THE STONES INTERVIEW BY TIM PARKS WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 09.11.2019

early years as they are covered (overpage) by a programme article back in 2012 when his im- pact as a loan star was first being appreciated. “Me and Britt joining the club at the same time was a big factor” he says now. “It was our Connor first taste of men’s football and toughened (right) in us up - I was actually still growing at action for the time! Britt had the strength and the Plymouth pace to worry teams at that level and of three ‘Of course I course he was soon flying - he’s made years Connor Smith a great career for himself and he’s a ago remember my real proven League goal scorer now. As for me, I was actually played wide right at Vicarage Road when they missed a www.wfcmegastore.co.uk www.wfcmegastore.co.uk loan spell here for Wealdstone, the only time in my life 96th-minute penalty to make it 3-2 on ag- I’ve not been a central midfielder, and I’ll gregate - and Watford raced to the other seven years never forget the Trophy wins over Barrow end and Troy Deeney won it with the last (we didn’t want a Tuesday night replay) kick of the game. and of course the quarter final at Cam- ago...losing out bridge, and even beating Dartford in the “I wasn’t playing obviously but I hobbled last 16 even though I was sent off. on to the pitch with the rest of them at the end. It was extraordinary.” to suspension “That meant I was suspended for the semi final first leg at Newport County. I While Connor figured in the first team, in the Trophy had to watch from the terraces and that Assombalonga was sent out again on was hard. I played in the 0-0 second leg loan to Southend before Peterborough but we lost on aggregate”. signed him. semi-final was onnor’s loan had been extended Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough until the end of the season and have since had the benefit of his goal- heartbreaking’ Connor wins he started 19 successive games scoring prowess as the striker has racked the ball in our Cthrough December-March in which we up almost 100 league goals. We knew he o you want a fine 3-0 win won ten, drew eight and lost just one. was decent! midfielder who at Hemel in Britt Assombalonga scored 13 goals atford were beaten in that playoff knows how to win August in his 13 games and Watford decided to final by Crystal Palace, and as Dpromotion at a higher for Connor, he knew his time move him on to Braintree Town after two level? A box-to-box player Wwas up at the Vicarage when the Pozzos months - he scored for fun there too but in the prime of his career? what might have been had he stayed and started to pump money into the club. Someone who can pick a offered that goal threat in the games against “The players they were signing, I knew pass and win possession? And who lives forget any of it?’ he said last week, Newport? I wasn’t going to get in the team. I went locally and knows the club inside out? out on loan deals to Gillingham and finding a moment to chat after a busy That summer, the Pozzo family bought Watford Connor Smith ticks every conceivable Stevenage and then halfway through the morning coaching half-term kids at Bore- and Gianfranco Zola was installed as manager in box. He’s so perfect for the Stones that 2015-16 season, AFC Wimbledon made ham Wood FC. place of Sean Dyche. when news filtered through in May that he me a good offer in League Two and we The affable Irishman has been employed “Zola really seemed to like me and I was in was rejoining the club it was received by as a coach by the National League side ended up promoted via the play off final our fans with a sense of wonderment. and around the first team squad straight away” at Wembley! An amazing day” since Wood signed him from Yeovil Town recalled Connor. “I made my debut off the bench Because we have been following Con- There were 60,000 in the ground to two years ago. on the opening day of the Championship season nor’s career with a a sense of pride ever see late goals from Lyle Taylor and a ‘We parted ways when Billericay came when we won 3-2 at Crystal Palace. Then I since he dropped into our arms as a callow stoppage time penalty from Adebayo in for me, under Dean Brennan, but Wood started at Blackburn in a 1-0 defeat but my most 18 year old back in November 2011. He Akinfenwa see off Plymouth Argyle with wanted me to stay on as a coach and I memorable game was the next one when we signed on a month’s loan - along with his a 2-0 win. was very happy to do that” said the 26 year won 6-1 at Leeds - a massive win for us at a mate, striker Britt Assombalonga - from old who lives In South Oxhey and is loving massive club”. “So was that your greatest moment in Watford’s youth team and within a fortnight football?” I asked him. the fact that work, Wealdstone training (at Connor made eight appearances for the Horns Gordon Bartlett’s team were galvanised Harefield) and The Vale are in such close “To be fair, my best times came the fol- from a misfiring, mid table Ryman League but his debut season was halted in its tracks by a proximity. bad injury in November. lowing season when Plymouth made me outfit into a side that careered up the table “I’ve spent the last six years up and down a great offer to move down to Devon. and into the FA Trophy semi finals, con- “I was on crutches for the rest of that season. the country so the fact we are settled back Really bad timing as we ended up reaching the “I had gone back home to Ireland that founding every one of our fans. here with my friends is brilliant.” summer and was in talks with Wimble-

