Wealdstone

Wealdstone FC

Ground: Grosvenor Vale

Capacity: 4,085

Club Founded: 1899

League: National League (current level)

Wealdstone FC's story is one of a fine amateur club that hit hard times but, through determination, has fought back to the elite of non-league football after overcoming many obstacles.

History of the Stones

Early Years

Wealdstone FC was formed in 1899, starting out life playing at College Farm between 1903 and 1910 and playing in the Willesden & District League. After a period in abeyance, they were moved to a new home at Belmont Road in 1910, where they won the league for a second time. 

The club joined the London League before relocating to Lower Mead in Station Road, Harrow, in 1922, becoming a member of the Spartan League. The Stones moved to the Athenian League by the end of the decade before appearing in the first televised broadcast of a football match in their Athenian League clash against Barnet at Underhill in 1946.

Progressive Innovators

Wealdstone played Colchester United at Lower Mead in the FA Cup three years later, which was the first live showing of a game in the competition. The Athenian League crown followed, along with several Middlesex Cup triumphs. The Stones became members of the Isthmian League in 1964-65. 

The following season, the club reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time, going out to Millwall. The team also went on a fantastic run in the FA Amateur Cup with a semi-final win against Alvechurch before defeating Hendon 3-1 at Wembley, where Bobby Childs netted twice, and Bernie Bremer chipped in with the other goal

Alliance Years and Stuart Pearce

The club turned semi-professional in 1971 to join Division One of the Southern League, winning promotion to the Premier Division within a few seasons. In 1977-78 the team reached the FA Cup third round, bowing out 4-0 to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road when the prolific striker George Duck was the fans' favourite.

Wealdstone became founder members of the Alliance Premier League, later the National League, in 1979-80. John Watson was the star player of the time, while a young full-back called Stuart Pearce also grabbed attention but couldn’t help save the side from relegation after just one season. 

Non-League Double Winners

Wealdstone regrouped to win the Southern League Southern Division to quickly return to the Alliance Premier League. Regular league opponents were played in the FA Cup under ambitious chairman David Morritt. The team became non-league champions in 1984-85 in the days before promotion to the Football League.

Brothers Alan and Neil Cordice starred alongside the likes of Mark Graves and Gary Donnellan under manager Brian Hall. The double was completed as the FA Trophy was won 2-1 against Boston United at Wembley, with Andy Graham and Lee Holmes scoring the goals. Vinny Jones broke into the side the following season.

My drawing of Lower Mead and former team kits.
Click on the image for an enlarged view.

The Move to Watford

The triumphant double side broke up before the Stones were relegated back to the Southern League in 1987-88. Morritt decided to sell Wealdstone's beloved Lower Mead home, owing to the site's value and its limited ageing facilities. It was sold to Tesco 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 agents Harrovian selling it for £12 million. The team was relegated before the slow decline of fortunes eventually saw Morritt depart. He was replaced by Social Club manager Alan Clifton, mainly on the strength of his opposition to the Watford move. 

Financial Meltdown

Morritt, meanwhile, moved to a dream resort in Portugal. Harrovian was declared bankrupt while the £2.5 million remaining from the deal was paid to Watford FC to release the club from the lease. It would get much worse. The club paid half of the stadium's running costs, around £30,000 a game, until they could move out.

Wealdstone went into administration and looked ready to die as funds continued to be drained while playing at Vicarage Road in front of sparse attendances. The Blue Ribbon Fund started by supporters saved the club with funds raied from a sponsored walk showing good faith to the administrator. 

Survival then On the Move

Lifelong supporter Paul Rumens became chairman, fighting two court battles to keep the club alive. An out-of-court settlement was reached with Tesco to receive outstanding cash. The insurers of the then club solicitors paid nearly a million out of court to keep the club alive. The Stones moved to share The Warren with Yeading FC in 1993 under manager Fred Callaghan.

Two years later, 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.

The Fightback Begins

Bryan Hammatt, Fergus Moore and Dennis Greene starred as a couple of promotions were won. Despite finishing third in 1997-98, the Stones were denied promotion to the Premier Division as ground improvements weren’t completed in time. They went up via a playoff final win against Dulwich Hamlet in 2003-04.

