In gripping game, Stone Old Alleynians gave second place Bartestree a run for their money. The game finished all square, but the Old Boys had enough chances to win the match.
With early play shared in this West Midlands League Division 1 clash on Saturday 23rd November, the Old Boys had a scare after 5 minutes when a shot from a narrow angle was turned for a corner via the post by Adam Heath. Grant Bigham sent Nick Buckley clear down the left but the defenders managed to get back to crowd him out.
Playing excellent inter-passing football the Alleynians had the first real chance with Matt Thomas being put clear but he hesitated as he approached Jon Hopkins in the visitor’s goal who was able to smother the ball. Then a quick turn and chip by Buckley beat the keeper but dropped on top of the netting. A few minutes later Buckley went clear and rounded Hopkins only for the ball to run away from him for a goal kick.
Yet again the home side beat the offside trap and again they failed to score as Luke Matthews was released down the right, his shot beat the keeper but also the far post as halftime approached.
Half Time:- Stone Old Alleynians 0 – Bartestree 0
After the break, the visitors started to justify their league position and forced the Old Boys to defend for long periods, with only the occasional break from the home side, although only the goalkeeper’s outstretched leg thwarted Buckley’s shot. Despite having most of the possession, Bartestree failed to create any real chances, thanks to the sterling work by the Alleynians back line, especially Dave Latham, whose tackling and interceptions were outstanding.
However as Stone’s young side began to tire, it looked like heartbreak for the Old Alleynians. Just as they had started to take control again, the visitors took the lead with only 10 minutes left. They were out-muscled down the left and the low cross was easily converted by Kiea Cowley.
The Old Boys weren’t finished though and they came storming back to equalize a few minutes later, with superb inter-passing move that sent Danny Kocyigit racing down the right, with his first time cross to the far post being gratefully rifled home by Thomas. A special mention for the five teenagers in the Old Alleynians side, whose work rate and skill was a joy to watch and who more than matched their more experienced opponents.
Final Score:- Stone Old Alleynians 1 – Bartestree 1
In the Staffs County League, Stone Old Alleynians lost 4 – 0 at table topping Longton AG.
On Saturday 30th November the Old Alleynians are away to Shenstone Pathfinders 14.00 pm. The reserves are away to Cheadle Town in the SCL Div 2 Cup, ko 2.00 pm.