FIND A WHOLE OF WORLD THE MEMORABILIA WEALDSTONE MEGASTORE: AT play off final... it was the game everyone remem- It was a fantastic period and Connor We won’t touch too much on Connor’s remembers every moment. ‘How could I bers that got us there, the one against Leicester CONTINUED OVERPAGE CLIFFORD! NEXT UP BE TO INTERVIEWED: BILLY IT’S CONNOR SMITH CONTINUED WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH 09.11.2019

don about the League One season - but Plymouth were very persuasive and I had a wonderful season there. “I moved to Devon with my girlfriend Chelsea, and there was a great atmo- sphere among the players and their families, most of whom weren’t from the area and we really enjoyed the city and the lifestyle. “It was excellent on and off the pitch- we were leading the table for most of the season but on the last day we drew at Grimsby while Portsmouth won their game and nicked the title. www.wfcmegastore.co.uk www.wfcmegastore.co.uk “The Argyll fans were unreal. We’d be playing at Notts County on a Tuesday night and there’d be 3,000 there, travelling up from Plymouth. Amazing commitment to their team. A big, big club. “I probably made a mistake after that though, signing two year deal with Yeovil Town. It just didn’t work out with the players we had and we finished lower mid table. I liked the town, though It’s a lot quieter than Plymouth, but we decided to move back to the Watford area where Chelsea’s from”. “Was she named after the team?” I asked semi seriously. “Yes!” said Connor “her dad’s a big Chelsea fan.“ “I suppose she could have been called ‘Sligo Rovers’” I joked. “Or Bohemi- ans” he shot back. “That would just be a bit strange though”. nyway, Connor and Chelsea moved back eastwards when Boreham Wood, fresh to the AConference National, offered an enticing package that included full-time coaching at the club’s academy. Within a few months though, Billericay (managed by Dean Brennan and Stuart Maynard) had lured him to Essex while he continued to coach for the Wood. “The driving for training and matches was getting a bit much so when Wealdstone came in for me against Chelsea Youth for Watford, and at don’t want to jinx it but I really think we I asked Connor if he stayed in touch it was like coming home” said the affable Billericay and he’s tough to play against. could have a good run in the Trophy this with any of the young players he com- Irishman. Though you don’t know how good he really year. It would make up for that disappoint- peted with in the ‘Search for a Star’ TV “I know Deano’s style of play of course is until you play with him! “Iment against Newport when I couldn’t play - I show that earned him his start in football. from the brief time I was with him at Bil- “Michael Phillips is class too, Greenie was talking to Jerome about it the other day and “Well, Ben Greenhalgh (who won it) is at lericay and it was very attractive- we’ve got obviously should have played a lot higher he was saying how gutted he was when Weald- Dartford so I had a chat with him first day some terrific players here and to be honest and our centre backs are League One, stone lost to Brackley in the semi final a couple of the season... and my best mate is An- I’m not surprised the season’s started so League Two standard. Jerome is brilliant of years ago. thony O’Donnell who I met on the show. FIND A WHOLE OF WORLD THE MEMORABILIA WEALDSTONE MEGASTORE: AT well. I knew Billy (Clifford) from playing and I was Impressed with him when I had “Promotion is the No.1 goal but a long run in Though I probably shouldn’t mention him that loan spell at Stevenage. the Trophy would be great”. as he’s now playing for Harrow Borough!” CLIFFORD! NEXT UP BE TO INTERVIEWED: BILLY IT’S KEY TO SYMBOLS ABC Three-letter Player ID  1st substitution  Caution  Goals RESULTS & FIXTURES 2019/2020 (See list)  2nd substitution  Red Card  Penalty  3rd substitution  Straight Red  Goal + Pen AUGUST Competition Result Crowd Lge Wind|Sky|Temp 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17/GK 3 DARTFORD NLS 4-1 930 2  5  23 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE  OKI PHI SMI  LAF  GRE  WAT  LEW  RBR SHE  MEN  RIN 6 Dulwich Hamlet NLS 0-1 1484 10 10  20 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI  LAF GRE WAT  LEW  RBR  SHE  MEN RIN 10 Braintree Town NLS 4-0 482 6 24 20 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI  SMI  LAF GRE   LEW  ROB  RBR SHE  MEN   RIN 13 CHIPPENHAM TOWN NLS 1-0 837 2  7  18 OXB ARN EFE  CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI  LAF GRE  LEW  ROB  RBR  SHE  MEN  RIN 17 Hemel Hempstead Town NLS 3-0 732 1 18 20 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI  SMI  LAF GRE LEW   ROB WAT  SHE  MEN   NOR 24 