Bartlett continued to gradually improve the squad before the club decided to move on to pastures new, becoming Northwood FC's tenant at Chestnut Avenue. Work had started to build a new ground for the club at the derelict Prince Edward Playing Fields in Canons Park.

Disappointment then a New Home

Events largely beyond the club's control prevented its completion when the private company co-financing the project with the club went into insolvency. Meanwhile, the young forward partnership of Richard Jolly and Jermaine Beckford scored the goals before Beckford was signed by Leeds United.

Wealdstone played a season in the Southern League before returning to the Isthmian League. In January 2008, with delays still showing no sign of ending at Prince Edward Playing Fields, an opportunity to take over the Grosvenor Vale site, then the home of Ruislip Manor FC, was accepted. 

The Grosvenor Vale Era

A consortium of senior members of Wealdstone FC acquired a majority shareholding in Ruislip Manor Sports and Social Club. The club 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. 

After rumours that a new lease would not be forthcoming, convivial arrangements were concluded. Meanwhile, on the pitch, the Stones consolidated at the Vale as attendances improved year on year, aided by the signing of goalkeeper Jonathon North. 

Back to Step 2

The Vale was offered to fans heading to Wembley Stadium to park and use the facilities, to increase income streams. Wealdstone were defeated in the 2011-12 playoffs, in the semi-final by Lowestoft Town, while the side reached the FA Trophy semi-finals, going out to Newport County. Concord Rangers defeated the Stones in the playoffs a year later.

Experienced players Scott McGleish and Glen Little joined to replace Richard Jolly. Gordon Bartlett's side went on to lift the Isthmian League title and win promotion to Conference South. Further improvements were made to Grosvenor Vale in readiness for the higher grade of football as gates continued to improve. 

Continuing Improvements 

In July 2016, Peter Marsden, the former owner of Accrington Stanley, became club owner as the playing budget was increased. 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 was named as the new Stones boss. The team reached the playoffs in 2018-19, going out to Woking in the semi-final. Williamson was replaced by Dean Brennan after Marsden was replaced as club chairman, taking his financial input with him in a move that divided supporters’ opinions.

The National League Era

The goals of Ross Lafayette helped Brennan’s team to promotion to the top tier of non-league football before Stuart Maynard was appointed team boss in February 2021. He departed to take the Notts County job in January 2024, to be replaced by David Noble after doing a fine job. Form nosedived before interim boss Samy Cox led the side to safety.

Plans for a new stadium next to Hillingdon Underground Station were unveiled before managers came and went the following season, before the arrival of Gary Waddock. He took his side to Wembley after a semi-final win over Marine in the FA Trophy to face Southend United in the final, which ended in defeat on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

My visits

At Lower Mead

Wealdstone 2 Enfield 0 

FA Cup Round One Replay - Monday 28th November 1983

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I got my first glimpse of Lower Mead when a mate of mine at college in Boreham Wood, Steve, dropped me off there one day before I headed 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 in a draw 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 shootouts. 

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 had 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, arriving before the start after stopping off at a Wimpy. 

Steve was a QPR fan who also went to the occasional Wealdstone game, while Mark was a Tottenham and Enfield fan. There was a crowd that 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. 

Wealdstone were a big physical team that 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 clubman.

At White Lion Ground, Edgware

Wealdstone 3 Weston-super-Mare 3 

FA Trophy Round One - Sunday 1st December 2000

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It would be some time before my next Stones game. By now, I had moved to London, and Wealdstone were lodging at Edgware. The FA Trophy draw saw them pitted at home to Weston-super-Mare. 

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 many of the Stones fans offered humorous advice to players and officials. 

There were some real comedians in there with their gallows humour, no doubt honed over many testing years. Weston went on to win the replay 2-0. I visited Northwood FC when Wealdstone were tenants, but not for a game involving the Stones.

