PREVIEW: Conroy Says “Momentum Is Key” Ahead Of Moors Match

THERE’S never time to dwell long on success in the Enterprise National League, with another game often just around the corner, however Dion Conroy reflected the confident mood of a Stones’ camp which has showed its undoubted unity in putting together three clean sheets in a row after shipping six at home to Yeovil Town just over a fortnight ago.

Solihull Moors stand between Wealdstone and a fourth consecutive win in all competitions this Tuesday evening at The Vale (Tue Oct 27, 7.45pm ko), with kids aged 16 & Under able to join us for a Half-Term special price of just £1 each.

Not only that, there’s a chance to meet four of the Stones’ squad before the game, from 6.30pm to 7.00pm inside the clubhouse. TikTok maestro Carmichael Uchenna is among that number, with Kyle Smith, Admiral Muskwe and Tyrelle Newton making up the quartet.

Click HERE for all match ticket options, which include the club’s usual Concession rate for Season Ticket holders of Premier League and EFL clubs.

Back to Conroy and he’s full of praise for The Vale faithful. “The fans have been amazing, let me say that first,” said the 30-year-old, who led the side as skipper during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Aldershot Town.

“Momentum is key and you can’t generate that unless you’ve got the right atmosphere at games to put some wins together.

“We’ve had some poor results in between the good ones so far this year, and at some clubs I’ve been it’s a case of one bad result and you’ve lost the crowd completely.

“That’s really counter-productive when it’s a mainly young squad, but that hasn’t happened here and in fact that feeling of being part of a close community is something I’ve missed in recent years.”

Centre-half Conroy has started all three of this recent clean-sheet trio, adding his considerable experience alongside youthful colleagues.

He added: “I said in an interview just after I joined that I was hoping to be able to help lead the group along with the other longer-serving guys. It’s been good to play a part.”

Back far quicker from injury than initially projected, the defender has now made eight Stones’ starts.

“I worked really hard after getting injured so I’m pleased to back at it. I felt I was just getting into a good rhythm when I got injured, because I hadn’t played for quite a while at Crawley – and not due to injury.”

Conroy went on loan to Gary Waddock’s Shots from Chelsea – where he lifted the FA Youth Cup and Under-21 Premier League titles – a decade ago, so knows how his manager works, and cites a key factor in the team’s recent upturn in form.

“Communication is key on the pitch and that’s something the gaffer’s always reiterating,” explained the ex-Swindon Town favourite.

“You can’t play at centre-half without it – or anywhere really. He wants us to have that responsibility of not only thinking about ourselves but also reading the game to help others.

“If you get it right off the ball, it allows players to express themselves in possession.

“And I think we’ve seen that this season. When we’ve been good defensively, we’ve offered other teams a lot of threat so now it’s about making the most of what we’ve rebuilt.”

Matchday Timings

Make the most of tomorrow evening with us. There’s also a Board Q&A in the main Function Room of the clubhouse, with Directors Dominic Whyley and Darren Linden ready to answer questions from supporters.

6.00pm: The Vale clubhouse opens
6.15pm: Board Q&A starts in Function Room
6.30pm: Players Meet & Greet starts in main clubhouse area for young fans
7.45pm: Kick-off for Wealdstone v Solihull Moors