HUNGERFORD TOWN NLS 3-1 771 1  8  29 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI MEN  LAF  GRE LEW   ROB WAT  SHE  RBR NOR 26 Weymouth NLS 4-3 1522 1  4  24 OXB  ARN  EFE CLI STE OKI PHI  MEN LAF  GRE  LEW  ROB WAT  SHE  RBR NOR 31 MAIDSTONE UNITED NLS 2-1 1066 1 15  21 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI MEN  LAF GRE  LEW ROB WAT  SHE  COK NOR SEPTEMBER 3 St.Albans City NLS 3-2 805 1 11 18 OXB ARN EFE CLI STE OKI PHI MEN  LAF   GRE  LEW  ROB WAT SHE  COK  NOR 7 OXFORD CITY NLS 1-0 1102 1 10 17 OXB ARN EFE  CLI  STE OKI PHI MEN LAF GRE LEW  ROB WAT SHE  SMI  NOR 14 Welling United NLS 2-1 594 1  4  22 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI  MEN LAF GRE LEW  ROB WAT SHE  SMI  NOR 21 Farnborough FAC2Q 5-0 404 1  12  24 OXB ARN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI  LAF   GRE LEW  MEN  WAT   MCL  SAU NOR 28 HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE NLS 1-4 1140 1  15 18 OXB ARN EFE  CLI  STE OKI  PHI SMI  LAF GRE LEW MEN WAT  MCL  SAU NOR OCTOBER 5 Bristol Manor Farm FAC3Q 0-0 422 1  9  14 OXB ARN EFE CLI STE OKI PHI  MEN LAF GRE LEW SMI  WAT  CHA SAU RIN 8 BRISTOL MANOR FARM FAC3QR 4-0 524 1 11 12 OXB ARN EFE  CLI  STE OKI PHI SMI LAF MEN  LEW  GRE WAT CHA SAU RIN 12 Chelmsford City NLS 3-1 1263 1  9  12 OXB ARN  EFE CLI  STE OKI  PHI  WAT LAF  GRE  LEW DNW SAU CHA  COK  RIN 19 Maidenhead United FAC4Q 1-1 871 1 13 14 OXB  MEN EFE CLI  STE OKI PHI WAT LAF  GRE LEW SMI SAU CHA COK RIN 22 MAIDENHEAD UNITED FAC4QR 0-2 835 1  6  12 OXB MEN  EFE CLI  STE  OKI PHI WAT LAF  GRE LEW SMI  SAU CHA SHE  RIN 26 TONBRIDGE ANGELS NLS 3-1 866 1 16  15 OXB ARN  EFE CLI  STE OKI  PHI  SMI MEN  GRE LEW SHE  WAT CHA  DNW   RIN 29 CB HOUNSLOW UNITED MCC1 5-1 TBA 1  9  8 RIN  EKO MEN CLI COK  SHE SAU  CHA DNW  WAT  AND ARN LOP   MND EVE  NOVEMBER 2 Dorking Wanderers NLS 2-2 817 1 13  10 OXB ARN EFE SHE  STE OKI WAT  SMI  DNW   GRE  LEW SAU RBR  CHA  COK  EVE 5 HAYES & YEADING UTD MSC — — — 9 EASTBOURNE BOROUGH NLS — — — 16 Hampton & Richmond NLS — — — AND Enoch Andoh EKO Enoch Ekoneo MCL Geprge McLennan PHI Michael Phillips SMI Connor Smith 23 FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying FAT3Q — — — KEY TO 30 CONCORD RANGERS NLS — — — PLAYER IDS ARN Nick Arnold EVE Lewis Everett MEN Jacob Mendy Mendy RBR Reece Beckles-Richards STE Connor Stevens DECEMBER CHA Ashley Charles GRE Danny Green MND Douglas Mendes RIN Joe Ringer WAT Sanchez Watt 7 Bath City NLS — — — CLI Billy Clifford LAF Ross Lafayette NOR Jonathan North ROB Phil Roberts 14 FA Trophy 1st Round Proper FAT1 — — — DNW Dejon Noel-Williams LEW Dennon Lewis OKI Jerome Okimo SAU Matthew Saunders 21 WELLING UNITED NLS — — — 26 Slough Town (1:00pm) NLS — — — EFE Michee Efete LOP Eric Lope OXB Aston Oxborough SHE Jake Sheppard 28 ST.ALBANS CITY NLS — — — JANUARY 1 SLOUGH TOWN (1:00pm) NLS — — — 4 Oxford City NLS — — — 11 CHELMSFORD CITY NLS — — — 18 Havant & Waterlooville NLS — — — PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY RESULTS 2019 / 2020 25 BATH CITY NLS — — — FEBRUARY July 5, away vs. Bracknell Town — W 4-1 (Mendy, Lewis 2, Efete) 1 Tonbridge Angels NLS — — — North, Nick Arnold, Okimo, Jacob Cook, Stevens, Olomowewe, Sheppard, Connor Smith. Lafayette, Green, Azeez Subs: Paterson, Cotter, Jacob Mendy Mendy, Noel-Williams, Michee Efete, Dennon Lewis, Afolabi Coker, Yaw Ofosu, Alfie Young, Matt Saunders, 8 BILLERICAY TOWN NLS — — — Hassan Jalloh 15 Eastbourne Borough NLS — — — 22 DORKING WANDERERS NLS — — — 29 Dartford NLS — — — July 9, away vs. Hayes & Yeading United — D 2-2 (Green, Lafayette (pen)) MARCH (Squad Friendly) 7 DULWICH HAMLET NLS — — — 14 Chippenham Town NLS — — — July 12, away vs. Reading U23 s — L 0-2 21 BRAINTREE TOWN NLS — — — Paterson, Michee Efete, Sellars, Matt Saunders, Ed Cook, Yaw Ofuso, Dylan Switters, Sheppard, Noel-Williams, Jacob Mendy Mendy, Dennon Lewis Subs: Eric Lopes, Billy Clifford, Femi Azeez 28 Concord Rangers NLS — — — APRIL 4 HAMPTON & RICHMOND NLS — — — July 13, away vs. Hitchin Town — W 3-2 (Lafayette 2, Lopez) 10 Hungerford Town NLS — — — Theo Richardson, Nick Arnold, Sellars, Billy Clifford, Yaw Ofuso, Okimo, Beckles-Richards, Connor Smith, Lafayette, Green, Dennon Lewis Subs: Jacob Cook, Dylan Switters, Sanchez Watt, Eric Lopes 13 WEYMOUTH NLS — — — 18 Maidstone United NLS — — — July 16, home vs, Colchester United — L 0-3 25 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN NLS — — — Theo Richardson, Michee Efete, Nick Arnold, Billy Clifford, Stevens, Okimo, Jacob Mendy Mendy, Connor Smith, Lafayette, Green, Dennon Lewis Subs: Sheppard, Matt Saunders, Afolabi Coker, Yaw Ofosu, Reece Beckles-Richards, Jacob Cook, Dejon Noel- TO BE ARRANGED Williams, Sanchez Watt, Eric Lopes, Sellars

