Wealdstone

Wealdstone FC is a semi-professional non-league football club based in the north west of London. ‘The Stones’ were formed in 1899 starting out life playing at College Farm between 1903 and 1910 and playing in Division Two of the Willesden & District League.

The club was disbanded as a side playing in Division One of the league in October 1906 a few months after being crowned champions before being reformed to re-join the same competition for the 1908-09 campaign.  

The club moved to Belmont Road in 1910, winning the Willesden & District League once more in 1912-13. Wealdstone joined the London League in 1918 prior to relocating to Lower Mead in Station Road, Harrow in 1922 when a switch was made to the Spartan League.

The Stones moved to the Athenian League for the 1928-29 season before they took part in the first televised broadcast of a football match in 1946 in an Athenian League game against Barnet at Underhil.

Wealdstone also participated in the first live showing of an FA Cup tie in 1949 v Colchester United at Lower Mead before being crowned as Athenian League champions in 1951-52 as well as continuing to win the Middlesex Senior Cup regularly.

League runners-up places followed in 1952-53, 1958-59 and then 1960-61 before becoming members of the Isthmian League in 1964-65. The move brought success as Wealdstone in 1965-66 as the club reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in 1965-66, going out to Millwall.

The team also went on a fantastic run right to the final of the FA Amateur Cup with wins against Barking, Wycombe Wanderers and Alvechurch before defeating Hendon 3-1 at Wembley as Bobby Childs netted twice along with a Bernie Bremer goal.

Wealdstone went out in the first round of the FA Cup to Nuneaton Borough in the same season and then against St Albans City in 1968-69 before the club turned semi-professional in 1971 to join Division One North of the Southern League.

The Stones were transferred to lift the Division One South title in 1973-74 to win promotion to the Premier Division, prior to another Cup first round appearance in 1975-76 against Aldershot.

The 1977-78 campaign saw FA Cup wins against Hereford United and then Reading at Lower Mead, a season after losing to the same opponents in the first round, before bowing out 4-0 in the third round against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road at a time when the prolific striker George Duck was the fans favourite.

Enfield knocked the team out in round one of the Cup the following season before Wealdstone became founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979-80. John Watson was the star player of the time, as the side lost at home to Southend United in the first round of the Cup.

A young full back by the name of Stuart Pearce also grabbed attention but couldn’t help to save the side from relegation after just one season. Wealdstone regrouped to win the Southern League Southern Division in 1981-82.

The team went on to defeat Midland Division champions Nuneaton Borough on penalties after the two-legged final ended level on aggregate to herald a return to the Alliance Premier League. The Stones reached the first round of the FA Cup where they went down to Swindon Town in 1982-83.

In 1983-84 Wealdstone went a step further before going out to Colchester United in the second round. Under ambitious chairman David Morritt the club went on to win the league title in 1984-85 with brothers Alan and Neil Cordice starring alongside the likes of Mark Graves and Gary Donnellan under manager Brian Hall.

Wealdstone became the first club to win the Alliance and FA Trophy double when Boston United were defeated 2-1 at Wembley with goals from Andy Graham and Lee Holmes. Vinny Jones would break into the side in 1985-86 as Reading ended FA Cup hopes in the first round.

Another first round appearance came in 1986-87 against Swansea City despite the triumphant double side breaking up and form dropping before the Stones were relegated back to the Southern League in 1987-88.

The team finished in mid-table as Morritt claimed to move forward it should sell their beloved Lower Mead home owing to of the value of the site and its limited aging facilities. It was sold to Tesco’s in 1991 with a groundshare at Vicarage Road, Watford arranged.

Boardroom impropriety led to the club receiving only a small share of the Lower Mead sale proceeds despite it been sold via agents Harrovian for £12 million. The team were relegated to the Southern Division of the Southern League in 1991-92.

The slow decline of fortunes eventually saw the ousting of Morritt. He was replaced by Social Club manager Alan Clifton mainly on the strength of his opposition to the Watford move. Mr Morrit meanwhile moved to a dream resort in Portugal.

Harrovian were declared bankrupt while the £2.5 million remaining from the deal was paid to Watford FC, then under the chairmanship of Jack Petchey, for half the remainder of the lease of Vicarage Road of 125 years.

However, small print in the agreement appeared to have gone unnoticed by the Wealdstone board. The club would also have to pay half of the running costs of the stadium, which amounted to approximately £30,000 per game.

Wealdstone went into administration and looked ready to die as funds continued to be drained while at Vicarage Road playing in front of sparse attendances. The Blue Ribbon Fund was started and due to much hard work by the supporters this staved off the death of the club.

A sponsored walk was organised by Neale Harvey to a game at Fisher raising nearly £9,000 to show good faith to the administrator. This stopped the winding up of the club. A new committee was voted in made up of supporters. The chairman's post taken up by lifelong supporter Paul Rumens.

Two court battles had to be fought to keep the club going under his reign. An out of court settlement was reached with Tesco's for monies outstanding. Also, the insurers of the then club solicitors paid nearly a million, out of court again, to keep the club alive.

