Wealdstone host Nottingham Forest U21 in National League Cup group stage

Wealdstone prepare for a National League Cup group stage match at home to Nottingham Forest U21 on Tuesday night. The fixture at Grosvenor Vale kicks off at 7pm and offers a chance for the Stones to respond to a difficult period in the league, having taken just 12 points from their first 13 games to sit 19th.

Their last outing at home was a 6-0 defeat to Yeovil Town in the National League on 10 October. That result contributed to their current league position of 19th, with 12 points from 13 games, a record of three wins, three draws and seven losses. They sit 23 points behind leaders Boreham Wood. The team did bounce back in the FA Cup last Friday, beating Worthing 3-0 with goals from three different players.

Recent form

Wealdstone's form has been inconsistent. Their last five matches across all competitions show two wins, one draw and two losses. Following the Yeovil defeat, they lost 2-1 away to Barrow, drew 1-1 at Forest Green Rovers and beat Gateshead 4-0 at home. Their recent league form is a loss, a loss, a draw, a win and a loss. The team has scored 17 goals this season but conceded 24, leaving them with a goal difference of negative seven.

Nottingham Forest's under-21 side, who sit sixth in the National League Cup group with two points, were beaten 5-1 by Notts County in the EFL Trophy last week. They previously beat Manchester United's under-21s 3-2 in Premier League 2. The young Reds lost 2-0 to Wealdstone in this competition at the same stage last season.

The starting lineup against Yeovil featured Baptiste in goal, with defensive duties shared by Chesters, Francis-Clarke, McAvoy and Kanu. Wells-Morrison and Oni anchored the midfield, supporting forwards Okenabirhie, Maher, Olomola and Norris.

Forest's under-21s, managed by Warren Joyce, last fielded a 3-4-3 formation. Their team included goalkeeper Keehan Willows, defenders Orr, Modupe and Broomes, with midfielders McClure and Jamie Newton providing support for forwards Smith and Thompson. The match presents a different challenge for a Wealdstone side focused on climbing the standings. They will look to use the cup as a platform for momentum ahead of a busy week, which continues with a league trip to 12th-placed Aldershot Town on Saturday 24 October.