July 18, away vs. Chesham United — L 2-3 (Watt, Clifford) Paterson, Michee Efete, Sellers, Matt Saunders, Afolabi Coker Yaw Ofosu, Reece Beckles-Richards, Jacob Cook, Sanchez Watt, Sheppard, Dennon Lewis Subs: Nick Arnold, Joe Ringer Stevens, Okimo, Connor Smith, Billy Clifford, Green, Jacob Mendy

July 20, home vs. Watford Under 23s — W 4-0 (Green, Noel-Williams, Mendy, Lewis) Richardson, Arnold (Efete, 78), Sellers, Clifford (sheppard 61), Stevens, Okimo 9Coker 78), Trialist (Lewis 61), Smith (Cook 78),Noel-Williams (Beckles-Richards 45), Green (Saunders 89), Mendy (Watt 61), Subs not used: Paterson, Ringer

July 27, home vs. Brentford 'B' — W 2-0 (Lafayette 2) Ringer, Arnold, Efete, Clifford (Lewis, 74), Stevens, Okimo, Phillips, Smith, Lafayette (Richards, 87), Green (Trialist, 78), Watt (Mendy, 67) CONNOR SMITH WEALDSTONE v EASTBOURNE BOROUGH ADAM WILLIAMS

ood Afternoon Ladies and about the club’s media activities and the level Gentlemen. I’ll start by thanking of expectation from supporters. Am going Peter Edwards and Phil Jefferson to rehash a little of that and pay tribute to Gfor their time and expertise in restoring those regular supporters who have provided the Lower Mead era club shop signage. professional match day photography for the This now sits proudly outside of the club. Many of you will know this is something Supporters Club Megastore. I’d say in of which I’ve undertaken myself down the this case acknowledging a piece of our years. Its quite a commitment, especially history and using it in the present is a if you agree to become the club’s official very commendable exercise. photographer. Not only are you exposed There have been calls on social media to the elements during the winter months, to produce a replica of the legendary there is also quite a lot of post-match work ‘Elmslie End’ sign and hang it somewhere involved to ensure your captures reach a in the ground. For those many fans who global audience. Going back to our latter are relative newcomers to Wealdstone FC days at Lower Mead, I can recall our current the Elmslie End was our ‘Kop’ end at our Secretary Paul ‘Fingers’ Fruin armed with former Lower Mead home. A marvellous a 35mm SLR Camera capturing the action. standing terrace of which had acoustic Have been reliably informed that most of the www.wfcmegastore.co.uk properties that have probably never been photographs from ‘The last day’ at Lower bettered. I’ll happily admit the thought of Mead were his work. A name of which the ‘Elmslie End’ sign hanging in the Bulla springs to mind during our ground sharing Stand sends the proverbial shiver down my days is Colin Bunner. Am sure he spent spine. I’d also happily refer to this stand as several seasons on the touchline producing the Elmslie Stand should there be money excellent images that were used across a forthcoming to sponsor it as such. However, number of mediums. Onto the digital age at what point do we let go of the past and of the mid 2000s, I had a few seasons simply concentrate on the present and as our ‘official’ photographer. Hopefully I future?? I must admit I have little idea of produced enough decent images to warrant how many of our present regulars are from the title. Remember it being very difficult to the days of Lower Mead. Given how many recreate the ‘big game’ feel when there were youngsters have appeared on the scene usually only 250 people in the ground! Our during the past few years I guess you could move to The Vale saw Steve Foster take say us ‘old timers’ are possible now in the up the mantle and he became our official minority. When the Main Stand was given a photographer for several seasons. Some of splattering of dark brown and orange paint to the work that he produced was outstanding conform with our sponsorship with Wenzels, and took the level of professionalism to MEGASTORE: WFC & @WFCSC1 only an extreme minority of supporters took new heights. He is still our go-to man exception. They are perfectly entitled to when it comes to official material such their viewpoint. To them it clearly gave the at team photographs or kit launches and impression of ignoring our identity in the long may this be the case. We’ve also pursuit of finances. Even those established had some really useful contributions from supporters who are quite precious about the the likes of Dan Finell. In spite of being a

kit we play in just saw this as a natural and freelance photographer he provided services WfcMegastore logical evolution of the ground. Naming parts voluntarily on a short term basis. Apologies of the ground after long serving supporters to any others who I may have missed out on. will always get majority backing, especially if One thing is certain. No matter what kit you they contributed countless hours of their time use, no matter how drenched you are, no towards for the benefit of the football club. matter how frostbitten your fingers become, Do we rename the Social Club ‘The Elmslie there is immense reward in capturing a Tavern’? This establishment of course moment in the club’s history that potentially being the one of which sat alongside our could be viewed over and over again for aforementioned former home. I very much years to come. doubt there will ever be an opportunity for Enjoy the game! another ‘Cinema End’ mind!

