Stone Old Alleynians are enjoying their trips to Herefordshire, as the picked up their 2nd win in 8 days, thanks to 2 superb second half goals, against the division’s second place team.
After an initial decent 10 mins, with Kev Warrilow going close, it was the home side, playing down the slope, who began pushing the Old Boys back, for the next 25 mins. Stone’s back 4 of Cameron Sinclair, Dave Latham, Brynn Cooper and Grant Bigham, aided by the rest of the team, stood firm and Adam Heath was rarely troubled as Bartestree were restricted to long range shots and high balls into the box, although Heath was hurt, when he dived at an opponent’s feet in a 50/50. The game was to change, 5 mins before the break, with Kiea Cowley being sent off for the hosts, for foul and abusive language to a linesman. In fact only a good save by Jon Hopkins, in the home goal, prevented Warrilow giving Stone the lead.
Half Time:- Bartestree 0 – Stone Old Alleynians 0
With the Old Alleynians now having the slope to their advantage and the extra man, it was them now in charge of the match and if they had taken their chances, the score-line would have been more emphatic. Luke Matthews set up Mike Meszaros whose shot was scrambled around the post. The corner was cut back for Matt Thomas to crack a volley straight at the keeper. Thomas was the put through and although he beat the keeper, the ball went the wrong side of the post. The Alleynians took the lead with 25 mins to go. Meszaros on the left, cut inside and swung a curling cross to the far post, where Thomas, at full stretch, spectacularly headed the ball home. Thomas went through again and it took an excellent save by Hopkins, with his feet, to stop the lively Stone forward. A good linkup between Sinclair, Matthews and Danny Heard saw the latter’s shot go just wide. The Old Boys had an escape when a Bartestree’s best chance was scramble away from the post, with Heath beaten. Shortly after, however, the Old Boys sealed the game, with another cracking goal. Sinclair advanced down the right before hitting the ball from fully 30 yards and seeing it nestle in the back of the net, in the angle between post and crossbar and effectively settle the match. A mention should also be made of 17 year old midfielder, Josh Renshaw, who worked tirelessly for 90 mins in the Old Alleynians engine room and barely putting a foot wrong.
Final Score:- Bartestree 0 – Stone Old Alleynians 2
In the Staffs County League Stone Old Alleynians won 4-1 at Hilton Harriers. Goal scorers were Adam Tomkinson 2, Sam Fares and Jimmy Lee.
Next Saturday the Old Alleynians are at home to Wolverhampton Utd ko 15.00 pm. The reserves are at home to Whittington, ko 2.00pm in the Staffs County League.