At Grosvenor Vale

Wealdstone 3 Watford 1 

Official Ground Opening - Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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I was with my friend and Scarborough Athletic chairman, Simon Cope, when Wealdstone played their first 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 by 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 obviously hadn't planned 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 going inside the ground.

The weather made the old place look good, thanks to the hard work that Stones fans had put in over the preceding months. Grosvenor Vale was not an easy place to describe, as the fencing around the pitch goes off at all angles, creating some viewing angles. A prominent feature was a freshly painted old watch tower in the far corner

The Cranley Drive End by the turnstiles was home to the refreshment kiosk, changing and physio rooms, and club offices. There were 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 hard to impress their coaches.

David Hicks, Ben Alexander, and an opponent's own goal secured the win, sending 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 at times played like total strangers, 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 would sort itself out with time.

Wealdstone 4 Chesham United 1 

FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay - Monday 27th September 2010

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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 it 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. 

Some superb Wealdstone memorabilia adorned the walls, along with nice furnishings, which made pre-match very pleasurable. I was looking through the decent programme when I looked up to see Roy, a Middlesex CCC-supporting pal, standing there. We chatted and were asked to have a go at the excellent prediction competition for £2 a go.

You had to guess the correct score and the ten-minute section in which the first goal would be scored. I went for 3-0, and the first goal was scored 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 plenty of challenges going in. The Stones went one up after fifteen minutes through a Scott Fitzgerald goal to cheer me up and keep my prediction going. Peter Dean added the first of his two goals just before half-time, meaning I retired for a pint in a hopeful mood. 

Unfortunately for my monetary prospects, it soon became a better game. Chesham came out full of intent and pulled a goal back. I wandered behind the goal, tested out the superb catering, and saw the third goal go in. A fourth was added by Lee Chappell as I rejoined my pals, finding them in quite an animated mood. 

Roy had the correct minute and went for a 4-1 score in the predictor. 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 attendance on a Monday night for many weeks to come.

On the evidence of that second visit, I'd definitely recommend anyone at a loose end to go 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 

Isthmian League Premier Division - Monday 12th March 2012

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My brother Nick was in London for work and to stay with me overnight. With me being on the 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 wanderings thus far.

We went outside and stood at the end where the home side was 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 jogged back to Ruislip station to catch our trains home. It had been an enjoyable evening, even though the game was a little one-sided and lacked goals.

Wealdstone 1 Sutton United 1 

Conference South - Friday 26th December 2014

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It had been a couple of seasons since my last visit to The Vale. As I had the day off work until night shift and the tubes were working, it was an ideal opportunity to meet up with my old pal Jeff, 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 into the ground. 

A guy waiting to get in by the ticket gate looked to have come dressed 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. 

It was very impressive and deserved its ranking. 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 players’ 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 after North, the home keeper, injured himself during the warm-up. Some players looked like they may have overindulged the day before? Johah Lewie would have been more useful 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 forays. 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 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 may not be at their peak, but the pair of them were intelligent footballers. A couple of years earlier, I’d seen the then-ageing McGleish score a hat-trick for Enfield Town. 

I’d always enjoyed Jolly’s play before his premature retirement. I will have been 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 to the pub for a quick drink 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

National League South - Monday 5th September 2016

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It was another pleasant evening as the summer was heading to a close. I decided to head to Grosvenor Vale to meet my pal Tony. 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 was 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 exchanged passes to enter 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 

FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round Replay - Tuesday 29th November 2016

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The two sides had 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 been interesting if it had gone to extra time.

Admission was the usual £13, with a slightly reduced programme costing £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 taken liberally on such a bitter evening. My company was Tony and Dave, with Dave turning up hopelessly underdressed. He really did feel the cold!

Following an immaculately observed minute's silence for those from Brazilian club Chapecoense, a relatively quiet first half was completed 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 teammates 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 of 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 know the rules but not the game. He didn't impress me overly. Also, a big thumbs up to whoever chose the excellent eclectic mix of music before the game and at halftime. 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 Favourite Chicken & Ribs of Ruislip Manor.

Wealdstone 1 Concord Rangers 1

National League South - Monday 20th March 2017

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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 and Dave.

