Stamford Strollers’ squad:
Paul Newiss GK
Chris Keirl
Bill Heath
Lee Tillen
Alan Cook
Frank Smith
Ian Scarborough
Tim Marsden Cap
Our first game of the day was against near neighbours Oakham. Strollers enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half but failed to create any clear cut chances. Oakham on the other hand created better opportunities on the break and Stamford were indebted to Paul Newiss for a couple of good saves as the first half ended 0-0.
The second half started badly for Strollers as a stray pass was intercepted, just outside our D, and dispatched into the far corner of the net on the half volley giving Newiss no chance in goal. Despite this set back Stamford continued to dominate possession. However, things got worse for Stamford when Tim Marsden received a straight blue card for a last ditch challenge on the edge of the Strollers area. Reduced to 5 men Strollers had to endure a period of pressure and again Newiss had to make a couple of good saves to keep the deficit to 1.
Following Marsden’s 2 minutes in the sin bin Strollers were returned to full strength and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Again Stamford dominated possession and following a flowing move Chris Keirl shot powerfully into the corner of the Oakham net to level the scores. Despite Strollers best efforts they couldn’t find a winner and the game ended all square 1-1.
Next up were Chesterfield. Once again Stamford saw plenty of the ball without creating any clear cut chances. Chesterfield on the other hand looked dangerous on the break and Newiss was forced into making one outstanding save with his legs. Strollers continued to push forward and were rewarded when Bill Heath finished off another good move as he turned on the edge of the Chesterfield area and fired through the keepers’ legs to make it 1-0 at half time.
Second half saw Stamford take control of the game, especially when a Chesterfield player received a straight blue card for dissent. Strollers continued to dominate the ball but were unable to turn their possession into goals. On a rare Chesterfield attack our opponents were awarded a free kick which following a wicked deflection found the corner of the Stamford net. Full time 1-1.