Midland Football League Premier Division
Saturday 8th February 2025
Stone Old Alleynians saw their unbeaten run come to an end with a 3-0 home defeat against FA Vase quarter-finalists Whitchurch Alport. Despite a competitive first half, the visitors demonstrated their quality and clinical finishing to secure all three points.
Whitchurch take control
The early exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides passing well in midfield but failing to create clear chances. Alleynians debutant goalkeeper Lee Garghan was called into action in the 5th minute, confidently dealing with a long throw into his penalty area.
Whitchurch started to look more dangerous, with Callum Parker heading just wide after a well-worked move down the right. The visitors continued to press and forced Garghan into a superb save in the 31st minute, pushing a header from Jack Loughran around the post.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when a corner caused chaos in the Alleynians’ six-yard box. After a scramble, Adam Hailes poked the ball home to put Whitchurch ahead. Four minutes later, Garghan had to rescue his side again, denying Loughran after an Alleynians defender lost possession in a dangerous area.
Half-time: Stone Old Alleynians 0-1 Whitchurch Alport
Parker double seals the win
Alleynians started the second half brightly and appealed for a penalty when Jack Tomlinson went down in the box, but the referee waved away the protests.
Whitchurch doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Parker received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, skipped past a defender, and curled a low shot beyond Garghan. Just two minutes later, Parker struck again, heading home from a well-delivered free-kick to make it 3-0.
The visitors continued to threaten, and Parker almost completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Garghan.
Alleynians unable to break through
With 15 minutes remaining, Tomlinson came close to pulling a goal back with a powerful 30-yard strike from the right, but Whitchurch goalkeeper Jack Sheward was equal to it, pushing the ball out for a corner.
In the closing stages, Alleynians made four substitutions in a bid to salvage something from the game. One of the changes, Kacper Mikulski, was played through by Sam Wilson, using his pace to race clear. However, his effort from 20 yards sailed high and wide.
Whitchurch saw out the remaining minutes to secure a deserved win. The two sides meet again on Tuesday 25th February, with the Old Boys aiming for an improved performance.
Full-time: Stone Old Alleynians 0-3 Whitchurch Alport
Match details
Stone OA Starting XI:
Garghan, Bowater S, Minshall S, Sedgley, Thomas (C), Connolly, Askey, Wilson, Tomlinson, Goodwin, Bowater J.
Substitutes: Griffiths, Harper, Mikulski, Ong
Upcoming fixtures:
- Highgate United (A) – Saturday 15th February, 3:00 pm.
- Atherstone Town (A) – Saturday 22nd February, 3:00 pm.