In my previous article I spoke in length Attic OUR TWITTER FEED: @ MATCH SPONSORS A great way to celebrate a special occasion or advertise your organisation’s *Please note that we can accommodate multiple match support of Wealdstone, match sponsorship packages start at just £345 (fans) sponsors and can tailor the experience to whatever are or £395 (corporate). As match day sponsor you will enjoy: your requirements. For example, we can cater for as many as 25 people in your group in our magnificent newhospitality • Match tickets for four people (inc. prime main stand seats if required) lounge. This facility has undergone a comprehensive re-fit with • A fantastic advertising package, including publicity over the PA system, website and substantial investment courtesy of our club sponsors GPF Lewis & Ruislip Social Club. social media Our match sponsors and their guests are all entertained in surroundings befitting such a • Boardroom hospitality includes pre match and half-time refreshments as well as a su- special occasion be it a birthday, anniversary or any other special event! perb array of culinary delights post match, courtesy of in-house caterer Lynn Evans • Match-day programmes for all in your party We will work with you to ensure you and your guests get to enjoy a truly • VIP car parking memorable experience. If you or your organisation are interested in sponsoring a match • Name and present the ‘Man of the Match’ award here at The Vale, please contact Club President, Paul Rumens • A stunning dedicated glass award ([email protected] or call 07710 929692) to discuss. MATCH SPONSORS MATCH SPONSORS DARTFORD Saturday, 3rd August Support the Stones – sponsor a match! Vanarama National League South CHIPPENHAM TOWN ST.ALBANS CITY Tuesday, 13th August Wealdstone FC Supporters Club Saturday, 28th December Tony Platt Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South HUNGERFORD TOWN SLOUGH TOWN Saturday, 24th August Ray Corner and Peter Carter Wednesday, 1st January Recycle DNC Ltd Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South MAIDSTONE UNITED CHELMSFORD CITY The Simon Ricketts Harrow Sales Saturday, 31st August Markie Barton Saturday, 11th January Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Matchday & Marketing OXFORD CITY BATH CITY Saturday, 7th September The Guild Saturday, 25th January Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE BILLERICAY TOWN Saturday, 28th October First Financial Saturday, 8th February Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South BRISTOL MANOR FARM DORKING WANDERERS Tuesday, 8th October GPF Lewis Saturday, 22nd February Available Available FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round Vanarama National League South MAIDENHEAD UNITED DULWICH HAMLET In memory of Tuesday, 22nd October GPF Lewis Saturday, 7th March People for Print FA Cup 4rd Qualifying Round Vanarama National League South Darren Hooker TONBRIDGE ANGELS In memory of BRAINTREE TOWN Saturday, 26th October AFC Lightning Saturday, 21st March Wealdstone FC Ladies Available Vanarama National League South John O’Connor Vanarama National League South EASTBOURNE BOROUGH HAMPTON & RICHMOND In memory of Saturday, 9th November Emin Alibey & Family Saturday, 4th April Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Ian Spicer CONCORD RANGERS WEYMOUTH Saturday, 30th November Available Available Easter Monday, 13th April Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South WELLING UNITED HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN In memory of Saturday, 21st December GPF Lewis Available Saturday, 25th April Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Harry Leigh ON THIS DAY BY TIM PARKS EASTBOURNE BOROUGH REWIND 09.11.2019

