Stones boss targets cup upset (From Harrow Times)

Wealdstone boss targets Trophy upset

1:00pm Thursday 15th December 2011 in Sport By Simon Mail

Wealdstone manager Gordon Bartlett believes their FA Trophy draw provides them with a great opportunity to pull off a giant-killing act.

The Stones thrashed Uxbridge 5-0 on Saturday and their reward is a home tie against Conference side Barrow on Saturday, January 14.

Bartlett said: “It is a home draw and that was our number one target. We also wanted a big club and we’ve got that as well so it’s a great draw for us.

“It is a great opportunity for a giant-killing. We faced that against Uxbridge and came through it. Now we have the chance to pull one off.”

Richard Jolly continued his rich vein of form with a hat-trick while Watford loanee Britt Assombalonga added to his goal tally with a brace.

Bartlett said: “We created a lot of opportunities; scoring five and hitting the woodwork twice.

“Richard scored a hat-trick and he could easily have doubled his tally. It was a local derby and they were always going to be fired up for it.

“I think the whole group have really learnt from their mistakes early on in the season.”

Wealdstone have been strengthened by the arrival of Assombalonga and Connor Smith from the Hornets and Bartlett feels they have added energy to his team.

He said: “I think they have come in at a good time but it’s been on the cards for a while. They have given us a bit of freshness and energy.

“I’m not surprised by Britt’s goals because I knew what we were bringing in. The great thing about both of them is they’re flexible and can play in different positions.”

The Stones have now won four matches in a row and will be expected to continue this run when they travel to lowly Leatherhead on Saturday before hosting managerless Tooting and Mitcham United on Monday.

Bartlett has targeted three wins from their four league games before the end of the year which will keep them on the coat tails of the Ryman Premier front runners.

Bartlett added: “December is a massive month for us. If we could go into the new year still in two cup competitions and in a decent league position then that’s not a bad way to start 2012.

“We have put in solid foundations for the new year but we have four important games coming up and if we can pick up nine points that will be very pleasing.

“I don’t look at league positions. I think Leatherhead are decent and they proved that by beating Kingstonian last week. Their league position belies their ability.”