAMES v EASTBOURNE BORO (League) Monday March 26 2018, KO 7.45pm Wealdstone v v EAST THURROCK (League) Saturday March League sponsors Brackley Town 31, 2018, KO 3pm Saturday, March 24 2018, KO 3pm Buildbase FA Trophy semi-final, 2nd leg £3 Award-winning match Main club sponsor: programme, sponsored by Ruislip Social Club WRITTEN IN STONE Mark Hyde WHAT A DAY WE HAVE IN STORE ood afternoon and a very warm FA has previously mentioned that we can have no Trophy welcome to the supporters of regrets at the end of the day and that includes both Wealdstone and Brackley Town us as fans. Ninety minutes and 4.5miles stand GFootball Club, todays officials and not least between us and Wembley this afternoon. Kevin Wilkin and his players. Stand up, be loud, be proud and #Believe … There have been some incredible games Make sure you play your part in ensuring our and atmospheres at Grosvenor Vale since place in May’s final. we moved in and make no mistake, today’s Thanks as always to our sponsors today, We game is as big as any in our recent history. are always grateful for the generosity of our At Wealdstone the FA Trophy is woven into supporters when it comes to match and ball the club’s history like few others. As fans sponsorship as these play a big part in our we simply love this competition and today financial stability. I know we will generate a simply awesome atmosphere that will drive the players to #BELIEVE perform to the best of their abilities. Bobby Mark MATCH SPONSORS EVOLUTION SPORTS TRADING LTD

A rapidly growing investment fund focused on the betting markets. We constantly analyse market conditions and identify trends to enable us to create daily profitable trading strategies. We are a diverse, multicultural expanding team, that nurtures and rewards hard work and talent. We pride ourselves on valuing everyone and their opinions. 01494 682727 Axis 40, Oxford Road, Stokenchurch, Bucks, HP14 3SX www.evost.co.uk BALL DONORS ROGER SLATER & ALAN HILL WEALDSTONE FOOTBALL CLUB SEASON 2017/2018 GROSVENOR VALE, RUISLIP, MIDDLESEX HA4 6JQ • 01895 637487 • [email protected] • WWW.WEALDSTONE-FC.COM • COMPANY NO. 3953962

PERSONNEL MATCH DAY OPERATIONS MAJOR HONOURS SINCE 1950 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Manager Steve Marshall Chairman Peter Marsden Safety Officer Victor Klarfeld LEAGUE TITLES Vice Chairman Nick Archer Match Day Staff Paul Bowley, Tony 1951 / 1952 Athenian League Directors Paul Fruin, Waller, Richard Hayward, 1973 / 1974 Southern League Division One South Mike Williamson, Pete Worby, Russell Greenberg, Adam Clancey, 1981 / 1982 Southern League Southern Division Dominic Whyley, Nick Symmons Matthew Impey, John Cahillane 1981 / 1982 Southern League Championship President Paul Rumens 1984 / 1985 National League Premier (Gola League) COMMERCIAL & MARKETING 1996 / 1997 Division Three SECRETARIES Commercial Manager Carol Griffiths 2013 / 2014 Isthmian League Premier Division Club Secretary Paul Fruin ([email protected]) (07790 038095) Graphic Design Steve Foster NATIONAL CUPS Company Secretary Andrew Lane IT Consultant Neil Rands 1965 / 1966 FA Amateur Cup Reporting & Social Media Chris Woods 1984 / 1985 FA Trophy CLUB PERSONNEL LIAISON OFFICERS Life Vice-President Alan Couch LEAGUE CUPS WFCSC / Social Club Markie Barton Treasurer Barry Benveniste 1981 / 1982 Southern League Cup WFC / Social Club James Klarfeld General Manager Nick DuGard Press Officer Nick DuGard MIDDLESEX COUNTY CUPS FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT ([email protected]) 1958 / 1959 Senior Cup PA Announcer Ashley Holding Manager Bobby Wilkinson 1962 / 1963 Senior Cup Kit Manager Tony Waugh Assistant Manager Jamie Leacock 1964 / 1965 Senior Cup Boardroom Hospitality Alison Moran, Coach Mike Percival 1967 / 1968 Senior Cup Jacky Shore Physio Stacey Wood 1984 / 1985 Senior Cup Club Photographer Goalkeeping Coach Ian Hobbs 2003 / 2004 Charity Cup Web Site Manager Alan & Matt Hill 2010 / 2011 Charity Cup

