Stone Old Alleynians played their first league game since the 14th December thanks to the recent bad weather but lost out to a Penncroft side who had managed to play six games in that time.
The entertaining match on 15th February could have gone either way, with several near misses and missed chances at both ends.
It was a positive start by the Old Boys, who forced a good early save by the home keeper and the resulting corner was only cleared to Luke Matthews, whose first time effort smacked against the post. The rebound was returned by Chris Heard, only to see his shot cleared off the line. Penncroft hit back when they broke clear only for them also to see the ball rebound off the post. Another chance fell to the Alleynians. A good ball sent Matthews clear down the right and his excellent pull back was met Josh Renshaw, whose shot unfortunately hit the crossbar. It seemed only a matter of time, before Stone took the lead, which they dually did after 20 mins.
Again Matthews was sent clear and this time he picked out Danny Heard, whose looping shot beat the keeper. Penncroft hit back and only a good save by Phil Bruce prevented an equalizer. However they did level the scores a few mins later. A corner was only half cleared and the returned ball saw 3 players unmarked at the back post and Jacob Craner gratefully headed home the equalizer. The hosts took the lead 10 mins before the break with a stunning goal. A corner was pulled back to Alex Haynes, whose shot from 25 yards found the angle between post and crossbar, giving the keeper no chance.
Half Time:- Penncroft 2 – Stone Old Alleynians 1
In the second half, after a half chance for Penncroft went wide, then Old Alleynians appeared to have equalized. A header by Danny Heard was pushed out by the home keeper to Kevin Warrilow who put the ball into the net. Unfortunately the assistant, dubiously ruled the goal offside. Danny Heard then met a free kick, to the visitors, a yard from goal but the keeper pulled off a superb save to keep the ball out, as the Old Boys went for an equalizer.
After Danny Heard had headed a half chance over the bar, Stone were reduced to 10 men, Chris Heard being unfortunately sent off for 2 bookable offences. This in effect ended their chance of an equalizer as the game petered out.
Final Score:- Penncoft 2 – Stone Old Alleynians 1
On Saturday 22 February the Old Alleynians are at home at Wellbeing Park to runaway leaders Bridgnorth Town (3pm). The reserves are away to Leek CSOB in the Staffs County League
