Grosvenor Vale played host to a closely contested National League fixture on Saturday, where Wealdstone secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Woking. The solitary goal, scored by Deonysus Woodman in the 66th minute, proved decisive and saw the two sides swap positions in the league standings.
The opening period was characterised by a strong midfield battle, with neither side able to establish significant attacking dominance. Wealdstone, in their traditional blue and white, struggled to penetrate a disciplined Woking defence. The visitors, wearing their red and white away kit, found it difficult to create clear-cut opportunities, with their forward line often isolated.
The first half saw a number of bookings. Woking’s Tim Akinola received a yellow card for a foul, followed shortly by his teammate Aiden O’Brien. Wealdstone’s Anthony Georgiou was also cautioned in the 37th minute for a similar infringement.
The second half commenced with a noticeable increase in intensity from both teams. Wealdstone began to exert more pressure on the Woking defence, although it was Woking who registered the first notable chance, forcing a save from the Wealdstone goalkeeper.
The match saw several tactical adjustments around the hour mark. Woking made a triple substitution shortly before the 72nd minute, introducing Tariq Hinds, Ashley Boatswain, and Matt Ward. Wealdstone also made a change, with Enzio Boldewijn replacing Jack Cook in the 72nd minute. Harry Beautyman was withdrawn for Jack Turner in a defensive reshuffle.
The deadlock was broken in the 66th minute. Following a swift Wealdstone attack, Anthony Georgiou provided the assist for Deonysus Woodman, who found the back of the net to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
In response, Woking pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Wealdstone bolstered their midfield control with the introduction of Elijah Dixon-Bonner for Nathan Tshikuna in the 72nd minute. As the match neared its conclusion, Woking’s efforts were met with resolute defending from Wealdstone. Further fouls resulted in bookings for both sides, with Chinwike Okoli of Woking cautioned in the 77th minute, and Wealdstone’s Elijah Dixon-Bonner receiving a yellow card in the 82nd minute.
Despite a late push from Woking, Wealdstone managed to hold on to secure a vital three points. The win sees Wealdstone move up to 12th in the National League table with 35 points, overtaking Woking, who now sit in 11th place with an identical points total but a less favourable goal difference. This result marks Wealdstone’s first victory in their last five outings and brings an end to Woking’s recent unbeaten run.
