Matthew Taylor celebrates ‘exceptional day’ for Wealdstone in the FA Cup

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

Manager Matthew Taylor reflected on a proud day for Wealdstone as they caused an FA Cup first-round upset with a 1-0 triumph at Grimsby.

Alex Reid’s 90th-minute strike was enough to give the National League strugglers an unlikely victory at the home of a side sitting 10th in League Two.

And former Portsmouth and West Ham midfielder Taylor pointed to a half-time tactical tweak that helped his side pull off a shock.

Wealdstone boss Taylor said: “First half, we weren’t good enough at keeping the ball, and there were a few hairy moments.

“We made a tactical change at half-time, which gave us more control.

“I told the players that it was perfect for them to share that moment at the end with the supporters, and 168 came, which is a big number for a club of our size.

“Nobody would’ve given us a chance before the game except for ourselves, and I’m so proud of the players today. It’s an exceptional day for our football club because it is the first time in 41 years that we’ve got to the second round.

“I’m proud of everyone associated with the football club because what they saw today was their team giving absolutely everything and leaving nothing out on the pitch.”

Grimsby dominated in the first half but Justin Obikwu’s penalty miss was one of a number of chances they squandered and they were blunt after the break.

Mariners boss David Artell said: “We were dominant in the first half and disgraceful in the second half.

“Credit to (Wealdstone) for sticking at it, but we were nowhere near where we should have been performance-wise in the second half, and that has been the case for us in a few games this season.

“We failed dismally in the second half because we thought we could have 11 Maradonas on the pitch that could do it all on their own.”