Tuesday 20th July
Pre-season Friendly
Stone Old Alleynians 4 Brocton 0 at King’s Park
Three goals in a five minute spell early in the first half scuppered any hopes the Badgers had for continuing their recent run of good form at a sweltering King’s Park.
On a sultry, sunny evening Brocton became the second visitors to OAs new home venue of King’s Park. It all started promisingly for the Badgers when Ben Haddaway missed a glorious opportunity in the opening minute, putting his header off target when not challenged. Dean Williams created a good opening, clipping the ball to the far post from a narrow angle but there was no-one in support to finish the chance. Stone’s first foray forward saw the home side take the lead. Somehow, Luke Askey managed to hit the post with the goal gaping and the Badgers managed to scramble the ball away. OAs continued to press and a cross from the right was headed back into the area at the far post, with Sam Wilson on the spot to turn the ball home. Three minutes later, the home side doubled their lead. Mat Thomas was adjudged to have been fouled by Kenny Devoir, the penalty award as soft a decision as we are likely to see. Former Badger, Dave Ablewhite, made no mistake from the spot. The Badgers were now in disarray and the third goal came in the 14th minute. A corner from Liam Hickson saw two Brocton defenders, Devoir and Josh Small, challenge for the ball and the ball flew from one of them into the net. Stone continued to ask questions of the Brocton defence and a long ball over the defence found Wilson, and his first time cross was turned over by Thomas. Stone skipper Thomas appeared to have left his shooting boots at home as he was off target from another well delivered corner. Brocton finally gathered themselves and Haddaway shot into the side-netting from a Jamie Weldon free-kick. As half-time beckoned, Small was left unmarked but his header was off-target.
Half-time: Stone Old Alleynians 3 Brocton 0
Brocton introduced Todd Pryor, Malaki Norford and Joe Bancroft at the start of the second-half to try and gain a foothold in the middle of the park. Brocton started the half much better and a fine run from Brad Roulston ended with his shot being blocked by the Stone defender. Home keeper Andrew Walklate was forced into action when a Jamie Weldon cross was turned goalwards by a Stone defender and Walklate saved at full stretch. The game soon reverted to a copy of the first half with the home side well in command. Josh Moreton made a fine save from Wilson, who was set up by Hickson, who had beaten three defenders on a mazy run. In the 64th minute, the home side added to their tally. Hickson’s free-kick was floated goalwards and it sailed over Moreton, despite the keeper’s effort, into the top corner. Jake Thomas volleyed wide from a Josh Mousley cross as Brocton tried to get something from the game. In the last ten minutes, Stone missed another sitter with Josh Selby unable to find the back of the net.
Full-time: Stone Old Alleynians 4 Brocton 0
Stone Old Alleynians: Andrew Walklate, Callum Lowe, Ryan Goodwin, Luke Askey, Josh Selby, Joe Baxter, Sam Wilson, Sam Bradbury, Mat Thomas, Dave Ablewhite, Liam Hickson. Subs (All Used): Connor Lawton, Jaydon Shepherd, Sam Bowater, George Woodruffe, Callum Griffiths
Brocton: Josh Moreton, Adam Weldon, Dan Evans, Kenny Devoir, Josh Small, Jake Thomas, Brad Roulston, Jamie Weldon, Dean Williams, Ben Haddaway, Josh Mousley, Subs (All Used): Todd Pryor, Malaki Norford, Joe Bancroft
