Sam Cox described Wealdstone’s performance in the 2-0 win over Truro City as “fantastic” after they secured a deserved victory on the opening day of the National League season.
Having dominated the opening stages of the match, veteran Enzio Boldewijn opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time after Sean Adarkwa had struck the upright with a curling effort from outside the box.
Substitute Dominic Hutchinson then added a late second to seal the win, leaving Cox ecstatic with his side’s display.
He told the club website: “I thought the boys were fantastic. I think from minute one, the effort and the application they took on board was top.
“I’ve just said to them there in a huddle I’m mega proud of them.
“The information they’ve taken on board from the start of pre-season and then applying it in-game – this was the exam today.
"Practice had gone; today was the exam, and I think they were outstanding to a man.”
The first half saw the Stones probe for an opener with patience before Netherlands-born winger Boldewijn nodded home from a scrappy corner routine.
When asked if the goal came at the perfect time, Cox responded: “Yeah, it did. We were probing before that, and I think the boys had created plenty of opportunities in the final third.
"I thought Sean Adarkwa, by the way, was absolutely outstanding.
“I think all the good stuff we had, he was a massive part of, and if we can keep him fit, I think he’s shown in terms of performance what he can bring to this team, not only as a player but as a character and an all-round human being.
“The goal came at a great time for us. It’s a set-piece that we worked on. From set-pieces, you look at some of those giants attacking the ball, and you’ve got people coming on like Phillip Chinede, who’s six foot six.
“That’s what we have to galvanise – the spirit within this football club that we know is there, and we have to take that going forward and keep running the train.”
Hutchinson’s late goal put some gloss on a successful opening day victory for the Stones, and Cox was keen to emphasise the importance of a deep squad ahead of another gruelling season.
He added: “Each man has got a role to play. It’s going to be a long season, and we’ve been very fortunate with the signings we’ve made.
"We’ve been very particular with the profile and type of character we wanted in the building.
“It’s a little different to what’s gone on in terms of recruitment in the past, but each and every player is going to play their part.
“We want competition within the group, and you’re not successful unless you build that, and we’re in a good place, I feel.”
After a 2-1 win over Wolves U21s in the National League Cup in midweek, Stones host Halifax Town on Saturday and visit Woking on Tuesday.
Share