Monday November 9 1998, humiliation of having to FA Trophy 1st round play in the non League replay: Wealdstone 0 minnows’ FA Vase Dagenham & Redbridge 5 21 years ago: Sunken during our time in the Isthmian lower reaches. HIS season at the end It was about the of the old millennium toughest First Round was nothing short of goalposts at Grays, draw we could have Textraordinary! been handed, with the Controversy seemed to East Londoners riding dog match after match.... it high at the top of the may be 21 years ago but no a ghost goal against Isthmian Prem and doubt dozens of our fans will strikers Dave Cobb recall most of the incidents and Danny Shipp leading up to this bizarre Canvey and water scoring for fun. But it home defeat by Dag & Red. was about the wettest Just to set the scene: October on record. Wealdstone had taken 200 stones fans voluntary demotion to Div sports at Dagenham made the trip to their Three of the Isthmian Victoria Road ground League in 1995 in a bid to in pelting rain, and unsurprisingly the A disappointingly dry Victoria Road, get back on a financial even pitch was under water - yet the referee keel, and new manager ...was this the most Dagenham allowed the game to start. Gordon Bartlett had steered The humour flowed faster than the substituted just minutes earlier and the man the side to the Div Three title riptide across the eighteen yard box. who had just come on, steve Bircham, in ‘97 and then to third place “Looks like Shipp’s sinking!” called out stepped forward to take it. Home fans and promotion from Div Two bizarre season ever? one wag, to actual applause. Little Chris turned to leave the ground a only to stop a year later. Walton was warned to “stay in the and file back in when Gothard blocked the Crowds at the White Lion shallow end”. penalty. - where we were ground Cobb scored for the tenth successive And, of course, in the Wealdstone way of sharing with Edgware Town - game but after 20 minutes the referee things, Dag & Red piled forward in injury had doubled to a 400 called it off- setting up an epic rematch time and grabbed an inevitable equaliser average but our form had three days later at the same ground. through the unstoppable Cobb. Fergus plateaued out against the Strong winds had dried out the pitch Moore was red carded for a foul, and from better standard opposition. and it was a long ball out of defence that the subsequent free kick Cobb turned in the Then: Bizarre Incident 1 should have seen the home keeper Paul loose ball for 1-1. Drat! ur away game at Gothard sent off in the second half when Bizarre incident 3 Grays was held up he blatantly handled yards outside his box to prevent a goal. But the ref missed n the Saturday between that draw after the referee and the subsequent Monday night Omeasured the height of the it, to the fury of the away fans who were now numbering well over 200. replay, Canvey Island were awkward top end crossbar and found Oopposition at the White Lion. Managed and It was the brilliance of Gothard and it to be just 7ft 6ins high. bankrolled by Caravan Magnate Jeff King, Luckily we had Noel Imber in Stones keeper Imber that had kept the game goalless - but suddenly, with 10 Canvey were on their way from the Essex goal and not Aston Oxbor- Senior League to the Conference in 10 ough as the Norwich giant Villian of the piece: Steve Bircham (quarters) mins remaining it seemed we would claim a notable scalp. years and mighty confident of themselves ... would have had a sore head! failed from the spot at Dagenham so it was rather wonderful to see our The groundsman and three Stuart Kent, with just two goals all season was a bit of a flop up front but he Dagenham bad luck reversed by a slice of stewards had a futile dig good fortune in what turned out to be a 3-0 around in the goalmouth, game would have to be replayed. put us ahead beautifully from a tight More on that later. angle. Then Dagenham’s Gary Blackford win. trying to make up the missing six inches but Noel Imber was flattened coming for an to no avail - all three goals in Grays’ Bizarre Incident 2 handled in his own area to give us a penalty! early cross and the referee stopped the eventual 3-0 win were scored in that net ealdstone’s proud connection with game on the halfway line to allow treatment. and several months later the League Unfortunately, our ‘dead eyed dick’ from the FA Trophy restarted with an the spot, Micky Swaysland, had been CONTINUED OVERPAGE... Management Committee decreed that the Waway tie at Dagenham, after the ON THIS DAY CONTINUED EASTBOURNE BOROUGH REWIND 09.11.2019

He dropped the ball to allow Canvey to pump the ball back to our keeper and Paul Donovan gave it a good welly back to Imber.... but our keeper Mick Swaysland (left, Six years ago: Robins are seemed to mishandle it, maybe still on ground) steers his a bit shaken, and the ball ended up header into the Canvey net to wrap up the 3-0 in the net. sunk by misfiring Stones win at the White Lion Canvey shouted “goal!” and the referee looked a bit perplexed before ruling that it was not in the spirit of the game. Things became a bit fractious after that and on the 30 minute mark Canvey midfielder Scott Lindsey was spotted aiming a blow at Stones’ Bircham in our box - and was sent off. For once, events had fallen in our favour and goals from Swaysland, Brian Jones and Phil Dicker wrapped up the points. Bizarre incident 4 kay, maybe not that bizarre as Saturday November 9 2013: Wealdstone 3 Carshalton 1 Owe’ve all seen the STONES ended the 2013-14 season as Ryman Prem Stones capitulate in champions... but in early November we had been Cup replays having crushed 6-1 at Hornchurch in the FA Cup and been missed a great oppor- edged out of the FA Trophy 2-1 by Maidstone in a tunity to win the first h, the final bit of cover installed for the extra replay. game, but the 5-0 bizarre inci- 30 seats that were deemed This hard-fought win got our season back on track defeat to Dag & Red in dent: as this necessary for Isthmian Premier and with some of the top sides in the league dropping Aseason progressed, Division football. front of a 464 crowd points we were able to move up to 5th in the table. was a strange beast. the Stones found As the wins accrued and the For all Stones’ classy passing football we again strug- Again the Stones themselves rooted in April 1 deadline approached, the gled to convert chances. Dean Snedker (now at St played really well midtable. The club realised that extra turn- Albans) had a fine game in the Robins goal and against the higher- playing budget was stiles, fencing plus those extra brought off a point blank save from Luke Pigden. ranked Dagenham, but cut and little heed seats would have to be sorted The lively Alex Addai presented a real threat to the again foundered against was paid to having pretty damn quick. And despite Stones defence but we took the lead in fortunate the inspired Gothard - to upgrade the having apparently had a verbal circumstances - Tom Pett’s strike was saved but the while at the other end ground if we were to assurance that the deadline ball rebounded off Quincy Rowe for an own goal on 32 Paul McKay handled on finish in a promotion could be extended a few days, minutes. Carshalton hit back immediately and the goal line in a position. the League reneged and denied snatched a goal back from a fine strike from Adriano grotesque prequel to the But then, an us promotion even after the Moraes seconds after Jonathan North had pulled off a 0-5 home defeat to high extraordinary thing: work was done. wonderful save. The persistent Wright was instru- flying Kingstonian the The players discov- It still leaves a bad taste in mental in Stones second goal; he fed Pett and his ball following season. ered a unity and drive the mouth two decades on. saw Elliot Godfrey rifle past the exposed Snedker with We were 1-0 down and reduced to 10 which, allied to the abilities of players like Especially when we travelled to great composure. On 73 minutes the home side men in the wake of that calamity. But even Jonah, Paul Lamb, Dominic Sterling, Paul play the return game at Canvey sealed victory, Sean Cronin heading powerfully into then, Stones kept playing football and were Benning, Rocky Baptiste, Bircham and Carl ten days after the deadline to the box for a relieved Scott McGleish to scramble into finally sunk by four goals in the final 18 Holmes saw us string together an hear them gloating that our the net. minutes, with three of them coming from the unprecedented 16 wins in the final 18 appeal had failed - while their Wealdstone: North, Hammond, Siva, Hamblin, lethal boots of Danny Shipp. league games! groundworks were rubber- Cronin ©, Godfrey, Little, Pigden, McGleish, If only we’d holed his team below the Sadly, and indeed bizarrely, it was all for stamped... even as works were Wright, Pett, Subs used: Bailey, Moore, Dean. N/u: plimsoll line in the first game. nothing as our eventual third place was visibly still being completed to Okimo, Bentley. ruled irrelevant by the fact of not having a Canvey’s Park Lane ground! WEALDSTONE U18’s SAMBA YOUTH LEAGUE 2019/20 2019 / 2020 FIXTURES & RESULTS

