Wealdstone 2 Poole Town 2

Vanarama National League South

3 September 2016

Over 1,000 turned out on Non League Day to see Wealdstone and Poole in a hard fought high quality encounter that took many twists and turns and ultimately ended with a share of the spoils. Early on Poole couldn't match the high intensity pressing without the ball or the quick accurate passing of a stones team determined to climb the league. Poole couldn't get the ball and when they had it couldn't keep it for long as Wealdstone built a relentless pressure that caused defenders to be pulled out of position and led to a well worked but simple headed goal after 23 minutes. At that point Poole fans were fearful that there was more to come as the next few minutes were a fight for survival.

However, keep calm and carry on seem to be the watchwords of Poole nowadays and they gradually worked their way back into the game, keeping possession a bit better and upping the tempo to match their Wealdstone counterparts. Although there weren't many chances being created, the spark of life encouraged the Poole fans and gave the stones defenders something to think about. After a scramble on the edge of the area a stones defender seemed to handle the ball. Behind the goal we were convinced it was a penalty, then seconds later Roberts chased a lost cause and with the defender trying to shepherd the ball behind he clipped Roberts who went down convincingly enough for the referee to point to the spot. Devlin made no mistake with the kick, sending the keeper to his left and slotting just inside the right hand post. Poole finished the half much the stronger probably hoping the half wouldn't end. It did (1 – 1).

The second half was more even with both teams creating opportunities but Wealdstone's forwards look to be a handful for any team in the league and continued to cause the Poole defence problems. A lapse by the Poole defence left an unmarked player in the middle and Hutch made a great save but couldn't deal with the follow up with Benyon getting his second of the match. Poole again behind and Wealdstone having learnt the lesson of the first half were more attentive at the back. Poole threw everything forward with new signing Surridge already on the pitch but it took until the 90^th minute for the equaliser to come, and what a cracker. With everyone including the Poole keeper up for a corner the ball fell to Burbidge with most of the players between him and the goal. He saw and found the only gap in the top right corner with a thunderbolt of a shot. Poole could have nicked it at the end. Walker came closest but scooped over the bar under pressure from close range.

This match was a bit like two fighters slugging it out, each getting up off the canvas to come back strongly. The match was played in a great spirit and there was enough goalmouth excitement to last till Tuesday. A five star match and a fantastic advert for non – league football.

Star Player: Steve Devlin, winning headers all over the pitch, crunching tackles and great use of the ball, he sparked the revival with his energy and put away the penalty well.