Getting to know the opposition: Wealdstone

The Stones are the hosts this weekend as Chesterfield travel south to Middlesex. Currently sat in 17th position in the Vanarama National League, Wealdstone have failed to win any of their last four fixtures.

During a turbulent spell for both sides, Wealdstone have conceded seven goals in their last four games as the side continue to slide down the table, albeit remaining safely away from any potential relegation scrap with a healthy 12-point gap from the drop.

This season, the Stone have scored 39 goals in 36 outings. A record that suggests that the side have struggled to find the back of the net on a regular basis; it is 23 goals fewer that of the Spireites, who have netted on 62 occasions this season.

In relation to the club’s attacking output, 25-year-old Josh Umerah leads the charge for Wealdstone – scoring 11 goals in 30 appearances for the side this season. The forward is the only player who has managed to reach into double digits for the side, with the next highest goalscorer being Rhys Browne, contributing with five goals for the Stone.

Season Breakdown

Wealdstone FCClubChesterfield FC
17thLeague Position5th
1.08Goals Per Match1.68
1.53Goals Conceded Per Match1.05
10Clean Sheets15

Wealdstone’s problems in front of goal present a telling picture after recording an average of 1.08 goals per game this season, which is far lower than the 1.68 as presented by Chesterfield.

In breaking down the statistics this season, the Spireites lead the way in every aspect, showing a much more resilient defensive display, along with a much more free-flowing offensive effort. The Blues have managed to keep 15 clean sheets in 37 National League games this season, although the club have failed to do so in their last three games, since the 1-0 win on March 19 against Maidenhead United.

Whilst Wealdstone managed to secure a clean sheet in their last outing, during a 0-0 draw with Maidenhead, the side failed to keep their previous 12 opponents at bay, being unable to keep a clean sheet since their goalless draw with Notts County in January.

Head-to-Head

Home SideResult
(Date)
Away Side
Chesterfield FC2-0
(28th August 2021)
Wealdstone FC
Chesterfield FC0-0
(15th May 2020)
Wealdstone FC
Wealdstone FC3-2
(20th October 2020)
Chesterfield FC

Based on the previous meetings between these two, they could not be more evenly split. A record that shows one win, one draw, and a loss each in their last three encounters.

Whilst the Stone took away the first of the three points in the October 2020 meeting, after a narrow 3-2 victory. The win was inspired by goals from Moses Emmanuel, who grabbed a brace, and Jacob Mendy. Whilst the goals were only to be in vain, Tom Denton put the Spireites in front with a penalty within the first 180 seconds before Wealdstone scored three goals of their own in response. Tyler Denton grabbed a consolation goal in the 83rd minute, but it would not be enough as the Middlesex-based side managed to hold on at their Grosvenor Vale stadium.

The alternative fixture last season ended in a goalless stalemate towards the end of the season as Chesterfield pushed on for a spot in the play-offs, whilst Wealdstone finished the campaign in 19th position.

During the encounter this season, the Spireites would get their revenge for last season’s defeat. In a 2-0 win, Chesterfield cruised to victory as Saidou Khan and George Carline were on target during an eight-game unbeaten run for the club at the start of the season.

By Sam Plummer