Olufela Olomola headed the only goal just after half-time as Wealdstone beat Aldershot Town 1-0 at the EBB Stadium, giving former Shots manager Gary Waddock a winning return to his old club and condemning the hosts to a fourth successive National League defeat.
Wealdstone created the first opening when Olomola found Ronan Maher on the edge of the penalty area, but the midfielder curled his shot narrowly wide of the far post. Aldershot responded through Brody Peart, whose header from a Conor Lawless delivery was comfortably gathered by Sam Long.
The hosts appealed for a penalty in the 20th minute when Basil Tuma went down inside the Wealdstone area under pressure from a defender. Referee Daniel Blades instead booked the winger for simulation, a decision disputed by the Aldershot players and home supporters.
Wealdstone nearly took the lead moments later when Luke Norris headed Maher’s cross against the post. The forward then tested Nick Hayes with an effort from the edge of the area before missing another good opportunity after Olomola played a low ball across goal, sending his shot wide with the goalkeeper to beat.
The sides reached half-time goalless, but Wealdstone broke through within a minute of the restart. Jack Wells-Morrison delivered a corner towards the near post and Olomola met it with a header beyond Hayes, giving Waddock’s side a 1-0 advantage.
Aldershot manager Scott Davies had introduced Hakeem Sandah for Marcus Dinanga at half-time, and the hosts created opportunities to equalise after falling behind. Ollie Harfield’s cross found Michee Efete inside the area, but Long produced an important save to preserve Wealdstone’s lead. Peart then headed a Conor Lawless corner over the bar.
Wealdstone threatened again in the 77th minute when Maher beat his defender before shooting into the side-netting. Olomola also had an opportunity to double his tally with two minutes remaining, driving into the penalty area from the left before sending an effort straight at Hayes.
Both managers made changes during the second half, with Dylan Kadji, Joe Newton, Fejiri Okenabirhie and Connor McAvoy appearing for Wealdstone. Aldershot introduced Marcus Wyllie and Tristan Abrahams as they searched for a way back into the match, but the visitors defended a late corner to secure the clean sheet and all three points.
The result marked a successful return to Aldershot for Waddock, who previously managed the Shots in two spells and led them into the Football League in 2008. Current Aldershot manager Davies was part of Waddock’s squad during that promotion-winning campaign.
Wealdstone moved to 18th in the National League with 15 points from 14 games, while Aldershot dropped to 14th on 18 points after a fourth consecutive league defeat.
