Wealdstone progressed to the next stage of the FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Worthing in the Fourth Round Qualifying on Saturday. The win at Grosvenor Vale provides a vital positive result for Gary Waddock's side after a difficult period in the National League.
The Stones, who sit 19th in the league with 12 points from 13 games, were looking to bounce back from a 6-0 home defeat to Yeovil Town last weekend. They achieved that with a clean sheet and three goals, booking their place in Monday's First Round draw.
Waddock was forced into defensive changes after the Yeovil match saw goalkeeper Dante Baptise and defender Aidan Francis-Clarke sent off. Their suspensions meant a reshuffle at the back against a Worthing side flying high in fifth place in the National League South.
Wealdstone took control of the tie early on. The opening goal came in the first half, settling any nerves after a run of just one win in their previous seven matches across all competitions. The home side doubled their advantage before the break, capitalising on their dominance. A third goal after half-time sealed the comprehensive victory and ensured there would be no need for a replay.
Worthing manager Adam Hinshelwood had reported a full squad available before the match. Key attacker Jayden Moore returned from suspension, but forward Dominic Johnson-Fisher was cup-tied. The visitors, however, were unable to convert their possession into clear chances, with Wealdstone's defence holding firm throughout.
Wealdstone's goalscorers were Sean Adarkwa, who netted twice, and Micah Obiero, who scored the other. The result is a significant boost for Wealdstone, whose recent form reads two wins, zero draws and one defeat from their last three outings. They now turn their attention back to league survival, with a key home game against third-placed Southend United next on the fixtures list on October 31.
Gary Waddock is in his first permanent managerial role in nearly seven years, having signed a deal with Wealdstone until the summer of 2028. His team will hope this cup success can spark an improvement in their league position, where they currently hover just above the relegation zone on goal difference. The manager praised his side's resilience and focus after a challenging week.
Wealdstone manager Gary Waddock confirmed the scorers from Saturday's 3-0 FA Cup win over Worthing on Monday. Waddock stated that the goals came from Sam Maher, Dipo Okenabirhie and Charlie Norris. The manager said, "Sam, Dipo and Charlie got the goals we needed." The club, which sits 19th in the National League with 12 points, next travels to face Aldershot Town on October 24.
On October 19, Worthing announced the signing of midfielder Harvey Griffiths on a short-term deal. The club confirmed the 23-year-old former Manchester City and Wolves youngster signed in time for their FA Cup tie against Wealdstone. Griffiths, a free agent, had been training with the Reds and featured in a midweek cup match. Wealdstone, who have a goal difference of -7 after conceding 24 times this season, won that cup match 3-0 on October 17. The Stones next face Aldershot Town on October 24.