The Stones moved to share with Yeading FC at The Warren in 1993 under manager Fred Callaghan until 1995 when they moved nearer home to share at Edgware Town FC at The White Lion Ground dropping down a level to join Division Three of the Isthmian League to save on travel expenses as Gordon Bartlett was appointed as manager.

Bryan Hammatt was among the star performers alongside Fergus Moore as the Stones won the Division Three title in 1996-97 before going on to win promotion to Division One the following season as Dennis Greene scored regularly.

Despite finishing third in 1997-98 the Stones were denied promotion to the Premier Division as ground improvements weren’t completed in time. Wealdstone were moved to Division One North on league re-organisation for the 2002-03 campaign.

Promotion was achieved in 2003-04 with a play-off win against Dulwich Hamlet sending the Stones to the Premier Division after further restructuring as Bartlett continued to gradually improve the squad. Wealdstone decided to move on to pastures new for season 2005-06 and ground shared with Northwood FC at their ground in Northwood's Chestnut Avenue.

Work had started in 2003 on building a new ground for the Club at the derelict Prince Edward Playing Fields in Canons Park, midway between Queensbury and Edgware, but events largely outside of the control of the club delayed its completion when the private company who were co-financing the project with the club went into insolvency.

The young forward partnership of Richard Jolly and Jermaine Beckford put away the goals before Beckford was signed by Leeds United. Wealdstone played in the Premier Division of the Southern League in 2006-07 before returning to the Isthmian League.

In January 2008 with delays still showing no sign of ending at Prince Edward Playing Fields, the opportunity for Wealdstone to take over the Grosvenor Vale site, then the home of Ruislip Manor FC, presented itself and was accepted.

A consortium of senior members of Wealdstone FC acquired a majority shareholding in Ruislip Manor Sports and Social Club, the sports club that owned the lease to the football stadium and associated facilities across the twelve acre site.

The 2008-09 season saw Wealdstone have a ground and clubhouse they could call their own for the first time since 1991. They had miraculously survived against many obstacles in a seventeen year period since the club had sold Lower Mead.

The downside of this was that Ruislip Manor FC, who were based at Grosvenor Vale since they were formed in 1938, were kicked out. They changed their name to Tokyngton Manor and played at the Viking Ground in Greenford for the first season under their new name before going on to share with Hanwell Town.

The Stones reached the first round of the FA Cup in 2009-10, going down at home to Rotherham United before it was in August 2010 that the owners of Grosvenor Vale would not be extending Wealdstone's lease after the ten years on it had elapsed.

Word had it that they would be looking to cash in on the property market which may be sorted by then. Others said that the local council would turn down any building plans on the site. On the pitch, The Stones consolidated at the Vale as attendances improved year on year aided by the signing of goalkeeper Jonathon North. 

The Vale was offered to fans of visiting teams to Wembley Stadium for their supporters to park and use the facilities, to increase their income streams, which several began to take advantage of.

In the 2011-12 season Wealdstone reached the play-offs, where they were defeated in the semi-final by Lowestoft Town. However, the glory days were brought back with a magnificent FA Trophy run that saw the team reach the semi-finals where Newport County ran out winners.

The 2012-13 campaign saw further disappointment in the play-offs as Concord Rangers knocked The Stones out in the semi-finals. The following season saw experienced players Scott McGleish and Glen Little joining to make up for the retirement of Richard Jolly.

Gordon Bartlett's side went on to lift the Isthmian League title and winning promotion to Conference South. Further improvements were made to Grosvenor Vale in readiness for the higher grade of football as gates continued to improve. 

The Stones weighed in with two mid table finishes in 2014-15 and 2015-16, reaching the first round of the FA Cup in the latter season before going down 6-2 at home to Colchester United.

In July 2016, Peter Marsden, the former owner of Accrington Stanley took over the ownership of the club as the playing budget was increased. In March 2017 plans were announced for a new Main Stand and covered terrace at Grosvenor Vale.

Gordon Bartlett's twenty-two year reign as Wealdstone manager ended in August 2017 as he stepped aside, while remaining at the club in other capacities. Bobby Wilkinson, who led Hungerford Town through the league's was named as the new Stones boss.

The summer of 2018 saw Wealdstone sign a new lease to remain at Grosvenor Vale before Williamson led the team to a mid-table finish before the Stones reached the play-offs in 2018-19; where they defeated Bath City before going out to Woking in the semi-final. Williamson was replaced by Dean Brennan in the summer of 2019.

This was a few months after Marsden was replaced as club chairman, taking his financial input with him in a move that divided supporter’s opinion. The goals of Ross Lafayette helped Brennan’s team to top the National League South table.

The season was decided on points per game owing to the outbreak of Coronavirus. Wealdstone were promoted to the National League, the top level of non-league football before Brennan departed in February 2021 to be replaced by Stuart Maynard. 

The football played by Maynard’s side received many plaudits, with the Stones finishing midtable in 2022-23. He departed to take the Notts County job in January 2024, to be replaced by David Noble. Results nose dived and the side were in real danger of being relegated.

