THE WHITE Tigers finally returned to home action for the first time in over a month but it ended in a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Wealdstone.
It all started rather well as we took the lead in the fifth minute when a cross from Connor Riley-Lowe was only half-cleared by the visitors into the path of Ben Harding who lashed home from distance.
It was a sweet strike that gave the ‘keeper no chance as we edged in front.
There was a yellow card for skipper, Ben Gerring, as he rather robustly halted a foray forward for the visitors as they searched for a way back into the game.
Another booking, this time for Stewart Yetton, heralded what was developing into a competitive encounter between two lively sides.
We managed to hold onto our lead as the half went on despite our visitors getting into their stride and we almost doubled our advantage as the half-time interval approached when another inviting cross from Riley-Lowe found the head of Austen Booth who was just off target.
There was plenty of spirit and endeavour from both sides during the opening period on what was a heavy surface with all the recent rain.
It didn’t take long after the restart for Wealdstone to draw level when Tom McHale made a save but the rebound fell to David Pratt who was handily placed to turn the ball home.
Moments later we found ourselves behind when Pratt managed to race clear and slot home to turn the scoreline on its head.
The visitors couldn’t have asked for a better start to the second half and as The White Tigers looked to regroup and find a response, Yetton saw an effort well blocked.
The next goal was always going to be crucial and unfortunately it went to the visitors when Gerring was adjudged to have fouled Danny Fitchett inside the area. Dan Green stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to beat McHale and make it 3-1.
We refused to let our heads drop and after hitting the underside of the crossbar, Niall Thompson then fired wide from a good position following some positive play from Jordan Copp in the build-up.
As the clock ticked down, we huffed and puffed without seriously threatening the Wealdstone goal as we succumbed to a home defeat.

THE WHITE TIGERS: McHale, Palfrey, Riley-Lowe, Booth, Gerring, Richards, Lamont, Yetton, Harvey, Neal, Harding. Subs: Todd, Keats, Copp, Thompson, Hartridge.
BOOKING(S): Gerring, Yetton.
GOAL(S): Harding.