Heybridge Swifts 0 Wealdstone 1
Wealdstone made it three league wins on the spin at Heybridge's Scraley Road ground on Saturday and in the process moved up to 12th position in the Ryman League Premier Division table, albeit on goal difference.
Stones totally dominated the first half through a goal from the rejuvenated Chris O'Leary, and dug in during the second period to record a hard fought and workmanlike victory.
James Gray returned from injury to lead the line again with Hornet's work experience striker Marvin Sordell, whilst Gavin James was on the bench.
Swifts were missing former Stone Billy Hawes through suspension and started brightly enough, but their forward pairing of Bowyer and Reddaway had little chance to challenge Luke Woods in the Stones goal, as Stones soon began to dominate the midfield through the tremendous work rate of Chris O’Leary, Ryan Ashe and David Hicks.
Wealdstone deservedly took the lead in the 19th minute when Swifts were hesitant in defending a corner from Hicks and Chris O'Leary powerfully headed into the net at the near post past home keeper, Morris-Sanders.
Swifts were held to few chances during the first period with Stones' defence in mean mood and Swifts Manager Wayne Bond appeared close to making a substitution midway through the half as his side struggled to make any headway.
A buoyant Stones continued to break forward with increasing regularity and Swifts were fortunate to stay just the one goal behind at the break - the visitors having one goal disallowed for a foul in the six yard box.
Wealdstone consolidated in the second period and although Swifts perked up their play somewhat following several substitutions, there was still little for the Swifts' faithful to cheer and their only real chances saw Reece Morgan's long range effort saved by Woods and another long range effort from Adam Passfield pass narrowly wide.
Wealdstone continued to dominate the majority of play and on several occasions came close, and always looked unlikely to concede to a struggling Swifts side, and went home from a damp Scraley Road with a well deserved three points.
Stones entertain Maidstone United next Saturday (15) at the Vale, kick off 3pm.
Wealdstone: Woods, Martin, Chappell, Locke, Massey, Ashe, Hicks, O’Leary, Gray, Sordell, Montgomery. Subs used: Forbes, Clarke. N/u: Salapatas, James, McCoy.