MATCHDAY PROGRAMME NON TITLE-WINNING PROMOTIONS Programme Editor Mark Hyde 1997 / 1998 Isthmian League Division 2 (3rd) Production Martin Read, Tim Parks 1998 / 1999 Isthmian League Division 1 (3rd, annulled) Printing People for Print Ltd. 2003 / 2004 Isthmian League Premier Division (Play-Off) www.peopleforprint.co.uk [email protected] GROUND REGULATIONS People are only allowed entry to The Vale on match days subject to the following rules and regulations: 1) The club reserves the right to eject from the ground any person who is considered to have committed any of the following acts: • Entering the ground through any means other than through the turnstiles or entrances • Entering the field of play before, during or after a game without prior authorisation • Being drunk, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs • Using violence of any nature • Carrying items which may be considered a danger to others, including cans, bottles, or glasses containing alcoholic beverages • Throwing any article onto the field of play • Climbing floodlight pylons, fences, stands or any structure or building • Using obscene or bad language likely to cause offence to others • Hitting the side or back panels of the Bulla stand 2) No spectator ball games. 3) The consumption of alcoholic drinks is permitted INSIDE the social club bar and boardroom areas. 4) Vehicles parked on the Grosvenor Vale site are at the owners’ risk. 5) Wealdstone Football Club supports the FA’s campaign on pyrotechnics (e.g. flares and smoke bombs). Any misuse of such items in and around the Ground will result in those responsible being asked to leave the Ground and, in line with football authority guidance, may result in a report to the Police, potential prosecution and a ban from the Club of up to three years. — Wealdstone FC Board of Directors MUSINGS OF EL PRESIDENTE

BY PAUL RUMENS

ood afternoon to you we have a lot of our friends from END OF! all for what is why we Watford, QPR, Chelsea and We’ve spent seventeen do this! more. years without a home from G Unlike Newport County six 1991 through 2008, playing at So we’re here for the FA years ago, at the same stage 4 other club’s grounds, we’ve Trophy semi final second leg of the competition, we are very survived administration & near and by my reckoning this game much in this tie & we as fans bankruptcy, being relegated is comfortably in the top 10 of need to create the GREATEST 3 divisions by the Southern importance in the club’s entire atmosphere ever experienced League & playing in front of 118 year history. Our statto, inside the Vale since we moved home crowds as low as 150. Roger Slater tells me, give or here to give our players the best We’ve walked to Fisher & take, we’ve played about 5500 chance of getting to Wembley. Wingate, had a few Stones Aid competitive games since then In the first leg, you were totally gigs to help the club’s coffers so this is in the top 0.2% of magnificent but you have to go & we even launched our own all games...... pretty bloody one better today...... & I know lottery that still helps fund the special then! you can do that! club to this day! I’m sure Brackley Town will say We have fans making their way Our plight was so bad that we likewise for them. today from all corners of the signed fan Val Shearer as a Since last Saturday, I’m sure globe & generations of families player at 86 years of age in the club and the fans have done coming together who would not 1994 as a protest at how badly everything to get a huge crowd miss this game for anything. treated our club was by the in the ground today to cheer There is NO club that deserves footballing hierarchy. the lads on & with it being an it’s chance more of playing at So for Val, the club, those that international weekend, I hope Wembley than our club NONE! were there in the long dark days that kept this club alive, the hundreds of fans that have since passed on & everyone else connected with our club, please god, let it be our turn!

Good luck to Bobby, Jerome and all the boys and leave no stone unturned in our quest for the March to the Arch. By the way, as much as I like hearing about the 11th May, I really hope it’s going to change to the 20th May after today......

