A last-minute equaliser denied Wealdstone all three points at Eastbourne Borough on Saturday, though the Stones extended their unbeaten run to ten league games with a 1-1 draw.
The Stones will have felt hard done by after seeing two excellent late chances go astray but is is a sign of how far they have come this season that an away point proved dissatisfactory.
Gordon Bartlett made five changes from the side which beat Chelmsford City 4-2 last week. James Hammond, Shaun Lucien, Scott McGleish and Nathan Mavila all dropped to the bench, whilst Ryan Watts, Jonny Wright, Jefferson Louis and Matt Ball all came into the side.
Wealdstone took the lead after just 11 minutes. Wright was the creator, picking out for former Norwich City man Ball in space to fire beyond Eastbourne goalkeeper Lewis Carey.
A mis-kick by the ever-reliable Jonathan North caused a scare shortly before the half-hour mark but centre-back Wes Parker blocked well and Wright was on-hand to clear on the line.
The Sports’ best chance fell to Gavin McCallum but he blazed over when well placed to score. Meanwhile, Wealdstone forward Jefferson Louis shot narrowly wide of Carey’s goal on the turn as the Stones pushed for a second.
Wealdstone were struggling to make the ball stick up front, prompting Bartlett to replace lone forward Louis with veteran McGleish for the final 15 minutes. Speedy West Ham loanee Mavila also came on as the visitors looked to exploit the space created by Eastbourne’s push for an equaliser.
However, in the 90th minute the Stones were punished as a rare mistake by defender Sean Cronin allowed the vastly-experienced Richard Pacquette to head in at the far post and snatch a point for the Sports.
And yet Wealdstone almost stole all through point in the dying seconds as Ball crashed against the post with the goal gaping and Michael Corcoran headed a presentable opportunity wide.
The draw leaves Wealdstone 14th in the Conference South – nine points above the relegation zone with 14 games left to play.
Next up for Bartlett's side is Monday's Middlesex Senior Cup tie at home to Hayes & Yeading United (kick-off 7.45pm).
Wealdstone; North; Martin, Parker, Cronin, Watts; Wright (Mavila), Godfrey, Corcoran, Ball, O’Nien; Louis (McGleish).
Subs not used: Jolly, Hammond, Hamblin.
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