Wealdstone FC is appealing to its fans to help fund its ambitions for promotion to the National League.

The club, which was promoted from the National League South as champions at the end of the 2020/21 season, has seen income from matches and its social club dry up due to the coronavirus lockdown.

It is offering fans shares as part of its Stoneshare scheme. These cost £5 per week for a single share, each week for 40 weeks. The shares will be issued at the end of the season, with 40 for every weekly £5 membership.

The club says the money will go directly to its playing budget.

An appeal sent to fans reads: "Last season, Dean, his management team and the squad gave everything as we won the National League South, but this season the step up in competition is massive!

"We needed to increase the budget to ensure we retained and improved a competitive squad, but with the Covid crisis, we have seen the income from matches and the social club slashed.

"We need our fans and local business to help us bridge the gap."

Payment details are available on the club website.

Wealdstone lost 3-0 to Championship side Luton Town at The Vale in their second pre-season friendly.

Kazenga Lualua and Jordan Clark scored in the first half for The Hatters, followed by a goal in the second half from Andrew Shinnie.

Manager Dean Brennan's team included eleven of last season’s league winners, including goalkeeper Harry Isted who contributed to last season's championship triumph.

Kazenga Lualua opening the scoring for visitors in the ninth minute, coolly placing the ball into the top corner off the fingertips of Isted.

Luton Town doubled their lead in the 34th minute as Jordan Clark dispatched a powerful left-foot strike from range into the top corner past Isted.

Brennan made ten changes at half time.

In the 50th minute, Shinnie, assisted by Ryan Tunnicliffe after a James Collins back-heel, fired into the bottom corner to treble the Hatters’ advantage.

The Stones best chance of the match came in the 82nd minute as Danny Green’s fierce free-kick was well-saved by Hatters Croatian international goalkeeper Simon Sluga.

Luton Town held firm to win by a three-goal margin, but the Stones impressed against their full-time professional counterparts.