Up The Stones X

Paul ELMSLIE ENDER EE REFLECTS ON LAST SATURDAY AND CALLS THE FANS TO ARMS

or eighty-six minutes side that does well in the higher BY SUDHIR RAWAL the masterplan had echelons of the Conference worked like a treat. regional divisions. Strong, very FCompact across the back, well organised and with pace was the crowd, which some on with an exceptional work and threat up front. Kevin Wilson social media have suggested rate to contain a team that has been a manager who has was the lowest ever for a F A had not lost at home all been successful at this level and Trophy semi-final. Only 1,250, season and had indeed only the one above on numerous with around half of that in the conceded five goals in ten occasions with Nuneaton and blue and white of Wealdstone, games, Wealdstone were Wrexham, including a Trophy at St James Park was certainly heading for a deserved draw final appearance, and is now nowhere fitting for a game in the first leg last weekend. carrying Brackley towards the of this stature. That said, the Then a corner went right national division. other semi-final at Bromley only across goal, maybe Stones Pre-match talk was about attracted four more, but at least were missing the height of still being in the tie when the they had the excuse of only 44, Teriyaki who had just gone match came back to the Vale. yes forty-four, Gateshead fans in off, and Gudger lashed home When we reached the semis attendance. Our last two semi- a superb winner. The game in 1985, the game was won at finals have attracted gates of had nil-nil written all over Southbury Road in the first leg over two thousand and it would it. Neither keeper had been when we won 2-0 at Enfield. be disappointing if we did not troubled. Whilst Jonathan Though it was a nervy second get near that this time, though North was the busier keeper, leg, with that defence and that that will be dependent of how he didn’t really have a shot team, you knew we would hold many visitors there are as well. worthy of the name to save, out, though we could only relax As it is international weekend, whilst the Brackley custodian when John Jacobs was sent there should not be too many wasn’t even troubled with a off for his assault of the great excuses for not getting a big shot on target. The best way Alan Cordice. Six years ago, we gate. Our turnout was fantastic to describe the game was were effectively out of the tie last weekend, certainly on par attritional. It was cagey with when the teams returned to the with the 500 at Billericay, as neither side wanting to give Vale, with Newport winning the was the support; the barrage anything away; enough of the first leg 3-1, which were mainly rarely quieted down. Someone cliches. down to basic defensive errors. mentioned there was more youth Admittedly the pitch was Though we huffed and puffed at an away game last weekend terrible to play on and the in the second leg, Newport than in decades. conditions were hardly controlled the game and saw out So to today. Cliche time again, conducive to good football; a a scoreless draw. So, keeping but if we give everything, the gale of a wind and freezing the game alive for today was crowd does its job, we have conditions certainly did not make paramount and that is certainly every chance of progressing to life easy for either side. Stones what we have. One down at the final. Some of the Brackley best moments came in the first half time is a cliche, but there is players were high-fifing some fifteen minutes of the second everything to play for. What do of their supporters as they were half, when with the conditions in have is hopefully a cauldron of going off at the end, maybe their favour they dominated, but, an atmosphere, something that they think they are already at as i said earlier, didn’t have a even their manager commented Wembley. It is in our powers to shot on target. Thereafter it was on in his post-match interview. ensure the outcome is different. Brackley in the ascendency. One thing that was Brackley were typical of a disappointing last weekend SUD WEALDSTONE v BRACKLEY TOWN MONEY IN FOOTBALL If Prem ticket prices had risen by inflation since 1954 it would cost £2.31 Football for a to see a game. But the fiver? The season ticket’s a bloomin’ average is actually £47! bargain! OCIAL media and the newspa- ising their fan base - ie building ever- Chelsea (middle category game for pers have been full of ‘football bigger stadia - while fleecing those members) is £52... 10.8% of the fair pricing’ stories - a couple of lured inside. average gross weekly wage! Syears ago Liverpool fans walked out Non-League clubs have profited Ticket prices as a proportion of of their game in protest at their club’s by extolling the virtues of lower average wages quadrupled between planned top rate £77 ticket (which pricing. Who wouldn’t be enticed by 1989 and 2004. This eye-popping saw the club quickly back down) the prospect of paying the £5-a- 800% increase in the cheapest ticket while all over the country Premier game season ticket price here at the price effectively priced out large League regulars are wondering if Stones compared to £50 or £60 at elements of potential support and their long-held views on rip-off Chelsea, Arsenal or Spurs? alienated the rest. charges will finally be heard. The The cost of taking your family The advent of the answer is almost certainly: No. (tickets, travel, food) to a top flight and Sky TV money corresponded Yes, the big clubs will make the game these days is akin to the cost with massive ticket price increases, right noises and might even use the of the family holiday. Bonkers! whereas logic might dictate the £200,000 that is supposed to be helsea fan Tim Rolls has opposite was true. Any link to wage allocated for away supporter conducted a fascinating or price inflation disappeared. initiatives (subsidising travel and comparison of football pricing If ticket prices had risen by inflation tickets to away games) properly. Con his website weaintgotnohistory. since 1954, the cheapest admission Stories abound of some using it to sbnation.com to Stamford Bridge would be £2.31. It paint away ends, or install upgraded He writes: ‘When Prime Minister is actually £47. catering. Harold MacMillan notoriously (nearly) o what does all this mean to But the big clubs hold all the cards. said “You’ve Never Had It So Good” If they have people clamouring to Wealdstone? If the masses in July 1957, he wasn’t referring to actually DO rise up in revolt at join a season ticket waiting list, and the price of admission at Stamford happy to pay northwards of £2,000 Sthese obscene prices, empty the Bridge, but watching top flight foot- grounds and force top-flight clubs to for the privilege, why would they be ball was fantastic value. It remained interested in discounting prices... recognise that football is actually not so well into the 1970s. Since then a game without a crowd... well, Mr even if there is soon to be a further the top flight game has been priced billions swilling into the Premier Scudamore and his pals might be out of the reach of so many people, forced to introduce some sort of League’s TV trough? including those who rarely missed a Where is the morality? The ticketing price cap. game for decade. Revenue would (slightly) decrease, common decency? Must avarice and In 1959 the average gross (i.e. selfishness always win the day? maybe a few of the top- earning before tax) weekly wage was about foreign players would depart but the Here in the non-league fraternity £10.6/- (£10.30 in modern money). the whole club v fan debate is a Premier League would be a reason- An adult could stand on the terraces ably-priced concept again. double-edged sword. Of course we at Chelsea for 2/- (10p). So an adult are envious of the vast amounts of Would that mean the good people could get into Stamford Bridge for of Ruislip and Harrow would clamour money being frittered away by the under 1% of the average wage. game at the top end. Imagine what to watch Prem football over the Even in 1989, after seven years of Stones? Undoubtedly a lot would, if we could do with the gob-smacking Ken Bates attempting to put the club £45,000-a-week AVERAGE wages the price comparison was double the on a sound footing, the cheapest cost rather that four or five times. that Prem clubs fork out, let alone ticket price at Stamford Bridge (£5) the £450,000-a-week that the Alexi But the good news is that, unless was only 2.7 % of the average gross every London club had a ground Sanchezes of this world reputedly weekly wage, so top level football take home. twice the size of Wembley they was still affordable. wouldn’t all get in. So stick with the The sheer scale of money draining Fast forward to now. The average out of the game to players and Stones! Small, affordable and beauti- gross weekly wage is £483. The fully formed.... agents means that clubs are caught cheapest Premier League ticket at in a never-ending cycle of maxim- BY TIM PARKS NICK DUGARD

