Stone Old Alleynians had to dig deep to extend their unbeaten run to seven games when they came back from a goal down against a hardworking Penncroft with a late Danny Heard strike.
At the start it looked like another win was on the cards, as the Old Boys took the game to the visitors and nearly took the lead in the first few minutes. After a series of blocked shots, an opening fell to Nick Buckley but he failed to control a difficult ball and the chance was lost. Penncroft got themselves back into the game after 15 mins and soon it was the Alleynians defending.
With neither side able to create any worthwhile chances the match became scrappy, until Penncroft took the lead on the half hour. A cross from the right, was not gathered cleanly, by the usually reliable Dan Hulme, when under pressure and the loose ball was poked home by Aaron Rockey, for the visitors. The Alleynians replied with a Danny Heard chip, which landed on the top of the netting and Adam Tompkinson shot over the bar. Clements in the home goal made a good save from the hard working Rob Winstanley on half-time.
Half Time:- Stone Old Alleynians 0 – Penncroft 1
Penncoft, belying their league position, went for a second goal from the start of the second half and the Old Boys, young midfield players, were unable to find the room to display their usual flair, due to the more powerful opposition closing them down quickly. As the half progressed it looked like Penncroft being the more likely scorer of the next goal, although they rarely troubled Hulme, in the home goal. With time running out and Bob Askey’s, Manager of the Month having its customary effect, it looked like the Old Alleynians impressive run was coming to an end.
However with 10 mins left a quick break by the hosts saw them outnumber the opposition, for the first time and although they appeared, at first, to have lost the chance, the ball was worked out to Tompkinson, on the left. His cross found Winstanley at the far post and although his chest down and shot was blocked, the ball fell to Danny Heard, who fired home. The goal inspired the Stone side and suddenly they were in the ascendency.
They should have sealed all three points in the dying minutes when both Tomkinson and Buckley sprung the offside trap. With Tompkinson bearing down on goal he elected to square the ball to the eager Buckley to slot into the net. Unfortunately Buckley had strayed offside and the Old Boys had to settle for a point.
Final Score:- Stone Old Alleynians 1 – Penncroft 1
The Old Alleynians are away next Saturday to AFC Smethwick ko 3pm.
