Stone Old Alleynians, with all of the starting XI coming from Stone, including 9 old Alleynians, after missing several chances in the first half, finally found their finishing touch to end up worthy winners.
The Old Boys took the game to Penncroft from the off and had their first chance after 5 mins. Grant Bigham won a tackle in his own half and broke clear on goal only to be thwarted by Swalbs in the visiting goal, who did well to turn the shot for a corner. Next it was Nick Buckley’s turn, after being put through by Adam Tompkinson, he took the ball wide of Swalb but trying to manoeuvre a better angle the chance was lost. Stone paid the penalty on 15 mins, the visitors going in front with their first chance. A powerful free-kick was turned onto the bar by Adam Heath and Bradshaw was to react to head home the rebound. The Alleynians had numerous chances to equalize, including a couple of chances from Sam Hodgkinson and Buckley with just the keeper to beat, that went begging and also to found themselves up against an inspired goalkeeper, who thwarted them several times with some cracking saves. They could, however, have been two down at the interval were it not for a tremendous save from Heath who turned a rocket over the crossbar.
Half Time:- Stone Old Alleynians 0 – Penncroft 1
The finishing of the Old Boys didn’t improve at the start of the second half. Buckley set up Danny Heard, in front of the goal but his well struck shot was straight at the keeper. Eventualy they had to score and they equalized after 10 mins through Tomkinson. Latching onto Buckley’s through ball he gave the keeper no chance. Stone continued to pile on the pressure and it came as no surprise when they took the lead a few minutes later. After Swalbs had made another good save, a half cleared ball was picked up by Luke Matthews, to quickly bring under control, just beyond the penalty area and crack in a drive the keeper could only help into the net. With 20mins left substitute Seydou went past a couple of players and gave the keeper no chance for number3. With Penncroft hardly threatening the hosts completed the scoring, Seydou laying on a chance for Buckley to lob over the advancing keeper.
Final Score:- Stone Old Alleynians 4 – Penncroft 1
Next Saturday the Old Alleynians are again at home, this time to Shenstone Pathfinders ko 3.00 pm. The 2nd team are at home to Uttoxeter Town ko 2.00 pm
