The end of this game on Saturday 16th February had spectators digging back into their memories – but no-one could remember when, if ever, Stone Old Alleynians had been involved in a goalless draw.
Although there was plenty of action in midfield and some good inter-passing football from both sides, quality around the penalty area was in short supply. In a game in which both sides looked rusty from the enforced layoff, neither deserved to win or indeed lose.
There was half an hour gone before either side had a sniff of goal and then both sides had one in quick succession. First a mistake by the home defence let in a Shenstone forward, but he shot wide with only 17-year-old Lewis Ratcliffe to beat and then some good inter-passing football, by the Alleynians, ended with Danny Heard netting but was ruled narrowly offside. The home side came close again but a good shot from Nick Buckley only found the side netting.
Half time: Stone Old Alleynians 0 – Shenstone Pathfinders 0
The second half took a while to spring into life and then Buckley chipped a ball just beyond the post. Two chances then fell to the Pathfinders, first a cross from the right saw a shot drilled over the bar from the edge of the area and then they broke clear to beat the keeper but also the post. Buckley saw his shot tipped around the post and Rob Winstanley then miscued to put the ball wide. With Sam Wilson moved into mid-field the Old Boys upped the pressure and he saw a great effort just drift beyond the far post. Both sides had a chance to win the game at the death. First Heard had a great chance from a Kevin Warrilow cross, but put the ball wide and at the other end only an excellent block by keeper Ratcliffe prevented Shenstone taking all 3 points deep into injury time.
Final Score: Stone Old Alleynians 0 – Shenstone Pathfinders 0
The Old Alleynians are at home again on Saturday 23rd February at Yarnfield to Hanwood Utd, kick-off 3pm.
