Wealdstone stormed to an emphatic 6–2 win over Queens Park Rangers U21s in their penultimate pre-season fixture, with Sean Adarkwa helping himself to four goals in a ruthless attacking display.
The National League side were dominant throughout, with manager Sam Cox’s men producing their most complete performance of the summer so far.
Adarkwa Shines as Stones Put Six Past QPR Youngsters
After a narrow 1–0 defeat at St Albans last weekend, Cox made two changes, handing starts to Dom Hutchinson and Enzio Boldewijn. The response was instant, with the Stones starting on the front foot and threatening within the first minute. The early intent paid off on 36 minutes when Adarkwa finished a cut-back from Micah Obiero to open his pre-season account.
The lead didn’t last long, as QPR levelled moments later, but Wealdstone regained control just before half-time. An incisive pass from goalkeeper Dante Baptiste released Max Kretzschmar, who set up Adarkwa for his second of the afternoon.
The second half saw the former West Ham striker complete his hat-trick in scrappy fashion before capitalising on a defensive error to coolly slot his fourth. Two trialists added further gloss to the scoreline in the closing stages, while QPR snatched a late consolation to reduce the deficit.
With trialists also getting minutes late on, Cox’s side looked fit, sharp and full of attacking intent ahead of their final warm-up against Slough Town on Saturday.
WEALDSTONE XI: Baptiste (Trialist A 46’), Cook, Woodman, Tiensia (Trialist D 60’), Boldewijn (Trialist F 75’), Kadji, Mussa (Trialist C 60’), Hutchinson (Hassan 46’), Kretzschmar, Obiero (Trialist B 60’), Adarkwa (Trialist E 70’). Attendance: 615
Writer’s View
Wealdstone’s attacking display here was a serious statement of intent. Sean Adarkwa’s four-goal haul will grab headlines, but the team’s overall cohesion, pressing and direct attacking transitions were just as encouraging. With Kretzschmar knitting play and Obiero offering industry, this was arguably the Stones’ sharpest performance of the summer.
If Adarkwa can carry this form into the National League campaign, Sam Cox may have found the spearhead he’s been searching for. QPR’s youngsters, while technically bright in phases, struggled with the physicality and pace of the game. Wealdstone now look primed for the competitive action ahead.
