Stone Old Alleynians, playing their first West Midlands League Division One home match of the year, had their work cut out against undefeated, runaway leaders AFC Bridgnorth. But they certainly weren’t embarrassed and put in a spirited performance, only losing by the single goal.
After a bright start, by the Old Boys, the division’s top team soon began to push the Alleynians back, but were restricted to long range attempts and Matt Burslem, in the home goal, wasn’t unduly troubled. Stone, in fact, were holding their own and playing some neat football themselves, without making much impact on the opposition goal, before a dubious refereeing decision led to the only goal of the game.
Carl Dibden was adjudged to have handled a ball blasted at him from a couple of yards. Although how he could have got out of the way was difficult to see. The free-kick, on the edge of the penalty area, was brilliantly tipped over by Burslem and an excellent header from Tom Whitney give the visitors the lead from the resulting corner on the half hour.
Half Time:- Stone Old Alleynians 0 – AFC Bridgnorth 1
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Carl Dibden and Rob Winstanley outstanding at the heart of the Old Alleynians defence, along with good back up from full-backs Dave Latham and Kev Warrilow. They were ably supported by the industrious Luke Matthews in midfield. The closest to another goal was again for the visitors, when, after an Alleynian attack had broken down, Kevin Buxton was sent clear on the left to thunder a shot against the underside of the crossbar, the ball being hooked clear by Latham as it bounced down onto the goal line.
The Alleynians, already without several players missing through commitments and injury, suffered a further blow at the midway point of the half when striking duo Danny Heard and Nick Buckley were forced off in quick succession due to injury. With the game seemingly petering out to a win for Bridgnorth, the Old Boys suddenly came to life in the last 10 mins. First a Warrilow shot was charged down, following Russ DeMatteo’s cross, with Richard Hewitt’s follow up also being blocked, and then Gary Rickards headed another cross over the keeper, with the ball coming to rest on top of the goal netting.
Final Score:- Stone Old Alleynians 0 – AFC Bridgnorth 1
In the Staffs County League the Old Alleynians had an excellent win, beating Leek CSOB 3-0. Scorers for the Old Boys were Jordan Graham 2 and Tom Arnold
On Saturday 1st March the Old Alleynians are at home at Wellbeing Park to Hereford Lads Club, (3pm). The reserves are at home to LA FC in the Staffs County League.
More information about Stone Old Alleynians on their website HERE
