Gordon Bartlett believes Wealdstone will take huge belief and confidence after holding Conference South title contenders Havant & Waterlooville to a 2-2 draw on Monday night.

Havant went into the contest as the league leaders after eight successive wins but hosts Wealdstone more than matched them as goals from James Hammond and Scott McGleish earned them a point.

Stones boss Bartlett said: “They are really well fancied this season but we matched them and at times I think we were better than them.

“We have proved a point that we are capable of performing against one of the best teams in the league.”

The only sour point was Bartlett being sent from the dugout for the first time in his career – a decision which left the manager baffled.

Bartlett said: “I got sent off for confrontation but I wasn’t being confrontational at all. It was absolutely ridiculous and I’m one of the calmest managers out there.

“I will wait and see but will almost certainly appeal if I get a fine or ban.”

The point was the second positive result of the week for Wealdstone after a 2-1 win at Weston-super-Mare on Saturday lifted them off the foot of the table.

The Stones trailed 1-0 but McGleish and a header from Tom Hamblin turned the contest around.

The manager said: “It wasn’t a fantastic performance but we showed real character and desire which were the things that we were looking for.

“It was a very good day all round and it definitely gave us an injection of belief and confidence heading into Monday.”

Wealdstone have arranged a friendly at home to Met Police this weekend after being knocked out of the FA Cup.

Former Watford and Luton Town midfielder Jamie Hand will feature and has been given the chance to join the club.

Bartlett said: “He will play on Saturday. He needs match fitness to get to the required level but if it goes well then he will be a decent addition for the club.”

The Stones boss added: “The team will be a mixture of the squad this weekend. The result is obviously not important to us but match fitness for several players is one of the priorities.”