The board stepped in and replaced their manager with interim boss Sammy Cox, as Wealdstone survived. This is a season where plans for a new stadium over the road from Hillingdon underground station were unveiled.

Wealdstone FC will compete in the National League in the 2024-25 season.

My visits

at Lower Mead

Wealdstone 2 Enfield 0 (Monday 28th November 1983) FA Cup Round One Replay (att: 1,609)

I got my first glimpse of Lower Mead when a mate of mine at college in Boreham Wood, Steve Austin dropped me off there one day before I headed into London before I travelled home for the weekend. I got in through the market that was held on a Thursday afternoon on the adjacent streets. It didn't strike me as a thing of beauty but it certainly had character.

My first match was to follow a few weeks later. I had been at the FA Cup First Round replay between Enfield and Wealdstone which ended level after extra time. The atmosphere had been spiky and the football good, so I just had to go to the second replay in those wonderful days before penalty shoot outs. The Stones had won the toss to host the game so I headed down in Steve's car with another fellow student Mark.

I was a bit tetchy as we were having to do a "Phase Test" after college which was well beyond my comprehension, so I finished early and urged my companions to do likewise. We eventually got on our way and just made kick off after stopping off at a Wimpy. 

Steve was a QPR fan who also went to the occasional Wealdstone game, while Mark was Tottenham and Enfield. There was a crowd created a good edgy atmosphere as there had been at the first replay at Southbury Road. 

The Stones came out on top 2-0 with goals from Mark Graves and Neil Cordice to be rewarded with a game away to Colchester in the next round.

They were a big physical team who could also play. The supporter’s magazine title of "Long ball down the middle" wasn't far off the mark in describing them at times. I had seen them have three men sent off at Scarborough in a 4-0 defeat a couple of years previously. They did not back out of many fifty fifty challenges.

Lower Mead was surrounded by rows of shops and a cinema and provided virtually no car or coach parking facilities. The ground itself was dominated by a light blue seated stand which was purchased from Summerstown FC in 1928. 

Opposite was a large open terrace which was created just after the Second World War when the land behind it was sold for housing. The two ends were eventually covered. One end was called the cinema end for obvious reasons and the other was called the Emslie End after a fanatical supporter and club man.

at White Lion Ground

Wealdstone 3 Weston Super Mare 3 (Sunday 1st December 2000) FA Trophy Round One (att: 324)

It would be some time before my next Stones game. By now I had moved to London and Wealdstone were lodging at Edgware, as they were drawn at home to Weston Super Mare in the FA Trophy. 

The game was on a Sunday as Edgware's games had priority and they had a league game the previous day. I turned up ready for a couple of pints in the clubhouse before kick-off, only to find out they had started at 2pm, which apparently was the norm for their Sunday fixtures. 

The game was a thriller, ending 3-3 with Wealdstone's goals coming from Brian Jones, Wayne Carter and a penalty from Danny Reeve.

I enjoyed the atmosphere in the shed as plenty of the Stones fans offered humorous advice to players and officials. There were some real comedians in there with their gallows humour no doubt been honed over many testing years? Weston went on to win the replay two nil.

I visited Northwood FC when Wealdstone were tenants but not for a game.

at Grosvenor Vale

Wealdstone 3 Watford 1 (Wednesday 23rd July 2008) Official Ground Opening (att: 800)

I was however in person with my good friend and Scarborough Athletic chairman, Simon Cope when Wealdstone played their first ever game at Grosvenor Vale against a youthful Watford XI. It had been a beautiful summer’s day. 

I had basked in the sun while watching Middlesex at Lord's in the County Championship before donning my Boro polo shirt to meet Simon at Ruislip station. I had a couple of pints while I waited at a terrible semi Irish pub in what was originally a shop, a common but still awful feature in London.

We sauntered round to the ground which had been refurbished through the efforts of the fans since they took over the lease. We went straight into the large clubhouse to find very slow service. The small bar area was orderly enough with people queuing but the staff were obviously not keyed up for such a crowd. 

The huge function room to the right was empty and they were trying to serve food at the same time to people in the left hand bar. We doubled up on drinks and went outside into the pleasant beer garden before joining over 800 other fans inside the ground.

The weather made the old place look well as had the hard work that Stones fans had put in over the proceeding months. Grosvenor Vale is not an easy place to describe as the fencing around the pitch goes off at all angles creating some strange angles for viewing. 

The Clubhouse Side had a small lean to seated stand against the building with a few steps of open terracing taking over the rest of the side. The far end had a basic cover cover over a few steps of shallow terracing. 

An old watch tower stands in the far corner which like the rest of the ground, had been freshly painted. The far side was flat standing except for a quaint Main Stand containing white tip up seats. The Cranley Drive End was flat standing of grass and concrete and was home to the refreshment kiosk, changing and physio rooms and club offices. There was lots of playing fields behind the clubhouse which would no doubt be utilised in the future.

Wealdstone immediately took to their new surroundings and scored two superb goals before Watford grabbed one back. We beat the rush to the bar at half time (or so we thought!) before returning. It turned out we missed another Stones goal. The game got lively late on as players tried to impress their coaches a bit too hard.

