Wealdstone suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Worthing in the National League on Saturday. The loss at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium leaves the Stones still searching for their first victory of the new season.
The only goal of the game arrived in the first half. Worthing's forward found space in the box and finished clinically to give the hosts a lead they would not relinquish. Wealdstone pushed for an equaliser after the break but could not find a way past a resolute home defence.
Manager Stuart Maynard will be concerned by his side's lack of cutting edge in front of goal. They have now failed to score in two of their three league outings this term. The result sees Wealdstone drop into the bottom half of the early National League standings.
Squad challenges
Maynard had to contend with several selection issues for the trip to the south coast. Key midfielder Jack Cook missed the match through suspension after his red card in the previous fixture. Defender Charlie Barker was also absent, continuing his recovery from a muscle strain. Their absences forced changes to the starting eleven, with young defender Jaydn Mundle-Smith handed a first league start of the season.
Despite the changes, the Stones' defensive shape was largely solid for much of the contest. Goalkeeper Sam Howes made a couple of smart saves to keep the deficit at one. The primary problem was at the other end of the pitch, where the attacking unit struggled to create clear chances. Striker Corie Andrews worked hard but was isolated for long periods, receiving limited service from midfield.
Looking ahead
Wealdstone now face a key run of home fixtures to try and build some momentum. They host Southend United at Grosvenor Vale next Saturday. That is followed by a midweek visit from Dagenham & Redham before another home game against Aldershot Town.
Maynard will hope to have Cook back from suspension and will assess Barker's fitness ahead of the Southend match. The manager told reporters after the Worthing game that his team must be more clinical. "We controlled large parts of the second half but didn't test their keeper enough," he said. "We have to be better in the final third."
The Stones have a full week of training to address their attacking issues before the Southend match on 29 August.
