Stockton FC - Sunday First Team - Long Itchington Reserves

In this preliminary round cup game, Stockton lined up in a 3-5-2 formation. In goal, Nozza, in front of him a back three of Nic, Adam and Gaz. The midfield five was Josh B at Right wing back, Trystan, Johnnny and Dan. The left full back position filled by Oscar.

The strikers were Richie and Ryan. Squad life fulfilled with sub appearances from Zac, Leon and Lewis Romero. As ever our captain Richie led the quality warm up! Sadly Jordan couldn’t attend as had a bug and his absence would show.

For the first 20 minutes, Stockton reserves were on par with their opponents. Hang on….caveat here, I was managing and refereeing today (a man of many talents). Sorry, yes, first 20 minutes, good, there after “The Alamo”

2-0 to Long Itch, good football from them and their left back enjoying time and space.

At half time talk of remaining positive was key! 3-0 soon after the break. Lewis on for Oscar, Leon for Josh B and Zac on for Gaz. Those changes brought little change. 3 became 4, soon 5 then 6. Their players were confident, comfortable and enjoying themselves.

We did strike at goal, Richie, on target but lacking power. Dan with Ryan were trying to impose themselves on the game, rallied by the vocal motivation of Nic! His return from his honeymoon had shown his tackle was still impressive, lasting the course of 90 minutes too, earning him our Man of the Match award.

Ooops…hold fire (stopped counting at 6-0) Long Itch score twice more just before FT making the score line 8-0 to Long Itchington Reserves!!! The Buck and Bell was calling. We go again next Sunday, Blood and Thunder.