Grosvenor Vale played host to a thrilling five-goal National League encounter, with Wealdstone emerging victorious after a 3-2 tussle against Braintree Town. The match ignited from the off, with the hosts drawing first blood in the 10th minute. Anthony Georgiou’s intricate work fashioned an opening for Sam Ashford, who expertly finished to give Wealdstone the early advantage. Braintree Town’s response, however, was immediate. Just three minutes later, James Vennings delivered a pinpoint ball which Louie Annesley met to level the score. The visitors then stunned the home crowd by completing the turnaround in the 16th minute, Callum Powell finding the net to put Braintree Town in front. The remainder of the first half continued to ebb and flow, with both sides trading attacks, but neither could add to the scoreline before the break.
Wealdstone emerged for the second half with renewed purpose, pressing high and forcing Braintree Town onto the back foot in search of an equaliser. Their relentless pressure paid dividends in the 54th minute when Alex Reid levelled the scores. With momentum firmly on their side, Wealdstone continued to probe the Braintree defence. In the 67th minute, Ashford grabbed his second of the game, expertly converting a chance to restore Wealdstone’s lead. Braintree Town, despite a series of substitutions and a late yellow card shown to manager Angelo Harrop for dissent, were unable to find a way back into the game. Wealdstone expertly managed the closing stages, seeing out the match to secure a hard-fought three points. Both sides made a number of tactical substitutions throughout the second half, attempting to gain control of the midfield battle. However, it was Wealdstone’s changes that ultimately proved more effective, disrupting Braintree’s rhythm and contributing to their victory. The result sees Wealdstone climb above Braintree Town in the National League table, though both sides remain in the lower reaches.