REACTION: “We Need Leaders Now” – Waddock After Yeovil

WEALDSTONE boss Gary Waddock has called for the need to be positive and that “we need leaders now” as his squad face into their preparation for next weekend’s Emirates FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round tie at home to Worthing.

Speaking after another red card-laden defeat, this time a 6-0 home humbling at the hands of Yeovil Town in the Enterprise National League, Waddock acknowledged the team is its own worst enemy right now.

“I heard the comments yesterday about a lack of discipline but I actually think it’s been poor decision-making by players [in some key moments],” explained the Stones’ manager, looking back over what’s now five dismissals in the space of 13 league fixtures – none of which for violent conduct or serious foul play.

“It’s a difficult spell, no getting away from it. We saw red today, go down to 10 men and it’s killing us really.”

In front of another 2,000-plus crowd at The Vale, Waddock contended Wealdstone were well in the game against the in-form Glovers…before goalkeeper Dante Baptiste’s rush of blood to the head saw him charge from his penalty area attempting to clear a ball he was firmly second-favourite for.

“The players who are staying on the pitch are working flat out every week so we’re fighting every week – but it’s getting harder and harder with players getting sent off,” he added.

Despite the scoreline, Waddock contended Stones had started the game brightly enough.

“For the first 30 minutes, we were well in the game against a good side.

“I’m pulling my hair out, because we’ve got a number of injuries on top of suspensions.”

A trio of players – Dylan Kadji, Dante Baptiste and Aidan Francis-Clarke – will now sit out the Worthing cup tie due to red cards, although on the injury front there was at least some good news yesterday with the return to action of centre-half Dion Conroy.

“We need leaders now,” said Waddock, referring to the former Crawley Town defender’s return. He was joined from the bench by Tyrelle Newton while Aaron Henry was an unused substitute.

“We need to be positive and we need to get players back onto the training ground and back into games.”

Up For The Cup

Tickets for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie are priced at regular league levels – so £20 adult, £15 Concessions, £10 Young Adult, £5 16&Under – with no increase for those paying at matchday turnstiles.

A reminder that Stones’ Season Tickets do not include cup fixtures, so all supporters will need to make a ticket purchase, ideally in advance HERE to help the club plan for appropriate staffing levels on matchday.