This is Wealdstone’s fifth season in their current National League spell since being promoted in 2020, although they were founder members of the competition in 1979 and won the League and FA Trophy double in 1985 before being relegated in 1988. Since 2020 their highest position has been 13th, and last season a run of three wins in their last five games lifted them clear of danger to ultimately finish 16th. Matt Taylor, who has managed Walsall and Shrewsbury after a playing career of over 650 games, took over as manager in May and is still to pick up his first point of the season after defeats away to Dagenham & Redbridge on the opening day and at home to Oldham on Saturday, with defender Christian Scott sent off in the latter game, while U’s have four points after following up the opening day draw at Tamworth with a stylish victory over Altrincham.
Former Sutton captain Craig Eastmond joined Wealdstone in the summer but has not featured in either of their two games so far, but the home team’s squad could include another ex U Enzio Boldewijn. However Dillon De Silva, who finished last season at Grosvenor Vale, will miss out on playing against his former club after the injury he suffered at Tamworth.
Eastmond was in Sutton colours the last time U’s visited Grosvenor Vale and rescued a point for his team with a very late equaliser after Sutton had seen a 2-0 half time lead turn in to a 3-2 deficit in front of the BT cameras. U’s are unbeaten in the last three league visits to Wealdstone having previously lost all three games when the sides met in the Isthmian League between 2008 and 2011.
The referee is Robert Massey-Ellis, who has been a National League referee since 2020 and took charge of three Sutton games in his first season, most recently the 2-0 win against Weymouth in May 2021.
Steve Morison previews the game here.
As it is a midweek game, supporters unable to make the game can watch it on National League TV with a match pass costing £9.99. Monthly and seasonal passes are also available at £24.99 and £189.99 respectively. We will also have an audio commentary on our Mixlr channel.
