Midland Football League Premier Division
Saturday 22nd February 2025
Stone Old Alleynians put in a determined display against play-off contenders Atherstone Town but suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat after conceding in the 87th minute. The match was tightly contested, with few clear chances for either side, making the late winner a bitter pill to swallow for the visitors.
A close-fought first-half
The Old Boys had an early chance to take the lead in the 9th minute when a quick throw-in found Sam Wilson in space, but his shot was well saved by Atherstone goalkeeper Finn Osborn at the base of the post.
Atherstone saw more of the ball but struggled to break through the Alleynians’ defensive setup. The visitors also looked dangerous on the counter, with Kacper Mikulski testing Osborn after a strong run in the 15th minute. A minute later, defender Zayn Sadiq pushed forward and struck an effort on goal, but Osborn saved comfortably.
The best chance of the half fell to Alleynians captain Matt Thomas in the 35th minute when his header from a corner rattled the crossbar. Moments later, a long throw from Josh Sedgley was flicked on by player-manager Luke Askey, nearly setting up Wilson, but Osborn denied him again.
Half-time: Atherstone Town 0-0 Stone Old Alleynians
Late heartbreak for Alleynians
Atherstone came out strongly in the second half, but the Old Boys continued to frustrate their hosts. In the 51st minute, Wilson thought he was through on goal, only for the assistant referee to flag for offside.
The home side threatened on the hour mark, heading over from a free-kick before midfielder Lewis Collins burst through the defence, only to blaze his shot over the bar.
Alleynians had a golden opportunity with 15 minutes to go when they won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Askey stepped up and sent his effort just wide of the post.
As full-time approached, it looked like the visitors had done enough to earn a point. However, in the 87th minute, a moment of hesitation in defence proved costly. Atherstone cleared the ball towards Jack Tomlinson, who went down under pressure and appealed for a free-kick. The referee waved play on, and Atherstone’s Ryan Harkin pounced, breaking through, rounding goalkeeper Lewis Cleland, and slotting the ball into the empty net.
With little time left to respond, Alleynians pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Atherstone held firm to take all three points.
Full-time: Atherstone Town 1-0 Stone Old Alleynians
Match details
Stone OA Starting XI:
Cleland, Baxter, Minshall S, Sedgley, Thomas (C), Sadiq, Connolly, Askey, Wilson, Tomlinson, Mikulski
Substitutes: Griffiths, Bowater S, Bowater J, Goodwin, Newton-Taylor
Upcoming fixtures:
- Whitchurch Alport (A) – Tuesday 25th February, 7:45 pm
- OJM Black Country (H) – Saturday 1st March, 3:00 pm