GENERAL MANAGERS UPDATE

ELCOME everyone been designed to recognise our fans. The board is also seeking today to this massive fantastic donors and you can to introduce ground wide WIFI ‘second half’ see these in the club house - our that will aid our gate ticketing WBuildbase FA Trophy Semi- thanks to Tim Parks and Martin services, quite apart from press Final tie which stands at a Lacey for designing and printing and media needs. 1-0 advantage to our visitors, these. Brackley Town. A warm • FANS SURVEY welcome to, to all our new • SEASON TICKETS Thanks again to everyone that visitors to today’s match as it 2018/19 season. I am currently completed the survey – overall is an International weekend, considering a new and more 147 of you. The draft results so we are sure to see many efficient approach to our ticketing have been sent to the board for occasional neutrals to The arrangements, to include season consideration and review and Vale. tickets. Last week we met a I will be guiding them on some So, this it. One big push to company that specialises in key recommendations. Some get to Wembley and we can non-league ticketing and has very interesting outputs on many all play our part by roaring on solid experience in this field. areas, here’s a small example the Stones to victory against We must update and modernise below and it’s data and evidence very tough opponents. Above our facilities and I am very keen like this that we need to work on all let’s enjoy the spectacle, to push ahead with this once to ensure our supporter base is saviour the occasion, cast aside our reviews are completed, encouraged to expand, building those negative thoughts and to include other company on what attracts them to The doubts and cheer on the team to proposals. A proposal will then Vale in the first place, making us victory!! be put to the board asap. Until first choice, more often. then we cannot launch our NEWS & UPDATES: s/t for next season, so I will UTS! be seeking urgent approval. Nick DuGard • PLEASE FOLLOW THE There will inevitably be some ADVICE AND DIRECTIONS challenges with any new system OF STEWARDS AROUND THE but we must embrace change GROUND TODAY. Thank you to improve the service to our for your cooperation. • THE ROOF You will see today that the roof has been fully re-instated to the El Pirata stand following the storm damage. New advertising fascia boards, at the time of writing, were also due to be put up that will also enhance the appearance of the stand. This stand, as regular fans will know, has been constructed at considerable cost so do please support the SUFW campaign! https://www.wealdstone-fc. com/commercial/stand-up-for- wealdstone/ New posters have WEALDSTONE v BRACKLEY TOWN FAN IN THE STAND My claim to fame

