Victory in midweek over Kidderminster Harriers sees the Coasters head into their first-ever meeting with Wealdstone full of confidence and on a high.
Adam Murray’s side will be hoping they can pick up another three points at Grosvenor Vale and continue their push up the National League table, and ahead of the trip, we have a little light reading before kick-off.
The Lowdown
The Coasters come into their first-ever meeting with the Stones after achieving their first win of the season against Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday night. Goals from Luke Charman and Luke Conlan in a dramatic final ten minutes gave the Coasters all three points in a 2-1 win.
Wealdstone managed to earn a point on Tuesday night away to Bromley FC. A goal from Tavhon Campbell opened the scoring – however, the Stones couldn’t quite hang on, conceding in the 70th minute.
The home side are still unbeaten at the moment after drawing two and winning one in their opening three games.
The Manager – Stuart Maynard
Maynard started his career at Championship side Watford before moving swiftly into lower-league football. He made a name for himself at the likes of Aylesbury United and Hitchin Town whilst also having a brief playing spell for Wealdstone.
He soon stepped into the coaching box as assistant to current Barnet manager Dean Brennan at Hemel Hempstead. They guided Hemel to a title and the National League South playoffs in 2017-18.
The pair then moved on to National League South side Billericay Town – however, this lasted all of four months, with demanding owner Glenn Tamplin eventually sacking the pair.
One month later, the pair were back on the touchline, this time leading Isthmian Premier division side Kingstonian. This spell lasted even shorter than Billericay, five games to be precise due to disputes over players and the club director.
The pair once again moved on and joined Wealdstone. In their first season at the club, they guided them to the National League, albeit via a shorter season due to Covid 19. Taking part in their first season at National League level for 35 years, things looked on the up for the Stones.
However, manager Dean Brennan left the club in February and Maynard took the hot seat. The club finished 19th, just surviving relegation.
Since then, Wealdstone have progressed season on season, finishing 16th and then 13th last season, proving things are on the up for Maynard and Wealdstone. Could a playoff finish be on the cards?
Key Players
Charlie Barker – The Rotherham-born defender seems to have found a home at Wealdstone after impressing during several loans in the past, with Barker making the move permanent in the summer.
Starting every game so far this season, Barker seems like Mr Reliable at the back, which could be seen with his man-of-the-match performance against Eastleigh.
Max Kretzschmar – A familiar face to fans of the National League, famously for his influence on the rise of Woking FC.
A midfielder with an eye for goal, Kretzschmar definitely knows what he’s doing in the middle of the park and will be a handful for the Coasters.
Olufela Olomola – Starting his career at Arsenal, Olomola hasn’t quite hit the heights that were once expected.
However, after notching 10 times in all competitions last season, Olomola will be looking to further add to that tally this season. A traditional number nine who causes a handful, Olomola could be a dark horse for the golden boot.
From The Coasters Camp
Previous meetings
This is the first meeting between the two sides, meaning history will be made this Saturday.
Opposition form
The Stones came into the season on the back of three straight losses in pre-season, albeit to higher opposition, but that is something that could have worried Stuart Maynard when facing York on the opening day.
However, fear not as the Stones started off with all three points, which was later backed up by two draws against Eastleigh and Bromley. With a split pre-season in terms of results after three wins, three losses and one draw, Wealdstone will be hard to predict this season.
Match Preview written by Benji Jenkinson.
