Stone Old Alleynaians can still be proud, despite a loss at the weekend to Leamington, bringing a halt to their historic FA cup run
Thanks to Stone Old Alleynians for sending through this match report of Saturday’s match.
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LEAMINGTON v STONE OLD ALLEYNIANS
Emirates FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying
Saturday 18th September 2021
Stone Old Alleynians FA Cup adventure finally came to an end on Saturday afternoon with a courageous 3-1 defeat at the home of Leamington from the National League North. For much of a fairly even contest, Stone belied the three-league gap between the two sides and maintained the very real prospect of an unlikely cup upset against their higher-ranked opponents.
The Old Boys endured a disastrous start as they found themselves a goal behind inside two minutes. Dan Turner, the former Port Vale striker and son of ex-Alleynians’ goalkeeper Graham, was given too much time and space inside the penalty area to open the scoring with a well-placed finish.
With less than ten minutes on the clock, the situation almost got much worse for Alleynians as player-manager Luke Askey appeared to have suffered a bad injury when he was caught in the face by a high boot. Fortunately, after treatment from both physios, Askey was able to continue and inspire his young side to a remarkable resurgence.
Despite the early setback, Stone refused to be overawed during a spell of early pressure and grew into the game, creating several good opportunities of their own. After a series of corners, Jack Tomlinson brought the scores level on 28 minutes as he rose highest at the far post to meet Bowater’s delivery and head powerfully home, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.
Moments later, Stone very nearly grabbed the lead as good work from Ablewhite allowed Tomlinson to draw a fingertip save from Jake Weaver in the Leamington goal, whose quick reactions also prevented Wilson from finishing the rebound.
Half time: Leamington 1-1 Stone Old Alleynians
Leamington began to assert their authority after the break with the Old Boys’ defence of Ablewhite, Davies and Baxter all having to be alert to block shots from in and around the penalty area. Turner also went close to restoring the home side’s lead, drawing a smart save from Adam Alcock in the Stone goal after a weaving run.
With Stone’s attacking threat limited to the dangerous long throws of Ryan Goodwin, their determined resistance was finally broken just before the hour mark. Joe Parker’s lofted cross from the right was turned home by Kelsey Mooney from close range, allowing the sizeable home support to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
The game was ended as a contest with five minutes remaining when Leamington were awarded a controversial penalty. Goodwin was harshly adjudged to have tripped Meredith despite appearing to have won the ball. Turner stepped up to rifle the ball into the roof of the net to double his tally for the afternoon and seal the win for the Brakes.
Askey was quick to praise his players at the full-time whistle. ‘We were beaten by the better team on the day and their greater fitness levels told in the end. The first half was really encouraging though, as we more than matched them. This experience has shown us what we need to do to improve, but congratulations to all the lads on a great cup run.’
Following their exit from both the FA Cup and FA Vase in recent weeks, Alleynians will look to return to winning ways when they make the short trip to Hanley Town for a Midland League fixture on Friday evening. With both teams currently boasting unbeaten league records and Hanley including a number of former Stoke and Port Vale players in their squad, it is sure to be a keenly contested derby. Kick-off is at 7.45pm and tickets are just £5.
Full time: Leamington 3-1 Stone Old Alleynians
Stone OA team: Alcock, Baxter, Ablewhite, Bradbury, Davies, Goodwin, Wilson, Askey, Bowater, Thomas, Tomlinson Subs: Baker (for Bradbury), Sinclair, Walklate, Shepherd
