Wealdstone bounced back from their first Conference South defeat in 11 games by winning 2-1 at Staines Town on Saturday to put another three points between themselves and the drop.

Despite heavy overnight rain, Stones dominated the first half on a perfectly playable surface and their greater possession and attacking threat delivered two goals in the first period, via Micky Corcoran and man-of-the-match Luke O’Nien.

Although the home side fought back in a scrappy second period and converted a penalty, Stones’ defence comfortably held out for a win which sees Gordon Bartlett’s side move up to 13th place – 14 points clear of the drop.

Stones needed a decent start and with good forward play from Nathan Mavila and Jefferson Louis, they started to threaten Staines’ fragile defence.

West Ham United loanee Mavila used his pace brilliantly on eight minutes when he crossed for Louis but the experienced striker could not beat goalkeeper Jack Turner.

Staines’ first shot of note came from the lively Joe Aribo, who provided the only real striking threat in the first period for the side bottom of the Conference South.

After a scrappy and disjointed period of play, Stones finally took the lead on 27 minutes. A corner found Sean Cronin, whose header was cleared off the line but the ball fell invitingly to Corcoran to crash home.

And Wealdstone made their superiority pay a minute before the break when Watford loanee O’Nien weighed in.

Using his blistering pace, Mavila broke free down the left and found Matt Ball, whose teasing centre was flicked in expertly by the advancing O’Nien.

The second half was a largely disappointing affair, with Stones allowing the home side to gain a foothold in the match.

One of Stones’ best efforts came in the 64th minute, O’Nien arrowing just wide of the target following a jinking run.

The Swans were given a lifeline when referee Alan Young awarded a penalty with 16 minutes remaining for handball against Cronin. Elliot Buchanan duly accepted the gift and Staines finally had something to build on.

Stones held out, though, with Tom Hamblin back to his best alongside Cronin at the heart of the defence, repelling the constant aerial threat posed by Staines.

Harrow Times: Luke O'Nien scores Wealdstone's second at Staines. Picture: Steve Foster/Wealdstone FCLuke O'Nien scores Wealdstone's second at Staines. Picture: Steve Foster/Wealdstone FC

It was Wealdstone who had the most presentable opportunity to score again, late substitute Jonny Wright somehow heading wide after fellow replacement Scott McGleish had delivered a perfect cross for the forward.

Despite increased pressure from the home side, Stones held out for a very welcome win ahead of their re-arranged match at Hemel Hempstead Town on Tuesday evening.

Wealdstone: North; Martin, Hamblin, Cronin, Watts; Davies, Corcoran, O’Nien, Ball (Lucien), Mavila (Wright); Louis (McGleish).

Subs not used: Malone (GK), Hammond.

Attendance 418 (away 200).