David Hicks, Ben Alexander and an opponents own goal secured the win to send Stones fans home happy. We retired to the beer garden chatting to some home fans who were content with their new surroundings while the Horns fans were not particularly impressed with their side. 

Some had first team experience but played like total strangers at times, especially in defence. It all came across as a thoroughly recommendable place to watch football, especially when the weather is good. I'm sure the bar service will have sorted itself out with time.

Wealdstone 4 Chesham United 1 (Monday 27th September 2010) FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay (att: 366)

My return to see how The Stones had settled into their new environment was long overdue. The club had taken the sensible decision at the start of the season to play midweek games on a Monday to try and attract greater crowds when there was less likely to be live football on TV. Well it got me there for a start!

I got out at Ruslip Manor station and took the ten minute stroll to walk off my meal so I could enjoy a couple of pints. The clubhouse had improved in terms of decor and service since my previous visit. 

There was some superb Wealdstone memorabilia adorning the walls and nice furnishings which made pre match very pleasurable. I was looking through the decent programme when I looked up to find one of my Middlesex supporting pals Roy stood there.

We were asked to have a go on the excellent prediction competition for £2 a go. You had to guess the correct score and the ten minute section that the first goal would be scored in. I went for 3-0 and the first goal between the tenth and twentieth minutes. The prize had rolled over to £150, so it was well worth winning. We went out to join John, another grand old Middlesex member.

The rain glistened on the pitch and would help the game. The first match had finished 2-2 a couple of days earlier and had been a spicy affair. There were around sixty away fans who had travelled the short distance from The Chilterns.

Sure enough the game was fast and furious with challenges going in aplenty. The Stones went one up after fifteen minutes through Scott Fitzgerald to cheer me up and keep my prediction going. 

Peter Dean added the first of his two goals on half time, meaning I retired for a pint in hopeful mood. Unfortunately for my monetary prospects, but for the improvement of the spectacle Chesham came out full of intent and pulled a goal back.

I wandered behind the goal and tested out the superb catering and saw the third goal go in. A fourth was added through Lee Chappell as I rejoined my pals, to find them in quite an animated mood. Roy had the correct minute as well in the predictor and had gone for a 4-1 scoreline! 

The last fifteen minutes saw him go through all kinds of agonies as chances were missed and more created. It's been a while since I saw the final whistle being greeted with contented silence.

We were making our way out as Roy's name was announced as the winner. I waited with him as he collected his bounty from the boardroom before walking back to the station. The Stones had guaranteed his Monday attendance for many weeks to come.

On the evidence of that second visit, I'd definitely recommend anyone at a loose end going to a game at Grosvenor Vale. There are decent fans, top catering and a smashing clubhouse. The football wasn't the worst I've ever seen either.

Wealdstone 3 Horsham 0 (Monday 12th March 2012) Isthmian League Premier Division (att: 402)

My brother Nick was in London with work and to stay with me overnight. With me being on early shift this match offered a great opportunity for a night out together. He arrived with tea from the Pizza Hut before we set out.

We stopped for beers in Harrow and Ruislip Manor before walking to the ground to use the decent clubhouse. Staff were selling tickets for the FA Trophy semi-final second leg for the following weekend. 

The Stones had gone down 3-1 in the first leg at Newport County on the previous Saturday. The memories in frames on the wall impressed Nick. It had been about the most prestigious ground I'd taken him to on his wanders thus far.

We went outside and stood at the end the home side were attacking. Bottom of the table Horsham were doing their best, but their defence was creaking. It was a matter of time before it started leaking goals. 

After twenty six minutes Richard Jolly fired home, followed by a Wes Parker strike two minutes later. We thought and hoped we were in for a goal fest, but it didn't quite work out that way.

After our half time refreshment The Stones continued to dominate without adding more goals. Michael Hunter was having an inspired night in The Hornets net and was having a fair bit of luck as well, not least when a fine Jolly effort came back off the crossbar. 

Jolly did add his second before going off late on to a fine ovation to save himself for more important forthcoming games.

Horsham made a couple of subs, one of whom must have been as small as any player I'd seen in senior football. He was black, which led to a home fan shouting out, 'what you talking about Willis' in tribute to Gary Coleman and Diff'rent Strokes. It made us laugh!

At full time we had a jog back to Ruislip station to catch our trains home. It had been an enjoyable evening, even though the game was a little one sided without having lots of goals.

Wealdstone 1 Sutton United 1 (Friday 26th December 2014) Conference South  (Att: 802)

It had been a couple of seasons since my last visit to The Vale so with having the day off work until night shift and the tubes working it was an ideal opportunity to meet up with my old pal Jeff Cards who lived within walking distance of the ground. The 1pm kick off fitted in perfectly for the pair of us.

We met for pre match ales in the local Wetherspoons at Ruslip Manor, which proved to be one of the company's better establishments I thought. After a couple of fine pints of Ruddles it was time for the ten minute walk down the road to join the queues waiting to get in to the ground. 

A guy waiting to get in by the ticket gate looked to have come as Bob Stokoe, the former Sunderland manager  with his rain jacket and red trousers.

