WEALDSTONE’S season-long injury challenges appear to be easing – if only gradually – with manager Gary Waddock having confirmed that both Kyle Smith and Carmichael Uchenna should play some part in this evening’s fourth & final National League Cup Group A fixture against the Under-21s of Derby County (The Vale, 7.00pm ko).
Wing-back Smith, one of Stones’ most impressive performers this season since his return to The Vale, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since hobbling off at Tamworth in mid-September.
“Smudger has been training with the group more and more in recent days and we had our eyes fixed on Tuesday (tonight) to get him back onto the pitch,” confirmed Waddock.
“He’s been a miss for us, no question about that, and we’ll need to be sensible about how much we ask of him but it’s great to have him involved.
“Carms just had something minor so we’ll get him some game time too all being well,” added the manager of midfielder Uchenna’s planned return during a match which Stones must win and hope Scunthorpe United don’t beat Wolves U21s to qualify for the knockout stages.
A trio of hamstring injury victims are also continuing rehab work – although at different stages of their recovery.
Waddock explained: “Jaydn [Mundle-Smith] has been back out on the grass doing some straight-line running, so that’s good news.
“Admiral [Muskwe] had a bit of a set-back. We’d got him back doing some individual work but he then felt something in his quad so we’re getting that checked out, just to be sure.
“And Jayden [Harris] is still quite a while away yet. It’s best not to put a timescale on things sometimes, because we just need to be careful with all the boys.”
Centre-half Mason Barrett is the other player sidelined, with the rehab from his ACL reconstruction & meniscal repair operation set to soon get underway.
Boss Big On Remembrance
Having been with Aldershot Town for quite a number of years, a grounding in Remembrance ceremonies from the folk of that military town has left an indelible mark on Gary Waddock.
He said football pays tribute better than ever these days, allowing crowds of match-goers to show their respects alongside players & staff up and down the country.
“It’s really important. We’re only doing what we do in football because people gave their lives for our freedoms,” said the Wealdstone manager.
“The football family has done an extremely good job with regards to Remembrance over the years.
“Obviously at Aldershot it means that bit more being a military town. You get the whole ground covered in poppies and it’s a stark reminder of why we stop and reflect.”
He added: “It’ll be an honour for myself, the staff and the players to join with our supporters this evening and pay our own respects.”
Earlier Kick-Off Time
A reminder it’s a 7.00pm kick-off this evening’s game, so the club asks all supporters wishing to observe silence and witness the playing of The Last Post to be pitchside – ideally near the dugouts, please – by 6.50pm latest. Thanks in advance for your co-operation.
Tickets are £5 per person for this evening’s game. Click HERE to buy yours in advance.
Wealdstone Derby County U21
November 3, 2026
7 pm