oday’s ‘victim’ is Chris, the eldest son of Stones’ is playing in the same Company Secretary TAndrew Lane. His brother Matthew is next up... Where do you live? I’ve lived in school team as Jerome Barnes for the last 5 years, but grew up in Northolt where my parents still live. Okimo... yes it’s true, Are you working (and where?) I work as a Public Affairs Consul- tant in Westminster for a small firm, lobbying the Government to he learnt it all from me! influence new and existing laws. Most of the work is for charities which is interesting. First Stones game attended? Not sure exactly as I was taken by my dad in a buggy from at least 6 months old It’s (probably 88/89 season). I went to games at Watford and Yead- ing but don’t really remember Chris them that well. The first season I remember well was Gordon’s arrival and the move to Edg- Lane ware in 95/96, with the 10-0 win against East Ham Utd a particular highlight. What or who persuaded you to become a Stones fan? I did not have much choice as I was dragged along by my dad Andrew from an early age with my brother Matt and my Grandad, Derek, who sadly passed away last summer and is much missed at FAMILY AFFAIR games. I have always enjoyed Chris was brought going though, which is why it has along to games by become a lifelong passion. Hear- his dad Andrew.. ing the witty abuse of the officials but he now admits and opposition players and fans to ‘counting down from an early age was great fun the days’ between and you can see why the local games youth are being converted. I never got to see Wealdstone at their peak in the eighties, but Do you follow any other team? too. having followed them through all Yes, Chelsea, but unfortunately Do you prefer lower-League the ground-sharing days there rarely get down to the Bridge football? I do and increasingly has been a lot of progress. We despite living fairly near to the so as elite football becomes have come so far from the dark ground. I still follow them closely so sanitised, expensive and days at Northwood and need to and catch the games on TV, remote. I do think the Weald- keep moving forward and can but miss the great teams in the stone experience is quite hopefully soon be back in the noughties with the spine of Cech, unique though and would not National League and lifting the Terry, Lampard, Drogba etc. The be attracted to other non-league cost make it quite prohibitive too Trophy Cup can be a reality not CONTINUED OVERPAGE just fondly remembered in a song! and getting tickets can be tricky WEALDSTONE v BRACKLEY TOWN FAN IN THE STAND brother and in the Trophy (the Tinpot Army dad are was immense that day). Big both big crowds in the Kennel at Edg- Wealdstone ware were great as a youngster fans so attend- with victories over Boreham ing is a family event in itself and Wood and Thurrock very memo- clubs without the same character, a good chance to catch up with rable. Unfortunately, I missed history and edge. The £99 season them. My fiancée has been to Northwood in 1997, Rotherham ticket has been an excellent initia- two games in the nine years I in the FA Cup and Margate to tive and will hopefully continue. It have known her, so has not been win the Ryman Prem, but all has been noticeable to me how converted yet, but she does like looked like great days too. the profile of Wealdstone players to learn all the songs! has evolved over the years and Biggest letdowns were probably we increasingly have ex academy How big a part of your life is Brackley at home last season, players who all have good foot- the game? A big part and this Maidenhead away in the trophy, balling brains and want to play season in particular I have found Burgess Hill this year and Col- decent football, although having myself counting down the days chester at home in the FA Cup a few big lumps in your team until the next game. There are 1st round. certainly seems to help get out of few things in life as enjoyable Have you ever played the this league. and exhilarating as a crucial goal game yourself? I played a mix- or a big win, while the losses and Any disadvantages? There are ture of left back and centre back last minute goals conceded are still some pretty ropey grounds/ for school and university teams equally horrible. Even when I am pitches around, but the further and local teams including LNER not able to make it to a game, I we progress this becomes less and Greenford Celtic. I never will be keeping a track via Twitter of an issue. As a youngster there had the pace but liked to think or the forum. I don’t have Sky was not the interest from other I was good in the tackle and in at the moment, so MOTD is younger people (you need to the air and could read the game my main fix of pro football, but be indoctrinated) but it is great reasonably well! I once played overall I find going to Wealdstone now that when I say I support for my school team in a league more enjoyable anyway. Wealdstone, increasing numbers play-off at Brentford which was a of people know who we are (even Most memorable game/s definite high point. if only because of the Raider!). I you’ve EVER seen? For non- Any suggestions to improve think it will be interesting to see Wealdstone games, England your Stones-watching experi- how non-league clubs cope with v Portugal in the quarter finals ence at the Vale? The Bulla is the increasing move towards pro- of Euro 2004, was an amazing the best place to generate noise, fessionalisation and requirement if totally heart-breaking experi- and it would be great to extend for greater investment. ence with the loss on penalties. this further. Decent cover and Watching Chelsea beat Everton How do you fit watching foot- elevation on the far side of the in the FA Cup final at Wembley ball, and Wealdstone, into your ground would be great too and was great too. family/working life? Pretty well the new stand will be great once – with a season ticket this year And most memorable Weald- the roof is on. The toilets are I have managed to get to most stone game, and moment? pretty awful and there will need home games and a good number My favourite Wealdstone games to be more investment in things of away games too. I had a period have been the Dulwich play-off like this as we progress. of not attending regularly while at final (penalty drama and a crucial Favourite current Wealdstone university and living away from game for the club), Southport line-up? Jonathan North, London, but even then still got away (amazing turnout and sing- Reagan Ogle, Eddie Oshodi, to 10 or so games a season. My ing throughout) and Cambridge CONTINUED OVERPAGE

