A second-half dismissal ended any hope of Stone Old Alleynians getting points from their trip to Shropshire against Wem Town on 7th December.
The Old Boys had a dream start when they went ahead in the second minute. Josh Renshaw sent Adam Tomkinson free down the left and his cross was expertly finished by Billy Thorley at the far post, who had arrived from the right-back position. Matt Thomas almost doubled the lead with a snap shot from 25 yards, which just drifted past the angle of bar and post.
But Wem, who are on a good run of results, equalized on 15 mins, when a Stone move broke down on the half-way line and a first time ball sent Chris Peel clear to give Adam Heath no chance. The Alleynians then had a chance to go in front again. Danny Heard was put clear but the home keeper managed to get his fingertips to the ball and push it away and Heard’s follow-up hit the side netting with a covering defender on the line.
Wem took the lead on the half-hour as a well taken free-kick on the right was headed home by Jordy Kennedy. Wem almost increased their lead when a shot beat Heath but rebounded off the post into his arms.
Half Time:- Wem Town 2 – Stone Old Alleynians 1
In the second half any thoughts of gaining anything from the game was made extremely difficult by the dismissal of Tomkinson for an off the ball incident. The Old Boys had to fight a rearguard action, with only the odd breakaway to relieve the pressure. The youngsters rose to the challenge and with a lot of hard work and an excellent display from goalkeeper Heath, they restricted Wem to just one additional goal, a very good shot from 25 yards from Kennedy for his second.
And the Old Boys had their own chances. Thomas broke clear and expertly lobbed the keeper, only to be ruled marginally offside, and the speedy Grant Bigham left three players stranded in a 50-yard run, and only a brilliant save from the keeper prevented a “Gareth Bale” type goal!
Final Score:- Wem Town 3 – Stone Old Alleynians 1
In the Staffs County League, Stone Old Alleynians lost 4 – 3 to Betley. Scorers were Dan Farrelly, Kev Warrilow and an own goal.
On Saturday 14th December the Old Alleynians are at home to Gornal Athletic at Wellbeing Park, 3pm. The reserves are away to Hilton Harriers in the SCL, 2pm