MATCH REPORT WEALDSTONE 1 - 0 BEDFONT SPORTS FA YOUTH CUP 2ND Q ROUND WEDNESDAY 23RD OCTOBER ealdstone Under 18s took on having much the better chances. The Bedfont Sports in an FA youth deadlock was broken after 59 minutes as cup second qualifying round Josip collects the ball from inside his own Wreplay. half who squares it to Leonard who instantly It was a much improved performance has an impact of the bench assisting than last time these two sides met, with Morgan with the finish. Wealdstone created Wealdstone starting brightly, creating a chance after chance and kept Bedfont at few early chances and even hitting the bay who offered very little up front in the woodwork. A few more chances fell for second half. Wealdstone’s defence were Wealdstone but they failed to make anything at the heart of every attack as they kept of them. Bedfont started getting back into possession well, to see out the game. the game just before half time, hitting the Mom Ryan Morgan post and testing out Wealdstone’s keeper. Match Report - Patrick Woulfe At half time it was 0-0 with Wealdstone Middx FA Youth Cup NEXT HOME MATCH U18’S Monday 11th November CB Hounslow United (A) DORKING WANDERERS STONES ON THE ROAD

Saturday 2nd November 2019 - Meadowbank National League South - Attendance 817 STONES STILL TOP

Last Saturday we sent our top reporter JOE FRANKLIN (8) To cover our important clash with Dorking Wanderers at Meadowbank

On Saturday the second of November 2019 I went to Dorking Wanderers FC to watch my Non League team Wealdstone FC. I travelled to the match with my Dad and sister Connie. The Stadium looked new and it was compact. The LINE-UP2 pitch was made of 4G AstroTurf. LINE-UP2 The weather was wet and windy so the conditions Huk Oxborough were challenging. Beard Arnold The match kicked off at 3pm. Harris Efete After 8 minutes Wealdstone scored their first goal. D Gallagher It was scored by Dejon Noel-Williams. Sheppard McMannus He scored the second for Wealdstone as well just Stevens Prior before half time. Okimo Barham Wealdstone lead two nil until Dorking scored in Watt McShane the 53rd and 73rd mins. Smith J Gallagher Either team could have won it but a draw was a Noel-Williams Moore fair result. Green Richards There were 817 people there. Lewis Subs: Subs: Beckles The Wealdstone Team Coker Muitt Oxborough Charles Brigs Arnold Okimo Stevens Efete Saunders Taylor Smith Everett Sole Green Sheppard Beckles-Richards Lewis Watt Noel-Williams

He’s Mustard - 2 goal hero Dejon Noel-Williams Pic:Adam Williams WORDS - JOEWORDS FRANKLIN 8 AGE

Where:

When: Saturday, 30th November, 2019 Time: 9pm ‘til 11.30pm Tickets: (On sale from the club)

For more information, contact: James - 07979 795414

BALL SPONSORS A traditional package for businesses (from £195+ vat) or fans (£180) for two people that will give you the satisfaction of knowing you have If you or your organisation are interested in donating the paid for the ball that Wealdstone FC are banging into the net (or out of matchball for a home match then please contact Club the ground!). President, Paul Rumens at As the match ball donor you will enjoy: [email protected] or call 07710 929692