GET IN! Chris (left, blue top) and dad Andrew (going bonkers) celebrate Elliott Benyon’s second goal at Gloucester WEALDSTONE v BRACKLEY TOWN FAN IN THE STAND

Ian Gayle, Jerome Okimo, Sam Cox, Danny Green, Ricky Wel- lard, Matt Whichelow, David Pratt, Dan Fitchett. On his day, I think Green is one of the best players in the league and I have been very impressed with Pratt’s workrate so far. Eisa is a big loss and we could do with someone RAISE THE ROOF Chris, his dad Andrew and brother Matthew get with similar pace to stretch teams. in the mood at Dagenham in the Favourite all-time Stones line- FA Cup last season up? Jonathan North, Jerome Okimo, Alan Massey, Tom Ham- season? Southport away was an Online versions for those unable blin, Marvin McCoy, Tom Pett, amazing weekend. The first time to attend is surely the future too. Ryan Ashe, Chris O’Leary, Glenn I have seen Wealdstone play in Little, Richard Jolly, Jermaine Any articles or features the North and it would be great to Beckford. that you’d like to see? The get promoted to have more away interviews with the players have From the Edgware/Northwood days like that. It was a shame always been interesting. days, I was a big fan of Dominic that Brackley was such a non- What do you think of the Sterling, Fergie, Roy Marshall, event in the next round. Jonah, Jason Shaw, Chris Walton Stones online presence? The Best stadium you’ve EVER Dave Ryan and Martin Carter too. increased use of videos is great, visited? I’ve been on a tour of I’ve only really known Gordon both in terms of the highlights the Nou Camp, which was great, Bartlett as Wealdstone manager and interviews. Social media is a but have not seen a game there and he is rightly regarded as a great way to build awareness of yet. The old Wembley was iconic legend, although I do think the what is happening at Weald- and the new Wembley is great if time was right for a change. stone and hopefully crowds will a little sanitised. Estadio da Luz continue to grow as a result. Who’s your favourite all-time in Lisbon was pretty special. Wealdstone player? Richard Jol- What’s your Wealdstone claim Where do you like to stand (or ly for the sheer number of goals to fame, or interesting fact? sit) at the Vale? I usually stand and great moments. For a one I played in the same school in the Bulla to the left of the goal season cameo, Glenn Little was football team with Jerome Okimo and either in the El Pirata Stand incredible and it was no surprise in Northolt for 7 years, most (when not raining!) or in Couch to see Beckford and Assomba- often behind him at left back Corner. longa go on to great success. I while he was left wing – clearly was a big admirer of Ryan Ashe What are your expectations for taught him all he knows! It is too and think Jonathan North has the Stones for this season? I great to see him playing so well been a great servant to the club. did have high hopes at the start and the first name on the team of the season but every time we sheet – you could always tell Best and worst away trips to look like putting a run together he would go far. I also played at watch football? Any ground with we hit a sticky patch. Hopefully Grosvenor Vale about 15 years good cover and the Wealdstone we can sneak into the playoffs, ago for Greenford Celtic in a faithful in full voice – Southport but I think next year could be our Harrow Youth League playoff. and Cambridge were excellent for year, even with some of the big For a semi-pro pitch it was very that. I enjoy Bath’s ground and money teams likely to join us. To bobbly and the ground is totally Dartford’s too. I’ve not been able get through to the semis of the unrecognisable from today. to make it down to Truro yet. It Trophy would be great, and, if we would be great to get promoted And finally....Where do you get there, why not the final? (NB and visit some new grounds and think the club will be in five This was written on the eve of towns – Dagenham and Red- years? Hopefully having been the trip to Braintree.. and right on bridge was good for that in the FA promoted to the National League the money! -Ed) Cup last year. with eyes on the playoff - and How does the current another decent run in the FA I’m never too disappointed when programme compare with Cup is long overdue too. Long- I cannot make it to games on others you see? I don’t buy term certainty re the lease will Canvey Island or in deepest dark- programmes at away games as help redevelop the ground and est Essex. they are not a patch on our offer- crowds can get up to 1500+ on a What was your highlight of last ing, which is always a good read. regular basis.

