REPORT: Sutton United 0-2 Wealdstone

WEALDSTONE recorded their first win of the season, running out deserved and utterly dominant 2-0 victors at Enterprise National League table-toppers Sutton United thanks to a brace from striker Micah Obiero.

Stones made more chances than they took, such was their share of the opportunities throughout a composed performance at the Borough Sports Ground in front of nearly 250 travelling fans.

A goal in each half from Obiero, taking his tally to three for the season, simply confirmed the visitor’s rightful claim to all three points.

Royals’ boss Gary Waddock was dealt a conundrum in the warm-up when Dan Chesters had to withdraw with a knee complaint picked up in the warm-up. Kyle Smith started in place of the wing-back.

That meant the number of changes to the starting line-up from Friday’s draw at home to Carlisle United reduced to four before kick-off. Joe Newton came in for Jaydn Mundle-Smith, Aidan Francis-Clarke replaced Mason Barrett, Dylan Kadji returned from suspension in place of Aaron Henry and Jayden Harris took Fela Olomola’s place.

Top-of-the-table Sutton would’ve disappointed the sizeable Bank Holiday crowd with a toothless first 45, while Wealdstone took one of three really good chances they fashioned.

From a first foray into the host’s penalty area on 12 minutes, Micah Obiero skilfully finished with a shot on the turn after Smith’s cross had been headed down but not away by a United defender.

Nine minutes later, Newton passed up arguably a better chance. Stealing in at the far post, he couldn’t sort his feet out and another good cross from Smith – this time lower than his first – bobbled tamely wide off Newton’s shin.

Obiero will know he should have had Stones two to the good – and in doing so his third goal of the league campaign – when reading a Luke Norris flick-on perfectly four minutes from half-time. But, having got past his man, he side-footed over with only the keeper to beat at an angle eight yards out.

Apart from dealing with a series of Dan Urpens’ long throws into their box, Wealdstone would’ve only felt threatened in injury-time when the ball fell kindly for David Ogbonna 20 yards out, but he blazed harmlessly off-target.

Reiterating their earlier dominance, the second-half chances were almost exclusively Wealdstone’s.

Obiero went inches wide six minutes after the interval with a shot on the edge of the box after a good cross-field move ended with a Smith lay-off.

Then another trio of opportunities which ended with the second goal. First, on 63 minutes, Smith’s early cross bounced awkwardly and a defender did well to block Obiero’s stab at goal.

Shortly after, Jack Wells-Morrison tried his luck from a free-kick on the corner of the box, but Sutton keeper Spike Brits responded with a flying catch.

Then, on 67 minutes, a second for Obiero and the Stones. His attempted flick round Jermaine Francis was handled 16 yards from goal, and the striker stepped up to expertly convert from the penalty spot – high to Brits’ left into the top of the net.

United’s frustrations at their lack of rhythm turned into a series of cynical fouls and resultant yellow cards, as Wealdstone countered on their hosts with purpose.

The nearest Sutton came to a consolation gave Dante Baptiste – largely untroubled beforehand – the chance to show his outstanding agility with a fingertip save full-length to his right from Temi Babalola’s header.

Newly-arrived Tyrelle Newton, on as sub for Dylan Kadji, even had a chance to make it three but skied a 20-yarder deep into injury-time.

U’s: Brits; Francis (Folarin 77), Urpens, Kirk, Topalloj; Taylor (c) (Mussa 54), Osadebe; Carter, Bell (Njoku 57); Ogbonna, Babalola.

Subs not used: Haigh (GK), Byron, Landeta, Bello.

Stones: Baptiste; Francis-Clarke, Conroy (Barrett 32), McAvoy (c); Smith, Wells-Morrison, Kadji (T Newton 81), J Newton (Mundle-Smith 69); Harris (Olomola 69), Obiero; Norris.

Subs not used: Johnson (GK), Waweru.

Att: 2,197 (242 Wealdstone supporters).