Stone Old Alleynians controversially lost to Smethwick on Saturday 13th April who, with the withdrawal of Warstones Wanderers, are now leading the division. The blustery conditions made good football difficult but credit to both sides for overcoming them with some good passing movements.
The Old Boys nearly took the lead in the first minute but the ball was blocked several times as they tried to force it home. Chances in the first half were at a premium at either end and although the visitors had most of the possession they rarely troubled Adam Heath in the home goal. It was in fact the Alleynians who came the closest when wing-back Danny Kocyigit made one of several speedy runs down the flank and his cross was met first time by Nick Buckley only to see his shot narrowly flash the wrong side of the post.
Half Time:- Stone Old Alleynians 0 – AFC Smethwick 0
Stone should have taken the lead at the start of the second half when Danny Heard broke through on the right only to be thwarted by an excellent save by the keeper. Smethwick then took the lead after 10 mins, Jermaine McFarlae given too much room on the edge of the area and his hard low shot squirmed away from a diving Heath and rolled agonizingly over the line. Smethwick continued to have the greater possession without really threatening to increase their lead and perhaps had settled for a 1-0 victory.
This strategy was nearly scuppered in the last few minutes when the Old Alleynians, who had frequently looked dangerous, could have scored twice. Firstly they appeared to have scored from one of several corners, only to be ruled offside and then after Heard was fouled by the keeper, after latching onto what looked like a pass-back, the same assistant again ruled offside, after the referee had awarded a penalty.
Final Score:- Stone Old Alleynians 0 – AFC Smethwick 1
Earlier in the week, two goals from Adam Tomkinson had enabled the Old Boys to come away with a point in a 2-2 draw at Bridgnorth Town. The Old Alleynians are away next Saturday to Blackheath Town ko 3.00pm.
