ECHOSPORT talks to Wealdstone fan Paul Franklin ahead of Saturday's match at Roots Hall.
Wealdstone are currently 13th in the table. What have you made of the season so far?
"On the whole the season is going OK.
"It was clear from the start of the season that staying in the National League was the most important thing for the football club.
"The expectation of a play-off push is always a nice thought, but the reality is much different.
"We continue to play a good brand of football, collect some good results from some good performances against a very strong pool of opposition teams.
"It’s a tough league so to be able to compete with our resource levels is quite incredible."
Wealdstone have seven wins at home but none away so far. Why has there been such a difference between the home form and the away form?
"There are fine margins in this league which can make for very different results.
"The Stones have home form that is play-off worthy. The team have a steeliness and resolve that means they won’t be beaten, it’s only happened once so far.
"The same can’t be said away from The Vale.
"The fine margins seem to go against them and the quality in both boxes has been found wanting.
"The football is still as possession based and dominant in the middle third, but not taking chances and making mistakes in defence causes for a poor away record."
What are your hopes for the rest of the season?
"There has to be a hope of mid-table consolidation which will be helped by an upturn in away form and the continued dominance at home."
How have Charlie Barker, the nephew of Chris, and former Southend midfielder Nathan Ferguson been playing?
"Charlie Barker has been a colossus in the back three.
"He consistently performs to a high standard and seems to really revel and enjoy defending.
"His perceived lack of height and pace does not hold him back at this level and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in the EFL in the future.
"He will also be fondly remembered forever for the 98th minute winner last week versus Barnet.
"Nathan Ferguson has failed to hit the heights of some of his performances last season.
"He improved to be an important part of the midfield trio but this season his game time has been limited.
"Fergie is a frustrating figure because he has all the attributes to be a player who can dominate both with and without the ball.
"His ability is unquestioned but his laid back attitude sometimes makes him appear to be casual but when he is on it he's a Rolls Royce and a joy to watch.
"He is important to the team though as he has that experience and know how he can pass to others less experienced and that’s important with the small, young squad the Stones possess."
Who is the dangerman?
"I wouldn’t say there is one player that the Stones rely on to be the ‘danger man’ the danger comes from the ability to get the ball wide.
"They use the trickery and speed of the wide players, like Tarryn Allarakhia, to create overloads and therefore chances from wide."
What’s the team news?
"The squad has stayed healthy which has helped.
"Apart from Max K, who has been dogged with injuries and bad luck, the team has been fairly settled.
"Jack Cook went off after about an hour last week but appeared to not be too badly hurt as he left the field at the end, so hopefully he will be fit to continue to captain the team.
"A young lad on loan from Millwall, Kyle Smith, who has impressed is likely to be missing due to an unspecified injury.
"He seems to be the only real concern so Stu and Matty have a full compliment to call on including the returning Brooklyn Ilunga, who has rejoined on loan.
"He helps replace the loss of Smith and of course Charles Clayden who recently departed for Boreham Wood."
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