Admission was £12, with the award winning programme a further £2.50. Very impressive it was too. I dreamt of putting such a tome together for Scarborough Athletic.

Once inside I was most impressed with the work carried out at The Vale since my last call. There was a new cover at the entrance end with metal terracing and crush barriers. An extended cover had been added at the far end as well as a  raised area down the clubhouse side with a couple of levels with the tea bar and club shop and containers behind.

An excellent badge stall was by the player’s tunnel with the scene completed by an expensive but high quality food outlet down the side. While food was pricey, it was of high quality. How nice it was to be served a hot dog (£3.50) that actually tasted of something in a flavoursome bun. 

The demand for the burgers suggested that they were popular. All round it was a smashing venue with its quirky angles and several vantage points.

 

The first half was extremely poor fare. It had started late as the home keeper North injured himself in the warm up. Some players looked to have over indulged the day before? Johah Lewie would have been more use than Jefferson Louis during his short spell on the pitch as he huffed and puffed. 

At least he would have stopped any Sutton cavalry. Sutton were the far better side in the first period with their forages. Indeed, a more confident side would have really taken the sloppy Wealdstone defence and midfield apart. 

We couldn't see a goal coming so we adjourned for a half time libation. Sure enough the visitors went ahead as I was been served through a deflected effort from Dan Wishart. 

The little chap known as The Wealdstone Raider was at the bar trying his best to get served without any favours. There are no special privileges when it comes to grabbing a half time pint at the football, and long may that continue.

North had a good game for a man performing on one leg and made a few excellent stops to keep The Stones in it. The Sutton number six; Charlie Clough was excellent and smiled while playing, which always gets the thumbs up from me.

Gradually The Stones decided that they could get something from the game. Substitute Scott McGleish changed the pattern of play as did Richard Jolly later after his introduction. They maybe aren't at their peak but the pair of them were intelligent footballers. 

A couple of years earlier I’d seen the then aging McGleish score a hat trick for Enfield Town and I’d always enjoyed Jolly’s play before his premature retirement. I will have being by no means the only one to be glad of his comeback.

The Sutton defence had to earn their cash late on as they were stretched with smart runs and shorter passing.

After prolonged pressure Wealdstone levelled in the first of five additional minutes after an excellent free kick had earlier smashed against the underside of the bar. It was the substitute for Louis; Matt Ball who levelled things up. The home side pushed for an unlikely winner, but it was not to be.

1-1 was about the right score. It was a game a bit like Christmas. Lots of early lethargy on a stodgy pitch with several stodgy players. We returned for a quick drink to the pub to watch the big race at Kempton Park and see the early football scores come in.

All in all it had been a decent lunchtime out. It felt like I'd been to a proper football game.

Wealdstone 1 Weston-Super-Mare 0 (Monday 5^th September 2016) National League South (att: 625)

It was another pleasant evening as the summer was heading to a close as I headed to Grosvenor Vale to meet my pal Tony Foster. I was looking forward to the game as Wealdstone were going well and I’d been impressed by their performance a few weeks earlier at Oxford City.

It was a tight first half with no goals, although Jonathan North in the Stones net was the busier of the two keepers. North was taking some stick on the fans forum at the time, which surprised me. I’d always really rated him.

Indeed, he pulled off a fine save just after the break. I found some of the criticism from the stands about the officials and their team very disappointing. The Dad of the Stones full back was bellowing advice, while his bench were given different instructions. How that was meant to help was anyone’s guess?

Stones made a couple of substitutions and the move worked out almost immediately. The impressive partnership of Matty Whichelow and Omar Koroma passed themselves into the danger area before Elliot Benyon was supplied with a low cross to score.

With twenty minutes remaining, Whichelow unleashed a thirty yard shot which hit the top of the crossbar. Ricky Wellard also came close to sealing the game before the visiting Seagulls almost grabbed a point in stoppage time, but defender Jason Pope missed when well placed.

Wealdstone 2 Maidenhead United 1 (Tuesday 29th November 2016) FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round Replay (Att: 254)

The two sides had considerately drawn 2-2 the previous Saturday, meaning that I could pop in to a match before my night shift in Ickenham. Although the pitch held up well, it could have got interesting if it had gone to extra time.

Admission was the usual £13, with a slightly reduced programme £2. The usual hot food stall was not in operation, so fans made do with ham or cheese rolls for just £1. 

The hot drinks for the same price were been taken liberally on such a bitter evening. My company was Tony Foster and Dave Tucker, with Dave turning up hopelessly underdressed. He really did feel the cold!

Following an immaculately observed minutes silence for those from Brazilian club Chapecoense, a relatively quiet first half was played out, before the Stones kicking towards the Bull End began to get on top after the break. 

This was helped by the introduction of the veteran Scott McGleish, who used his experience to bring his team mates into the game. The scoring was opened by Matt Whichelow with a low shot across Carl Pentney in the Magpies goal.

The second goal was an absolute beauty as the impressive Liam Goulding, on loan from Accrington Stanley, brought down a headed clearance from a corner before volleying home. That looked like it would lead to a comfortable closing period. 

