Stones boss believes side can still catch leaders Whitehawk (From Harrow Times)

Wealdstone targeting league leaders Whitehawk

2:50pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport By Simon Mail

Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett insists his side have given themselves a chance of overhauling Ryman Premier leaders Whitehawk ahead of their crucial match this weekend.

The Stones were 12 points behind the title favourites recently but have pulled themselves within seven points and also have two games in hand. Bartlett knows that a win at Whitehawk on Saturday will put their fate in their own hands.

Bartlett said: “We have momentum and a confidence to take into a massive game this weekend. We were 12 points behind but now it is seven points and we have two games in hand.

“We have given ourselves a chance of catching them. I would still prefer to be in their position but we have given ourselves a good opportunity. We will go there in a positive frame of mind.”

The Stones boss continued: “Whitehawk have got a massive budget and seem to be signing players virtually every week. They’re a very big and powerful side. But all we can do is go about our business.

“We’ve been written off and criticised but here we are second in the table and we will never stop believing no matter the result this weekend. There are 39 points to play for.”

Wealdstone were struggling to replicate their home form on the road earlier this season. But Bartlett’s side made it three wins from their last four away games with a 1-0 victory at Met Police.

The winning goal came after 51 minutes when Lee Chappell set up Tom Pett for a neat finish inside the area. Pett had a chance to net a second after a back heel from Peter Dean but his strike went over the bar.

Bartlett, whose side have been linked with a move for Enfield Town striker Scott McGleish, said: “It was a very good win. In the last three away games we’ve kept three clean sheets and picked up seven points which I would have been delighted with if I was offered that. It was a solid, professional performance against a side top of the form table who are battling to get into the play-offs.

“There were question marks over our form away from home but we have achieved the results through our work ethic out of possession, our spirit and a desire not to concede. That is a great recipe for success.

“We know that our flair will create chances and I always felt we were in command but it was never comfortable.”