Fixture: Barnet FC vs Wealdstone
Time: 12:30
Date: Saturday 3rd December
Competition: Vanarama National League
Venue: The Hive
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Barnet FC welcome London rivals Wealdstone to The Hive for a top-half of the table clash.
A win for Barnet in what is expected to be a fierce London derby would see the Bees make it four wins on the bounce and strengthen their position in the play-off spots.
However, it will be no easy feat, Wealdstone are unbeaten in four league games.
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About our opposition:
Nickname: The Stones
Founded: 1899
Stadium: Grosvenor Vale
Manager: Stuart Maynard
Top Scorer: Rhys Browne (7)
League Position: 10th
Form: WWDWL
Recent Result: Wealdstone 3 – 1 Scunthorpe
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One to watch: Sam Howes
Stones goalkeeper Sam Howes has been a standout performer for Wealdstone. The shot-stopper has kept 5 clean sheets this season with a whopping 72% save percentage, making him one of the standout performers for his position in the league.
The West Ham academy product is now in his second successive season with The Stones, having impressed last season on a loan. He also joined Wealdstone back in 2015, on a season long loan from the Hammers.
Despite being only 24, a very raw age for a keeper, he has plenty of experience at this level. Howes has featured in many teams. After leaving Watford academy he’s lined out for Dorking, Eastbourne, Hampton and Richmond, Chelmsford, Woking, and most recently Horsham.
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In the dugout: Stuart Maynard
Stuart Maynard reunites this weekend with old colleague Dean Brennan. Maynard was Brennan’s assistant back in 2012 at Hemel Hempstead Town enjoying a successful period together as they won the Southern League title in the 2013-14 season.
The pair went on to manage together at Billericay Town, then Isthmian Premier League side before just months later taking on the role at Wealdstone, where Maynard remains today. On the 2nd of February 2021 Brennan left the Stones for his role here at Barnet, Maynard was promoted to the first team head coach.
Born in Aylesbury, Maynard establishes himself as an attacking midfielder in Watford’s academy, before joining his current club Wealdstone in 1999, making 9 appearances.
Maynard established himself at the national league level in the South Midlands, lining up for St Albans City, Aylesbury United, and Dunstable Town amongst many others.
This is only Maynard’s second season in management, his first being last season where he managed to guide Wealdstone to a 16th place finish in the National League, the clubs best league position in 35 years.
Now sitting in 10th Maynard is set to better this.
