Stone Old Alleynians lost their opening match of the season against a quick Mahal side in a five-goal thriller last Saturday, although they were unlucky not to get a point in a stirring second-half comeback.
Mahal took the lead after just five minutes when a good move ended with Sandhar striking a good shot into the net. The visitors were applying most of the pressure but it was Danny Heard coming closest for the Old Boys, just clearing the bar after his first effort was blocked.
As the match flowed from end to end, Adam Heath was down quickly onto a low shot before the hosts had one cleared off the line. With the Alleynians now having most of the play, Danny Heard came close again, having his shot tipped around the post after a mazy run. The visitors were unlucky on the break, though, with the ball coming back off the post into the grateful arms of Heath.
Stone did not heed the warning and another counter-attack on the right left the home defence out-paced and Sandhar smashed his second goal off the underside of the bar.
The Old Alleynians again began forcing the visitors back and only a brilliant save by Bains in the Mahal goal prevented them from reducing the arrears when he tipped Danny Heard’s volley over the bar.
On half-time the Old Boys had their best chance after a half-cleared corner, a ball back over the top left Luke Matthews clear and although he beat the keeper, the ball bounced beyond the far post from a narrow angle.
Half Time: Stone Old Alleynians 0 – Mahal 2
The match looked all but over at the start of the second half after Mahal got their third. The Old Boys’ defence, again outdone for pace, this time on the left, stood waiting for the cross instead of going to Shucara who scored from a very narrow angle.
The Old Alleynians’ players were not finished, however, and with Grant Bigham on to nullify the fast raiding wide-men the home side went three at the back and took the game to their opponents. It was Bigham who started the comeback when, after winning a couple of good tackles, he sent Sam Hodgkinson clear to race 40 yards to beat Bains for 3 – 1.
Ten minutes later the Alleynians reduced the deficit further after some good possession football, ending with Matt Thomas feeding Danny Heard for number two. And a few minutes later they should have drawn level when 16-year-old Thomas was sent clear but his well placed shot lacked pace and the visiting keeper made a good diving save to his left.
Final Score: Stone Old Alleynians 2 – Mahal 3
On Saturday 17th August the Old Alleynians are at home to Penncroft – 3pm kick-off
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