Wealdstone were defeated in their opening match of the National League Cup by a talented Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s side on a frustrating evening at The Vale.
The Stones took the lead early in the second half through academy player Callum Lee, but were unable to sustain the performance as Wolves showed their quality to run out as comfortable winners.
Gary Waddock made seven changes to the side that were beaten by Harrogate Town on Saturday as many of the big hitters were afforded a rest and several academy players were named on the bench.
Wealdstone came close to opening the scoring inside six minutes. Aaron Henry’s well-struck free kick was headed for the top left corner, but the Wolves keeper got across well to make a good save.
They almost scored again from the resulting corner. Aaron Henry again delivered a dangerous ball to the near post, leading to a dramatic penalty box scramble, before a Wolves defender cleared the danger from his own goal line.
The visitors began to adapt to the pace of the game and created their first chance in the 22nd minute. A cross from the right-hand side found its way through to Tom Edozie, who hooked his half-volleyed effort wide of the post.
Kyle Smith then demonstrated his threat from wide positions which has been evident since he rejoined club by creating two chances in five minutes.
Firstly, an enticing cross picked out Jayden Harris arriving late into the penalty area, whose first-time shot was well saved by the Wolves keeper. Moments later, Smith picked out Olufela Olomola with another cross, but the striker’s header looped onto the roof of the net.
As the first half drew to a close, Josh Mullins gave the ball away in midfield with a heavy touch, but the visitors failed to capitalise, firing an effort just wide of the post.
HALF TIME: Wealdstone 0-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s
The first goal of the game came just one minute after the restart, and it was a special moment for Callum Lee from the Wealdstone academy.
Wolves failed to clear a cross from Wilson Waweru and Lee ran onto the loose ball in the penalty box, finishing first-time with a confident strike.
The Stones seemed relatively comfortable in the game until they gave away a free kick in the 65th minute. Min Ji stepped up and whipped the ball over the Wealdstone wall and into the back of the net to give the visitors an equaliser.
Wolves went on to take the lead eight minutes later through Oladapo Anunlopo, who capitalised on loose play from the Stones to race down the left wing, before cutting inside to score an impressive goal.
With several academy players now on the pitch, Wealdstone’s performance had become more disjointed. They were fortunate not to concede almost an exact replica of that goal just two minutes later. This time Dani Angel raced through the defence but missed the target.
The visitors extended their lead in the 81st minute through Gonzales-Osbourne. The ball was cut back to the edge of the area, and he curled a first time shot past James Holden to put the result beyond any doubt.
Wolves U21s were unfortunate not to add further to their lead as they created several chances in the closing stages of the match, notably, James Holden had to make a good save to deny Dani Angel after he got in behind the makeshift Wealdstone defence.
The Stones will be back in action when they travel to Worthing on Saturday, looking for their first competitive win of the season. The game will be streamed live at The Vale on the clubhouse screens with the bar open from 11:30 am.
FULL TIME: Wealdstone 1-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers U21s
Wealdstone: Holden, Kadji, Olomola, Harris, Chesters, Francis-Clarke, Henry, Mullins, Smith, Waweru, Mundle-Smith
Subs: Baptiste, Lee, McKain, Folorunsho, Zezula, Kaunda
Wealdstone Stoke City U21
September 8, 2026
7 pm