However, a slip from full back Josh McLeod-Urquhart allowed Dave Tarpey an opportunity, which he finished with aplomb into the far corner. Jon North pulled off a superb brave stop to keep out from Jordon Cox in injury time.

I was aware that Gordon Bartlett was taking a fair bit of stick from Stones fans in recent weeks, but it was not so at the Vale on this occasion. The atmosphere was excellent, with fans cheering GB's Blue & White Army. 

Maybe some the gate was made up of the diehards who appreciate that it's not all about instant success? 

I was delighted for the loyal gaffer as he shook hands with a sadly limping Alan Devonshire at full time. The Stones players and staff enjoyed a rousing reception as they headed to the warmth of the dressing rooms.

I don't like criticising the officials, but the young referee, Ian Fissenden seemed to me to be someone who knew the rules but not the game. He didn't impress me overly. Also a big thumb’s up to whoever chose the excellent eclectic mix of music before the game and at half time. It was quality stuff.

No booze, because work beckoned, so it was just a large mug of tea to wash down my culinary treat from Favorite Chicken & Ribs of Ruislip Manor.

Wealdstone 1 Concord Rangers 1 (Monday 20^th March 2017) National League South (att: 646)

The Stones were on a decent run of form which had placated some of the home fans who had been vocal against the management of Gordon Bartlett. I headed to the Vale to meet my usual pals Tony Foster and Dave Tucker.

Rangers were at the wrong end of the table, but the side from Canvey Island were the more impressive of the two on show. Jonathan North once again had a fine game in the home goal as the Beachboys looked the most likely to break the deadlock.

The game changed just after the hour mark as home striker Aryan Tajbakhsh was shown a straight red card for an aerial challenge. The home fans were not best pleased, especially as the Rangers players were picking up regular yellow cards for niggly offences.

Taylor Miles put Concord ahead five minutes later as a cross hot from thirty yards went in off the far post. Bartlett responded by bringing on attacking players Matty Whichelow and Elliot Benyon.

With a few minutes remaining Eddie Oshodi rolled the ball to Whichelow, whose fierce swerving shot went in past the deceived Rangers keeper Bailey Vose from twenty five yards. Suddenly the Stones awoke and almost grabbed a winner as Jonny Wright and Tom Hamblin both went close with headers.

It had been decent entertainment on a cold evening. I wasn’t too upset when the tube turned up at Ruislip station so that I could warm up in the company of some regular old timers who followed the non-league game in NW London.

Wealdstone 0 Havant & Waterlooville 1 (Monday 14^th August 2017) National League South (att: 922)

This was my first visit to Grosvenor Vale since the installation of the seats at the top end. It does a very decent job; although the scaffold roof could do have done with some sort of fascia to tidy the job up. The pitch was like a carpet.

The game was a tight battle between two decent sides. The Stones will play a lot worse and win. They should have taken the lead during their spell of early dominance but a good chance was hit against the bar by Aboaker Eisa; the home side’s best player.

Havant scored the only goal as Theo Lewis scored with a powerful free header from a free kick on thirty seven minutes. The visitors defended well, with their larger presence keeping the smaller Stones front two in check.

Challenges were going in thick and fast from both sides throughout the game. I thought that referee Wayne Cartmel dealt with things pretty well; although the Vale faithful disagreed; regularly.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Wealdstone had lots of ball in the final third without Havant keeper Ryan Young having to make any big saves. His side always looked to have the potential to double their lead on the break.

The Hawks, who were backed by an excellent support of 50 or 60 hung on after an excellent display in holding on to a lead on the road. There was plenty of moaning near the gates at full time. One wondered how long manager Bartlett would remain in charge.

Wealdstone 4 Poole Town 1 (Monday 11^th September 2017) National League South (att: 807)

My brother Nick was in town for work and staying over, so we decided that an evening’s entertainment at Grosvenor Vale was the best way to catch up. A couple of pints and a bite to eat at JJ Moon’s in Ruislip Manor set us up before the short walk to the ground.

Our evening had been kindly subsidised by way of the loan of a spare season ticket, which was a much appreciated touch. We took a position in the seated stand at the top end as the rain began to fall throughout the first half.

Since my previous visit, long standing manager Gordon Bartlett had been replaced by Bobby Wilkinson. The Stones were on a bad run, although they’d beaten Bognor Regis Town 3-0 at home a couple of days previously.

The game was relatively even for the first half hour or so. Wealdstone mounted a few attacks, while Jonathan North was his usual excellent self to thwart a couple of efforts from the Poole side, who were backed by around 15 away fans.

Josh Fitchett missed a good opportunity when miscuing a header ten minutes before the break for the home side but not long after Matty Whichelow scored with a low shot, that Dolphins keeper Nick Hutchings could have done better with.

Two minutes later Whichelow made it 2-0 with a similar goal, only with the ball going in at the near post. We headed to the half way line to grab a half time cuppa, as Abobaker Eisa retrieved a half clearance, beat a defender and then fired in a magnificent shot to make it 3-0.

