Wealdstone powered into the next round of the FA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Worthing on Saturday. A devastating ten-minute spell after half-time saw goals from Ronan Maher, Fejiri Okenabirhie and Luke Norris secure the win for Gary Waddock's side.
Waddock praised his team's character after a difficult run. "It was a proper response from the lads," the Wealdstone manager said. "We asked for a reaction and we got it in that second half."
The first half was a tight, goalless affair. The game transformed after the break. Maher, on loan from Walsall, broke the deadlock with a fine curled effort. New signing Okenabirhie doubled the lead just three minutes later, finishing coolly when played through. Norris completed the scoring, rounding the goalkeeper to slot home.
Opposition manager Adam Hinshelwood took full responsibility for his team's collapse. "I decided to change the formation and shape and unfortunately it didn't have the desired effect," he admitted. "Mistakes cost us. We weren't able to control the contest after the first goal went in."
The result provides a significant boost for Wealdstone, who sit 21st in the National League table with 12 points from 13 games. They are now five points clear of the relegation zone.
Key performers included Okenabirhie, who marked his first start with a goal, and Norris, who also hit the crossbar late on. The clean sheet was only the third Wealdstone have managed in the league this season. The win earns the club a place in Monday's draw for the FA Cup First Round proper, with the potential for a tie against a League One or League Two club.
