Wealdstone boss pleased with development despite Stevenage loss

Wealdstone’s pre-season friendly against Teddy Sheringham’s Stevenage was a 'great afternoon’s work', according to Stones manager Gordon Bartlett.

The National League South side provided stout opposition for League Two Stevenage, who won 1-0 in the low-key friendly at the Vale as Brett Williams' goal was the difference.

Bartlett said: “That’s a great afternoon’s work, a really good test. Considering the heat, and the fact that they put two completely different sides out, energy levels needed to be good and they were.”

The Stones spent long periods without the ball, although Stevenage were largely restricted to long range efforts.

The visitors took the lead just after the half-hour mark. Dean Parrett played Williams through on goal and the striker was brought down by Jonathan North in the area, conceding a penalty. The striker converted his penalty with a nonchalant side-footed effort sent low to the keeper’s left.

Wealdstone created perhaps their best chance with 15 minutes to play when Josh Hutchinson, recently signed from Potters Bar Town, latched on to a lofted through ball but could only send his chip over the crossbar.

Bartlett was clear that the result held no importance and that building up fitness was the main aim.

He added: “We are certainly not disappointed to lose it 1-0, and to a penalty. I’m not bothered about results.

“At this stage it’s very much about getting miles in the legs and avoiding injuries. Scott McGleish has been leading most of pre-season, and he’s worked them very, very hard.

“We didn't always take the opportunity to get it down and play it a bit, I thought we were a bit sloppy. That comes from fatigue, though.”

Summer acquisitions Josh Urquart, who showed his versatility in excelling in defensive midfield, Bradley Hudson-Odoi and Dale Binns all started in Wealdstone’s second friendly match.

The Stones manager was philosophical about their performances: “The new lads will take time to settle in. Bradley ran out of steam, but we played him in a position he wasn’t used to because we had so many missing.

“We had seven of the senior squad unavailable for various reasons. We had one or two square pegs in round holes.”

Trialists David Linn, who appeared at left-back for an hour, and Liam McDeutt were released shortly after the final whistle.

Bartlett stated, “They are young players who need to play. We can’t do that on the basis of what we've seen. It’s better to make an early decision on them rather than leaving them hanging around.”