In a high tempo game at Yarnfield on 9th November, Stone Old Alleynians’ progress in the Staffs FA Vase was halted by high-flying Ball Haye Green in the second round.
With the early stages even, the hosts came the closest to scoring with good interplay between Sam Wilson, Danny Heard and Nick Buckley, with the latter firing just wide. After 20 mins the Green took the lead when a break down the left and cross was met with a crisp volley by Martin Baker to give Adam Heath no chance.
A few minutes later Stone should have equalised with Buckley putting the speedy Billy Thornley clear, who rounded the keeper but a bad bounce saw his shot go over from a narrow angle.
On 30 mins the Alleynians equalized through Cameron Sinclair, picking up a ball on the left he cut inside his man and sent in a superb curling shot from outside the area into the top corner. Ball Haye Green regained the lead on half-time with a snap shot from Mike Keates after the home defence had failed to clear.
Half Time:- Stone Old Alleynians 1 – Ball Haye Green 2
Five minutes into the 2nd half a great chance for Heard to equalize, after being put clear, but he put his shot just wide. Heard then split the visitors’ defence but the ball just eluded the on-rushing Thorley.
The Old Boys were made to pay for the missed chances when the Green increased their lead after 21 mins. A good cross from the right was easily headed home by Mitch Shenton. However the Old Alleynians weren’t finished and they deservedly reduced the deficit to 1 goal after some good interchanging passes between Thorley and Heard, sent Thorley clear to chip the advancing keeper.
With the Old Boys striving for an equalizer, only a good save by Heath prevented the Green scoring. Luke Matthews tested the visiting keeper but the Old Alleynians were finally thwarted by two excellent goals by Will Bown for Ball Haye Green in the last few minutes, as they left themselves exposed at the back.
Final Score:- Stone Old Alleynians 3 – Ball Haye Green 5
Stone Old Alleynians County League side drew 3 – 3 at Hawkins Sports, scorers being an own goal, Joe Devaney and Kevin Warrilow.
On Saturday 16th November the Old Alleynians are at Bridgnorth Town (in the league), who are well clear at the top of the division with 13 wins and a draw from their 14 matches, ko 3.00 pm. The 2nd team are at home to Featherstone, although the match has to be played at the prison, ko 2.00 pm
