Wealdstone suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Tamworth in a dramatic encounter that saw Connor McAvoy sent off and the hosts complete a comeback at the death.
Gary Waddock made just two changes to his starting line-up that suffered a narrow defeat to FC Halifax Town in midweek as Mason Barrett and Dan Chesters returned to the starting ranks.
After a cagey start, Wealdstone kicked into gear on the 10-minute mark as Kyle Smith launched a long throw that fell perfectly to Fela Olomola, who took his chance first time and smashed the ball into the net to give the Stones an early lead.
Minutes later, Tamworth went in search of an equaliser as Morgan Roberts’ free kick from the left picked out Nathan Tshikuna, but the ex-Stones man’s header looped over Dante Baptiste’s crossbar.
The Wealdstone keeper was called into action in the 22nd minute, as Roberts unleashed a rocket from distance, but Baptiste remained alert and dealt with the danger comfortably.
As the clock ticked towards 30 minutes, Kyle Smith darted down the right and whipped a dangerous cross into Olomola, but the Stones striker couldn’t control the ball and was flagged offside. Unfortunately, Smith was injured in the process and was replaced by Tyrelle Newton.
At the opposite end, Kieren Donnelly’s pressing caught Baptiste in possession, handing Roberts a clear sight of goal, but the Lambs forward skied the ball into the stands, leaving Wealdstone ahead at the break.
HALF TIME: Tamworth 0-1 Wealdstone
The hosts came out of the interval with intent, as Ben Milnes launched a dangerous corner kick that made its way to the centre of the box, but Baptiste got a strong hand to deter the danger.
Moments later, Tamworth threatened once more, as Milnes’ goal-bound free kick sparked a scramble in front of goal, with Roberts and Tshikuna both attempting to tap home, but somehow the ball was cleared off the line by the Stones defence.
Chaos ensued in the 67th minute, as Conor McAvoy lost possession and fouled Ryan Howley inside the box, conceding a penalty and receiving a red card. Tshikuna made no mistake from the spot, firing straight down the middle to level against his former club.
After the Stones were reduced to 10 men, the Lambs came knocking again as Ben Acquaye lashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, but Baptiste reacted sharply to keep his effort out.
Chesters went in search of a way back in front in the 82nd minute, delivering a teasing free-kick into the box, but sub Jack Cook’s diving header narrowly missed the target.
With seven minutes added on, Tamworth continued to pile the pressure as McGlinchey manoeuvred into space before drifting his shot just wide of Baptiste’s post.
Then in the game’s dying stages, Tom McGlinchey played square to substitute Jake Hutchinson, who smashed home to snatch the hosts all three points at the death.
FULL TIME Tamworth 2-1 Wealdstone
The Stones will be back in action next Saturday as they host Gateshead at The Vale in a 3pm kick-off. Secure your tickets HERE!
Wealdstone: Baptiste, Wells-Morrison, Barrett, Kadji, Olomola (Cook 70’), Harris (Norris 61’), Chesters, Francis-Clarke, Henry, Smith (T Newton 31’), McAvoy.
Subs not used: Johnson, Kaunda, Waweru.
Attendance: 819 (120 away fans)
Wealdstone Gateshead
September 26, 2026
3 pm
