Wealdstone 1-0 Concord Rangers
Gordon Bartlett said he knew it was only a matter of time before Wealdstone picked up their maiden home victory after watching his side achieve the feat on Saturday against Concord Rangers.
Scott McGleish scored the only goal of the game for the hosts to make it two wins on the bounce for the newly promoted side and inject some much-needed belief into the Stones squad.
Wealdstone now sit six points clear of the bottom two, and Stones manager Bartlett is hopeful that wins over first Chelmsford and now Concord will breed some confidence within the ranks at Grosvenor Vale.
Bartlett said: “Obviously we would’ve liked to have our first home win in August, but we’ve had to wait and I don’t think I can question the character of the players - it was just a matter of time. For me it is more important that we’ve had two wins on the bounce in the league.”
The only goal of the game came in the second half; Shaun Lucien whipping in a cross from the right for striker McGleish to head home at the near post.
But as the encounter approached its dying embers the hosts seemed to lack an experienced head to settle the storm as Concord had a succession of chances but couldn’t make them pay.
Nevertheless Bartlett still wants to improve his squad and make sure his team have enough character and ability to see out a victory.
He added: “I think we were naïve at the early part of the season but we try to improve all the time. Whether that means bringing in young or experienced players, as long as we try to improve the squad we’ll continue to progress.
“You only have to look at where we are in the league table to say we haven’t done well this year. But I don’t think it is a true reflection on the way we’ve played this season.”
Next up for the Ryman Premier League champions is an FA Trophy encounter against St Albans City, but the Stones manager knows all they can do from now on is remain optimistic.
He concluded: “If you look at the bench today it was strong and we are building a good squad, and I personally believe we will be there soon.
“In the last half a dozen games we have done well and deserved so much more out of the game, but there are very small margins between winning and losing.
“I’m delighted with character building, and when things go wrong you have to remain positive. We as a group have done that and that is what has been pleasing.”
Elsewhere, Harrow Borough went down 3-1 at promotion hopefuls Dulwich in the Ryman Premier and Hayes & Yeading were beaten 1-0 by Farnborough.