We retained our positions behind the dug outs; where Wilkinson must have been close to bursting, such were his gesticulations and bawling. He was certainly passionate and aimed to get his point across. I personally thought he was a bit OTT.

Eleven minutes after the restart the score nearly became four, as Poole defender Jamie Whisken headed Danny Green’s inswinging corner onto his own crossbar. The visitors hopes were raised on sixty two minutes as Warren Bentley shrugged off a challenge to score.

For a few minutes Poole looked like they may get right back into the contest. Wilkinson was going berserk at his players but the defence and midfield held firm. The game was sealed in the final minute as substitute Stephane Ngamvoulou played in Fitchett, who buried his opportunity.

We headed back to Ruislip station before jumping out at Preston Road; where we went to The Preston pub for the first time, enjoying a night cap at a very reasonable price.

Wealdstone 3 East Thurrock United 0 (Monday 23^rd April 2018) National League South (att: 690)

The severe winter weather had caused several postponements such as this fixture, so I grabbed the opportunity to attend as I on night shift at Ruislip station. I met with Tony Foster at the gates on a bright but cool evening.

Stones played some fine football early in the game with wide man Jeffrey Monakana and forward Bradley Bubb causing the Thurrock defence plenty of problems, while Ricky Wellard was having a decent game in midfield.

Bubb opened the scoring on twelve minutes after early sustained Wealdstone pressure when his header from a Wellard cross had too much power for visiting keeper Lucas Lidakevicius to keep out. The custodian would look susceptible on crosses throughout the game.

Just four minutes later Stones doubled their lead when a one between Wellard and Bubb ended with the midfielder putting the ball low past Lidakevicius. East Thurrock were really under the cosh and didn’t offer much at the other end.

The entertainment from the hosts continued throughout the half and it was no surprise that they made it 3-0 just before the half time whistle. A clever ball from Matty Whichelow saw Monakana spring the offside trap before rounding Lidakevicius to score from an acute angle.

The visitors put in a better performance in the second half, aided by Wealdstone settling on their comfortable lead. It was a subdued period of football in which I thought referee Jack Packman was rather kind not to hand out at least a couple of yellow cards to visiting players for poor challenges.

The attendance figure brought sniggers from Tony and I. Wealdstone had adopted to include all of their season ticket holders in the figure; and with the club having sold a very impressive 518. The actual attendance was nearer to 370.

The only downer on the evening for me was something that polarises opinion. Wealdstone had done well in attracting plenty of youth supporters to matches. This is fantastic and much needed, particularly at non-league clubs where the average age of fans drastically needs reducing.

However, I’m no big fan of loud profanity based abusive chanting. I just never have been. There was plenty in evidence at The Vale on this occasion. Some choices of other songs were also questionable.

The match was played on St George’s Day and the songs were certainly patriotic and bordering on xenophobia. Fair enough. Drink had been taken and I wasn’t an angel when I was young, but a bit of self policing from senior fans may not have gone amiss.

It would also have been helpful when a group stood close by the handful of harmless East Thurrock fans in the first half causing them intimidation before being shunted out and around the ground by a steward.

It was probably an age thing with me. Wealdstone were most certainly not the only club to attract fans I have become polar opposite to in my ideas of attending a non-league game. Whatever the rights and wrongs, it shouldn’t take away from a good home performance.

It certainly led to an interesting Twitter debate for a few hours afterwards. It confirmed that I probably was getting old and Wealdstone did have some good sensible fans.

Wealdstone 2 Gloucester City 0 (Monday 29^th October 2018) National League South (att: 675)

I decided to put the previous visit to bed in terms of fans experience to meet up with Tony Foster as the weather was beginning to bite in earnest. It was definitely an evening for gloves and a warming Bovril!

Stones had lost their previous two games; albeit to good opposition in Sutton United and Torquay United, but were still handily placed in the league. The Tigers from Gloucester were positioned in the lower reaches of the table before play.

A minute’s silence was impeccably observed before kick-off for victims of the helicopter crash at Leicester a couple of days previously. Fine work from Bradley Hudson-Odoi saw Connor Stevens head back across goal, where a relieved City defender Jack Deaman headed against his own bar and to safety.

Gloucester had a decent opportunity at the other end but took too long over it. Stones skipper Jerome Okimo saw his diving header blocked, with fans and players alike screaming for a penalty. The hosts continued to lead the way until the break, although City offered danger on the break.

Home keeper Jonathan North pulled off a fine save from Joe Parker shortly after the restart before Stones took the lead on fifty four minutes. David Pratt managed to pull the ball back from the byline to Bradley Bubb who took one touch on his thigh before firing superbly past Adam Przbek.

City tried to respond as the game began to open up. Hudson-Odoi was denied by a fine tackle as both benches rung the changes trying to secure or get back into the game. Harry Williams had the chance to level things up but short straight at North.

Godfrey Poku saw his effort saved by Przbek before the decisive winning goal came in the final minute. Poku played a clever pass to Bubb who in turn squared for Pratt who finished in fine style to seal the three points.

