Wealdstone picked up an important 2-0 win over Chelmsford City on Saturday to put further distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

Victory means Gordon Bartlett's side are now three points and five places above the bottom two.

There were debuts for West Ham United loanee Sam Howes and former Watford defender Jack Smith, signed from National League South rivals Hemel Hempstead Town on Friday.

Injury plagued centre-half Tom Cadmore was finally fit and able to replace the suspended Tom Hamblin.

The Stones shook off their frustrating ball retention issues after their previous frustrating league defeat against Weston-super-Mare with some style and took what proved to be an unassailable two-goal lead in the first half.

Wealdstone were put under early pressure by the 13th-placed Clarets side but for all their attacking intent, it was Stones that grabbed the lead on 15 minutes.

From a Scott Davies corner Johnny Wright crashed against the bar, leaving skipper Wes Parker to find the net from close range.

City attempted an immediate reply and almost achieved it when Rory McAuley dived to meet Matt Whichelow’s corner, only to watch it fly over.

The home side thought they’d pulled themselves back into the contest when Marvin Ekpiteta converted Graham’s free-kick at the back post but the effort was ruled out for offside.

It was proving to be a frustrating afternoon for the City who were finding Stones’ backline a real challenge to break down, with their highly rated striker Billy Bricknell looking isolated up front.

City’s Ben Marlow went close with a volley before half-time but the miss proved costly as Lee Sawyer was dispossessed with acres of space gaping behind them.

That allowed Bradley Hudson-Odoi to power through and rifle past Brown.

Stones dominated the second half and they confidently created several good chances to increase their lead.

The hard working Jefferson Louis powered home a header but was denied by the offside flag.

But it didn’t matter as Wealdstone celebrated a deserved victory at the final whistle in front of their travelling fans.

Wealdstone: Howes; Duffy (Smith 35), Parker (c) (Corcoran 66), Cadmore, Binns; Wright, Godfrey, Harriott, Davies, Hudson-Odoi; Louis (Hutchinson 87).

Subs: Taylor (GK), Lucien.