Stone Old Alleynians kicked off their season with a hard fought win over Trysull.
A late Billy Thorley strike completed a hard-fought comeback for the Old Boys as they came from behind to secure a winning start to their league campaign on Saturday. Earlier, a Matt Thomas wonder goal cancelled out Trysull’s first-half opener in this close encounter at Wellbeing Park.
A frenetic start saw a lively Trysull forward line carry the attack to the Alleynians, and the Wolverhampton side almost took the lead when a cross was headed over the bar from close range by the energetic no.10.
An injury to front-man Danny Heard then forced Old Boys manager Matthew Smith into a reshuffle, as Paul Whalley joined the midfield and Matt Thomas was given the task of leading the line against a tough Trysull back three.
Thomas wasn’t perturbed by the challenge, and should have scored following excellent work by Grant Bigham down the right, but the youngster saw his effort blocked.
With just six minutes remaining of the first half, a Trysull midfielder sent an opportunistic effort goalwards, and a Matt Burslem handling error saw the ball land in the net to give the away side a very fortunate lead – much to the dismay of his hard working defensive unit.
The Old Boys response was a quick one though, as just three minutes later Thomas picked up the ball on the right and cut inside to fire a brilliant left-foot strike into the far corner and offer an early contender for goal of the season.
The second half started brightly for the hosts, a slick passing move that began down the left ended with Thorley heading narrowly wide, but chances were at a premium as the half went on, and both defences worked hard to cut out opposition attacks.
Sam Wilson had performed brilliantly at the heart of the Old Boys back line, but was left chasing the heels of a Trysull forward following a long ball that set the no.10 free, and owed Burslem a debt of gratitude as the ‘keeper saved smartly to keep the scores level and atone for his earlier error.
With the game petering out into a draw, Smith threw on Luke Matthews, who added energy and direction to the Alleynians attacks. It paid dividends with 10 minutes remaining as Matthews played in Thomas, who squared unselfishly for Thorley to slot home the winner.
The final moments were nervy ones for the home side, as Trysull tried in vain to find an elusive equaliser, but it wasn’t to be and Smith’s men were left to celebrate a well-earned three points.
“It’s great to get off to a winning start, especially against a good side like Trysull who gave us two tough games last season,” said Smith.
“We didn’t play as well as we have done in some of our pre-season games, but to come from behind like we did shows that we have great character in the side, as well as ability. Losing Danny Heard early on wasn’t ideal but Matt Thomas worked hard up front and showed his class with a brilliant goal and assist, and we’ll be looking to carry this momentum into our next fixture against Penncroft.”
SOA: Burslem, Hewitt, Askey, Wilson, Bigham, Thorley, C. Heard (Matthews), Hunter, Griffiths ©, Thomas (Kocyigit), D. Heard (Whalley)
Unused Subs: Maloney, Hodgkinson
MoM: Sam Wilson
