Super Stockley socks three between the sticks and Manager Gary Head impresses.
Appalling conditions on News Years Day, saw an epic friendly played at the Rec, by two teams mainly made up of Stur’ Team members. The players claimed to be at the peak of fitness, due to abstaining from heavy drinking the night before (at least that’s what they said). Lining up in blue and red, it didn’t take long for the ball to hit the net. After just two minutes, the blues keeper made a great save. However, this only went as far as James Lewis, who smashed the ball back in the goal. It was end to end stuff and the blues were soon back in the game. A quick counter attack by the blues saw a tackle on Aled Williams that eagle eyed ref, Will Young saw as a penalty. Williams himself stepped up to take the spot kick and gave keeper Edmunds no chance.
At this stage of the game the blues were making most of the running, marshalled by midfield general Brian Trim. They were aided by late arrival Steve Clark, who made an immediate impact. Attacking the right wing, he put over a great cross that evaded the red defenders and landed at the feet of Jamie Beale. He made no mistake with his shot; 2-1 to the blues. The reds came back strongly and the game pulsated with sometimes as many as two successful consecutive passes being made. They were perplexed however, to have more than one penalty appeal turned down by ref Young. The inevitable equaliser came in skilful fashion, as mystery player Johnny Rylatt (on loan from Enfield Town) dribbled though the entire blue defence to score. It was then the turn of Manager Gary Head to impress, hitting the post from some 45 yards and unfortunate not to have taken the lead. Players were visibly tiring from their exertions (some of which were football related). But Sam Stockley found the energy to run with the ball and chip the keeper, leaving the reds 3-2 up at half time.
After the herculean efforts of the first half, it was no surprise that tired limbs would lead to mistakes being made. David Paixao, changing to the goalie’s green jersey had to be alert for the blue team and made a string of excellent fingertip saves. And in fact it was the blues who scored next with and outstanding banana shot from Beale that gave the keeper no chance. The question was, could the blues hang on for the draw. The answer was no -, as Sam Stockley ran on to a great through ball and knocked it past the keeper. Stockley completed his hat trick shortly after, scoring from a corner. The blues could not come back from this and the reds ran out worthy 5-3 winners.
