Stones advance in FA Trophy (From Harrow Times)

Wealdstone secure FA Trophy tie at South Merstham

5:28pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport

Wealdstone came from behind to complete a 3-1 win over Chertsey Town in the FA Trophy at Grosvenor Vale.

The Stones’ reward for their comeback is a second qualifying round tie at South Merstham on Saturday, October 27.

Wealdstone had a major setback before the game after goalkeeper Rikki Banks was stuck in traffic.

This meant that with no back up available defender Sean Cronin was forced to fill in between the posts.

The visitors tried to take advantage of this with some long distance efforts which Cronin was initially equal to.

But Chertsey made the breakthrough after 13 minutes when Jermiele Johnson set up Gavin Quintyre for the close-range finish.

Gordon Bartlett’s side thought they had equalised midway through the half but Richard Jolly’s effort was ruled out for offside.

But the deserved goal for the hosts eventually came six minutes before half-time when Jolly side-footed past Jordan Kennedy.

The Stones nearly grabbed a quick second but Alex Dyer’s low strike was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Chertsey nearly regained the lead at the start of the second half but Michael Blount fired over from the edge of the penalty area.

Wealdstone took the lead for the first time when Kurtney Brooks sent in a cross and striker Jolly headed home from close range.

Wealdstone had a number of opportunities to kill off the tie but Chris O’Leary headed over the bar and Peter Dean miskicked an effort.

But the third goal for the home side arrived after 90 minutes when Dean rounded the goalkeeper and tucked the ball home.

Bartlett’s side return to league matters this weekend when they visit Bognor Regis Town in the Ryman Premier Division.

Meanwhile, Wealdstone Ladies beat Buckingham Athletic 9-0.

Natalie Osman scored a hat-trick and there were further goals netted from Chloe Jarman (2), Danielle Forde, Katie Harling, Cadey Rowe-Morrison and Rosie Watts.