Midland Football League Premier Division
Saturday 25th January 2025
Stone Old Alleynians earned their first win of the year with a 3-1 victory over Northwich Victoria at home. A dominant first-half performance gave the Old Boys a 2-0 lead, but Northwich fought back early in the second half. A late strike from Jack Tomlinson sealed the win for Alleynians, who held off relentless pressure from the visitors.
A dream start for Alleynians
Alleynians wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead within three minutes. Player-manager Luke Askey headed home from a corner to put the hosts ahead. Their energetic start continued, and they came close to doubling their lead from another corner moments later.
In the 11th minute, Northwich winger Ben Crane tested home goalkeeper Raajan Gill with a powerful effort from 20 yards, forcing a fine save. A minute later, Gill was called into action again, pushing another shot over the bar.
The Old Boys extended their lead on 15 minutes after Sam Bowater was fouled in the box. Captain Matt Thomas stepped up and converted the penalty confidently, giving Alleynians a well-deserved 2-0 advantage.
Northwich fight back
Northwich responded with several dangerous attacks, but Gill stood firm, pulling off a string of saves to preserve the two-goal cushion. By the 40th minute, frustrations were boiling over for Northwich, with the referee frequently addressing their bench and players. Despite their pressure, the final action of the half saw Jack Bowater’s overhead kick narrowly miss the target.
Half-time: Stone Old Alleynians 2-0 Northwich Victoria
Second-half drama
Northwich wasted no time after the restart, pulling a goal back within a minute. Sam Deering’s run and blocked shot fell kindly for Matty Clark, who slotted home to make it 2-1.
The visitors dominated much of the second half, creating numerous chances but failing to find the equaliser. Deering came closest, firing over from a promising position. Alleynians’ defence, led by Sedgley and Askey, produced some desperate last-ditch tackles to keep Northwich at bay.
Tomlinson’s moment of magic
With just one minute remaining, Northwich threw everything forward in search of a late equaliser. A swift counterattack saw the ball cleared to Jack Tomlinson on the halfway line. Spotting the opposition goalkeeper off his line, Tomlinson unleashed a sensational strike from inside the Northwich half, finding the back of the net to secure all three points for the hosts.
Full-time: Stone Old Alleynians 3-1 Northwich Victoria
Match details
Stone OA Starting XI:
Gill, Minshall S, Thomas (C), Connolly, Sedgley, Askey, Baxter, Wilson, Tomlinson, Bowater S, Bowater J.
Substitutes: Griffiths, Harper, Goodwin, Rushbury, Keeling.
Upcoming fixtures:
- Stourport Swifts (A) – Saturday 1st February, 3:00 pm.
- Whitchurch Alport (H) – Saturday 8th February, 3:00 pm.
