Wealdstone took the lead in stunning fashion but were ultimately defeated 3-1 by Gareth Ainsworth’s Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening as Grosvenor Vale.

Despite going in front in the first half, Gordon Bartlett’s men could not maintain their advantage and the Chairboys scored two goals after the break to seal the victory.

Bartlett was facing something of a selection headache before kick-off with Wes Parker, Tom Cadmore, Scott Davies and Matt Ball all unavailable.

Dale Binns and Olly Duffy came into the side and the Stones were also boosted by the return of Carl Martin, who managed to get some valuable minutes under his belt during the second half.

Wealdstone started the better at the Vale and took the lead in the 32nd minute. Elliott Godfrey was the scorer and he put the Stones in front thanks to a fantastic first-time volley from 30-yards.

But Wealdstone were not ahead for long, as a former Stone got Wycombe back on level terms.

Luke O’Nien, who spent two spells on loan at the Vale from Watford, is on trial with the Chairboys and nodded home from close-range following a corner to send the two sides in on level terms.

After an even first half, Wycombe took control of events in the second period, but it should have been Wealdstone who re-gained the lead minutes after the game resumed.

Summer signing Binns did all the hard work, racing clear of the League Two side’s defence and with just the keeper to beat, he could not find the finish and prodded the ball wide from close range.

Bartlett’s men were made to pay for that miss as Wycombe seized the advantage. Joe Jacobsen’s cross found another Blues trialist, who stroked the ball home from close-range.

Wycombe made it three in the 61st minute, another Jacobsen cross nodded home by Garry Thompson to complete the turnaround.

Wealdstone did not go down without a fight, though, and they came close to netting a consolation with just under five minutes to play; Wycombe goalkeeper Alex Lynch forced to pull off a good save from Binns, who was enjoying some freedom down the left flank.

Stones now travel to Leighton Town on Thursday (kick-off 7.45pm)