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unleashed a fierce effort past past effort fierce a unleashed ‘first half’ of this two-legged two-legged this of half’ ‘first did well to beat Ellis Myles in in Myles Ellis beat to well did

far post, he took a touch and and touch a took he post, far in chances throughout but the the but throughout chances in of the game. Mustafa Tiryaki Tiryaki Mustafa game. the of

Gudger to be lurking at the the at lurking be to Gudger produced a cagey game limited limited game cagey a produced side that had the first chance chance first the had that side

to over hit a corner, only for for only corner, a hit over to These tactics inevitably inevitably tactics These survivors from Tuesday night’s night’s Tuesday from survivors

minutes when Byrne seemed seemed Byrne when minutes Brackley’s lethal forwards lethal Brackley’s But it was one of the the of one was it But

brought a goal on 86 minutes minutes 86 on goal a brought and cutting off the supply to to supply the off cutting and players returning. players

Brackley’s pressure finally finally pressure Brackley’s often frustrating their midfield midfield their frustrating often with many of his first team team first his of many with

Welsh stopper was equal to it. to equal was stopper Welsh the ball hard throughout, throughout, hard ball the Waterlooville on Tuesday night night Tuesday on Waterlooville

North out, but luckily the the luckily but out, North at home. Stones pressed pressed Stones home. at agonisingly lost to Havant & & Havant to lost agonisingly

testing pitch to try and catch catch and try to pitch testing previous success, particularly particularly success, previous changes to the side that that side the to changes

at goal, using the bobble of a a of bobble the using goal, at Wilkinson made several several made Wilkinson much so them brought has

Byrne then had a chance chance a had then Byrne play for” for” play that play of style domineering

North. alive and there is everything to to everything is there and alive Brackley’s up broke continually

had headers held by Jonathan Jonathan by held headers had place - the tie is very much much very is tie the - place and nullified they as contest

partner Luke Graham both both Graham Luke partner will go for it as we did at their their at did we as it for go will huge this of 95% for treat a

and Dean and his defensive defensive his and Dean and it is with a 0-1 situation. We We situation. 0-1 a with is it worked plan game overall

From this the hosts rallied rallied hosts the this From would still have to score as as score to have still would Wilkinson’s Bobby

edge of the box. the of edge The Vale. If it ended a 0-0 we we 0-0 a ended it If Vale. The Saturday on Park James

he hit a shot just wide from the the from wide just shot a hit he Brackley with a big crowd at at crowd big a with Brackley St snowy and cold freezing a

his FA Trophy goal tally when when tally goal Trophy FA his as the fans did brilliantly at at brilliantly did fans the as at Semi-Final Trophy FA their

A A

missing the chance to add to to add to chance the missing again getting behind the team team the behind getting again of leg first the in Wealdstone

of goal and Ricky Wellard Wellard Ricky and goal of total positivity and everyone everyone and positivity total and Town Brackley

Oshodi flicking a header wide wide header a flicking Oshodi second half next Saturday with with Saturday next half second separated Gudger

second half well with Eddie Eddie with well half second that. We all need to go into the the into go to need all We that. Alex from goal late

Brackley 1 Wealdstone 0 Wealdstone 1 Brackley

LEG 1ST FINAL SEMI

TROPHY FA