We did laugh at the inflated announced attendance, as Tony dropped me off at West Harrow after the game from where I met Steve Barnes in The Moon on the Hill at Harrow for beers. We continued to Kingsbury as I had the following day off work!

Wealdstone 4 Bristol Manor Farm 0 (Tuesday 8^th October 2019) FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Replay (att: 524)

Bristol Manor Farm pulled off somewhat of a surprise to draw 0-0 with National League South table toppers Wealdstone the previous Saturday. The replay offered me the opportunity to attend before heading straight to work at Ruislip Manor station.

It proved well worth it as along with my pal Tony, we saw an entertaining game as a real autumn chill bit for the first time of the season. Farm dug deep to try and restrict their hosts, who remained patient and produced a fine display.

It looked like it was going to be one of those nights for the Stones as they pressed in the early stages with Dennon Lewis and Jacob Mendy going close with Ross Lafayette also denied thanks to some brave last ditch defending.

Lewis Leigh-Gilchrist came close to giving the west country side a shock lead with a fine curling shot before my man-of-the-match Billy Clifford hot the post for Dean Brennan’s free flowing outfit. Lafayette’s deflected shot came back off the post as frustrations grew.

Farm keeper Ben John was finally beaten on the stroke of half time when Mendy headed over him from a pinpoint cross. It was nice to catch up with other regulars for a chat at the break. The whole evening had a good vibe about it.

The majestic Clifford set up number two six minutes after the restart when his astute pass was latched onto by marauding full back Michee Efete who rounded John to score in front of the vocal home support on the Bulla Terrace.

Farm continued to give everything they had in defence, with keeper John making several good saves, as well as enjoying decreasing flurries in attack as they tired. On sixty seven minutes Clifford made it 3-0 with a superb bending shot from outside the box.

Lewis completed the scoring with fifteen minutes remaining as he took advantage of a defensive error to round John to finish. The rest of the game petered out with Farm never resorting to any dark arts; playing the game in the correct spirit throughout.

At the full time they were given a deserved ovation by the classy Stones support. I’d been critical of some in the past, but in their play-off game at Woking a few months previously and on this occasion at the Vale they deserved nothing but commendation.

The only minor negative on the evening was that the excellent drinks cabin on the terrace didn’t open, meaning long queues at the snack hut. I had a good walk to try and get the blood flowing before heading off for an eight-hour shift.

Sunday 29^th November 2020

Click here to read about a further visit as part of my 100-mile Sawasdee Cup Charity Walk late in 2020 as I called in on all the clubs in the top five tiers within Greater London to raise money for Junior Cricket Development in Thailand. 

Wealdstone 0 Solihull Moors 0 (Tuesday 5th October 2021) National League (att: 1,501) 

This game was being shown live on BT Sport, so the Stones decided to charge just a fiver to boost the gate. The game conveniently knitted in with my nightshift a mile or so further on afterwards allowing me an early arrival to the joy of my colleague.

There was a decent vibe around the place created by the crowd, as the home fans did their best to rouse the troops. It was noticeably chillier when stood near to the seated stand in the second half than on the extended covered terrace behind the goal.

Both defences on top throughout with chances being at a premium. I thought Jack Cook stood out at the back for the Stones with his opposing skipper Callum Howe the pick of the Moors, whose tall gangly substitute, Kyle Hudlin resembled a young foal trying to make use of its legs for the first time when he came on.

I also thought referee Matthew Russell had a good game in what turned out to be a fair result.

Wealdstone 1 Grimsby Town 0 (Tuesday 26^th October 2021) National League (att: 1,892 inc 794 away)

My how Wealdstone had progressed since moving into Grosvenor Vale. Keeping admission to £15 had seen them gradually increase their support as the team continued to impress in the top level of non-league football.

A compelling game in which Stones just about deserved to hang on. They missed an early debatably awarded penalty before taking the lead. Referee Robert Ellis wasn’t flavour of the month when he pointed to the spot adjudging that Matt Buse had been fouled. 

However, Josh Umerah saw his poor kick saved by James McKeown which probably saw justice being done. Buse scored what turned out to be the winner with a low shot through a crowd that seemed to wrong foot McKeown after half an hour.

Mariners huffed and puffed but only had two efforts on target. George Wickens pulled off a good reaction stop in the home net from John McAtee when the score was blank and then an amazing save after half time in front of the massed Town fans when Luke Waterfall’s close range bullet header from a free kick either side of him would have beaten him.

Fortunately, for Wealdstone the follow-up was blocked by the aptly named Nikola Tavares, at least to us 1980’s cricket buffs.Grimsby continued to try and break down the home defence, in which Jack Cook was outstanding. Their play on the floor was continually snubbed out, leaving them to resort to overhit crosses from the wrong angles.

The Stones continued to create danger of their own, but it was more on the break as the game continued. Wickens’ timewasting became more and more blatant, much to annoyance of Mariners on and off the pitch. 

A good atmosphere created by both sets of fans and a decent night out, especially with it being a relatively easy ride by tube, a mile or so away from where I had done an early shift a few hours previously.

 

The pictures of Lower Mead on this page have been taken from the internet.