Wealdstone secured a crucial 2-0 victory against a self-destructing Aldershot Town at the EBB Stadium, capitalising on the hosts’ disciplinary problems to claim all three points. A late goal and a flurry of red cards for Aldershot punctuated a match that had initially been a tight, cagey affair.
The first half saw few clear-cut opportunities for either side. However, the game’s dynamic shifted dramatically just before half-time. Theo Widdrington, already booked earlier in the half, conceded a penalty with a rash challenge inside the box. Alex Reid calmly converted the spot-kick, sending Wealdstone into the break with a 1-0 lead and leaving Aldershot frustrated.
Aldershot emerged for the second half determined to find an equaliser, introducing two substitutes just before the hour mark to bolster their attack. Their hopes of a comeback, however, suffered a major setback in the 81st minute when Dan Ellison received a second yellow card and was subsequently sent off. The dismissal proved decisive. Now with a numerical advantage, Wealdstone took control. In the 91st minute, Reid turned provider, setting up Max Kretzschmar to seal the victory for the visitors with a late strike that sparked joyous celebrations amongst the travelling Wealdstone fans. The drama continued deep into stoppage time when Aaron Jones, also already carrying a yellow card, received his second booking and was dismissed, compounding Aldershot’s woes.
The victory lifts Wealdstone off the bottom of the National League table, leapfrogging Aldershot who now occupy 17th place. While Aldershot have held the edge in recent encounters between the two sides, this result underscores the unpredictable nature of the National League.