 2 x Match tickets (+ car parking space) Our magnificently refurbished hospitality lounge, courtesy of GPF Lewis  Prime seats in the main stand if required & Ruislip Soclal Club, is looking foward to welcoming you and your  Publicity over the PA system and via the official club website and social media guests in surroundings befitting such a special occasion be it a birthday,  Boardroom hospitality (half time refreshments, snacks and hot food anniversary or any other special event! after the game)  Bar allowance MATCH SPONSORS  2 x Match-day programmes  A fabulous autographed team ball WELLING UNITED In memory of Saturday, 21st December Nick Woolford MATCH SPONSORS Vanarama National League South Roy Couch DARTFORD ST.ALBANS CITY In memory of Saturday, 3rd August Support the Stones – sponsor the match ball Saturday, 28th December Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Bob Hall CHIPPENHAM TOWN SLOUGH TOWN Tuesday, 13th August Support the Stones – sponsor the match ball Wednesday, 1st January Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South HUNGERFORD TOWN CHELMSFORD CITY Saturday, 24th August Mike & Val Weston Saturday, 11th January Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South MAIDSTONE UNITED BATH CITY Saturday, 31st August Thordor Training Saturday, 25th January Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South OXFORD CITY BILLERICAY TOWN Saturday, 7th September Dotty Tabby Cat Saturday, 8th February Alan Couch Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE DORKING WANDERERS In memory of Saturday, 28th September Half-Way Line Tea Bar Saturday, 22nd February Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South Jim Klarfeld BRISTOL MANOR FARM DULWICH HAMLET Tuesday, 8th October Alan Hill & Roger Slater Saturday, 7th March Available Available FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round Replay Vanarama National League South MAIDENHEAD UNITED BRAINTREE TOWN Tuesday, 22nd October Alan Hill & Roger Slater Saturday, 21st March Available Available FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round Replay Vanarama National League South TONBRIDGE ANGELS HAMPTON & RICHMOND Saturday, 26th October Gordon McKay Saturday, 4th April Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South EASTBOURNE BOROUGH WEYMOUTH Saturday, 9th November Ray Corner & Peter Carter Easter Monday, 13th April Available Available Vanarama National League South Vanarama National League South CONCORD RANGERS Peter & Pauline HEMEL HEMPSTEAD TOWN ‘In memory of Wealdstone fans no Saturday, 25th April longer with us’ – Ron Moore, Dave Saturday, 30th November Available Edwards, Tony & Peter Drew Available Vanarama National League South Worby Vanarama National League South SHOW YOUR SUPPORT — SPONSOR A STONE! KIT SPONSORS 2019/2020 OU can support your favourite player by sponsoring their kit for every game Pictures courtesy of Steve Foster — @aqueoussunphoto KEY: C = Management & Coaching Staff; D = Defender; M = Midfielder; F = Forward; L = Legend; of 2019/2020. The cost is £175 for Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality. Yeither home or away kit, and as well as your mention here and on the web site, you’ll get: 27-12-96 30-05-97 08-06-88 25-09-00  …to meet your sponsored Stone in person M M D GK  …a £10 voucher to spend in the club shop C C MEN SHE OKI RIN  …your name entered into a prize draw to win hospitality for two at a league game of your choice here at the Vale. Also this season, you can sponsor both home AND away kit for £250 – earning you a special extra treatment on these pages and on our web site. So come on, choose your DEAN BRENNAN STUART MAYNARD JACOB MENDY JAKE SHEPPARD JEROME OKIMO JOE RINGER favourite Stone now and call Paul Rumens on TO SPONSOR JACOB TO SPONSOR JOE 07710 929692. RON MOORE ALAN COUCH CALL 07710 929692 DAVID EDWARDS FRANKIE FITZGERALD CALL 07710 929692

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C L F GK D M M M STE LEO WAT NOR EFE COT SAU PHI

TONY WAUGH LEO MORRIS SANCHEZ WATT JONATHAN NORTH MICHEE EFETE KAVAN COTTER MATT SAUNDERS MICHAEL PHILLIPS TO SPONSOR SANCHEZ AKHIL, NIKHIL AND TO SPONSOR MICHEE TO SPONSOR KAVAN TO SPONSOR MATT TO SPONSOR MICHAEL RAY CORNER MEGAPHONE CALL 07710 929692 SUDHIR RAWAL CALL 07710 929692 CALL 07710 929692 CALL 07710 929692 CALL 07710 929692

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AFOLABI COKER ASTON OXBOROUGH BILLY CLIFFORD CONNOR SMITH RYAN SELLERS NICK ARNOLD REECE BECKLES-RICHARDS ROSS LAFAYETTE TO SPONSOR AFOLABI TO SPONSOR ASTON BARRY BENVENISTE TO SPONSOR REECE CALL 07710 929692 CALL 07710 929692 MIKE & VAL WESTON ALYSON ANGELIDES TONY & PETER DREW CALL 07710 929692 STEVE ROBERTSON

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CONNOR STEVENS DANNY GREEN DEJON NOEL-WILLIAMS DENNON LEWIS PHIL ROBERTS JONATHAN NORTH CONNOR SMITH JAKE SHEPPARD TO SPONSOR CONNOR TO SPONSOR DEJON TO SPONSOR PHIL CALL 07710 929692 DAVID LEIGH CALL 07710 929692 EVIE FITZGERALD CALL 07710 929692 BRIAN BALL JAMES KLARFELD DOTTY TABBY CAT