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 shot from thirty yards went in off the far post.

Bartlett responded by bringing on attacking players Matty Whichelow and Elliot Benyon. Nearing full-time, Eddie Oshodi rolled the ball to Whichelow, whose fierce swerving shot deceived Rangers keeper Bailey Vose from twenty-five yards. 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

National League South - Monday 14th August 2017

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This was my first visit to Grosvenor Vale since a seated stand had been installed at the top end. It does a very decent job, although the scaffold roof could have done with some sort of fascia to tidy the job up. The pitch resembled a carpet.

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

Havant scored the only goal when Theo Lewis powerfully headed home from a free kick in the thirty-seventh minute. The visitors, with their large physique, defended well, keeping the smaller Stones' front two in check. Challenges went in thick and fast from both sides throughout the game. 

I thought referee Wayne Cartmel had a good game, 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 had 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

National League South - Monday 11th September 2017

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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 halfway 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 dugouts, 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 found him 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 after sixty-two minutes as Warren Bentley shrugged off a challenge to score.

For a few minutes, Poole looked like they might 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 passed to 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 to enjoy a reasonably priced nightcap.

Wealdstone 3 East Thurrock United 0 

National League South - Monday 23rd April 2018

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 690 🎟️ £9

The severe winter weather had caused several postponements, including the earlier cancellation of this fixture, so I grabbed the opportunity to attend as I was on night shift at Ruislip station. I met with Tony 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 in the twelfth minute 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 be susceptible to crosses throughout the game.

Just four minutes later, Stones doubled their lead when a one-two between Wellard and Bubb saw the midfielder put the ball low past Lidakevicius. East Thurrock were really under the cosh and didn’t offer much at the other end. The hosts' entertaining style of football continued throughout the half, and it was no surprise when they made it 3-0 just before halftime

A clever ball from 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 me. 

Wealdstone included all of their season ticket holders in the figure, 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 many youth supporters to matches. This was most laudable, particularly at non-league clubs where the average age of fans needed to be lower. However, I’m no big fan of loud profanity-based abusive chanting. I just never have been. 

There were plenty of them at The Vale on this occasion. Some 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. 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 to have some self-policing when a group of youths stood close to the handful of harmless East Thurrock fans in the first half, intimidating them before being shunted around the ground by a steward. Wealdstone were most certainly not the only club to attract fans I have become the polar opposite of 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 many good, sensible fans.

Wealdstone 2 Gloucester City 0 

National League South - Monday 29th October 2018

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 675 🎟️ £13

I decided to put the previous visit to bed in terms of fans' experience to meet up with Tony, 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 created 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 in the fifty-fourth minute. 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 rang the changes, trying to secure or get back into the game. Harry Williams had the chance to level things up, but shot 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 in Harrow for beers. We continued to Kingsbury as I had the following day off work!

Wealdstone 4 Bristol Manor Farm 0

FA Cup Third Qualifying Round Replay - Tuesday 8th October 2019

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 524 🎟️ £13

Bristol Manor Farm pulled off a surprise by drawing 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 on a chilly autumn evening. 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, hit 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. After 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 whistle, 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 29th November 2020

I paid a further visit as part of my 100-mile Sawasdee Cup Charity Walk late in 2020, popping by 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

National League - Tuesday 5th October 2021

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 1,501 🎟️ £5

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 night shift 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 standing near the seated stand in the second half than on the extended covered terrace behind the goal.

Both defences were 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.

A draw was a fair result. I also thought referee Matthew Russell had a good game.

Wealdstone 1 Grimsby Town 0 

National League - Tuesday 26th October 2021

👨‍👨‍👧‍👧 att: 1,892 inc 794 away 🎟️ £15

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 the 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 on 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 1980s cricket buffs. Grimsby continued to try to break down the home defence, in which Jack Cook was outstanding. Their play on the floor was continually snuffed 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 the annoyance of Mariners on and off the pitch. 

A good atmosphere created by both sets of fans and a decent night out. Especially as it was a relatively easy ride on the tube, a mile or so 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.