Stockton FC - Sunday First Team - Sporting Foresters
A new month but a familiar result for the Stockton Reserves today. Lining up in a 4-4-2 formation, Alfie Wilkinson made his debut in goal, Zac at right back, Adam at centre back with Josh Poulton and Nic at left back.
The midfield four was Josh B on the right wing, Trystan and Dave Ward central midfield with “Nozza” playing left wing (not in goal avid readers will notice). Up top Sam (hallelujah) Church and Richie, who was also our captain too.
Completing the squad today was Gaz, Lewis Romero, Oscar, Alfie King and Morgan Jones (also known as Leon Sutton). Huddy, our director of football made an appearance too as chief cheerleader! Actually without Huddy, we wouldn’t have known that our game was actually to be played at Aylesford School NOT where we were. Race from Newbold to Warwick was on!
When we got there, calm heads and strong characters were needed. Adam, Josh P and Nic all taking up the mantle! 2 minutes gone, hamstring gone, Zac this time, shot by a sniper in a tree! Replaced by Lewis. Soon after chance to Foresters. Alfie watching the ball go over his head on to the post then in to his hands. On 6 minutes a sight I won’t forget in a hurry. Trystan assists Richie on half way, who takes on one, then two defenders. Dribbles through them on to their keeper, cool as a cucumber, rounds him and slots into the goal. Both arms up in celebration “HAVE SOME OF THAT” 1-0 Stockton.
On 10 minutes 2-0 to Stockton. Josh B assists Trystan who when put through one on one with the keeper makes no mistake with his finish. Dave Ward putting in challenges, same with Lewis as was everyone when needed. Sadly, on 22 minutes there pleasant number 8 Midfielder goes towards goal, Lewis challenges and gives away a penalty. Alfie sent wrong with it, goal, 2-1. On the half hour mark, “Desmond” a free kick our undoing. On Half Time. There is a game to be won!
In the 2nd half, on 50 minutes Morgan “Leon Sutton” Jones comes on for Richie and we concede again 3-2 to Foresters. On 70 minutes, should Dave Ward had had a penalty awarded to him. Their manager (who was also the referee) did not give it…shock. The game needs some magic. Up steps Nozza, nutmeg, ball rolling from the bottom of his foot, you name it, he can do it. Trystan joins in, with a delightful free kick to level the score 3-3.
On 81 minutes though their 4th goal comes. This time from a corner. Changes made. Gaz on for Dave. Alfie on for Sam and Oscar on for Nozza. They all add more effort and endeavour to the cause. The attitude of the team warranted more, another day it may have done. Great debut from Alfie in goal, we scored goals against a team who had won 9-0 two weeks in a row. We’re getting to know one another even more. This team, this squad will grow!
Man and player of the match to Trystan, for two great goals but for also putting in the effort to try and get us the win. A bright future is ahead for this player.
