MATCH DAY 4 LINCS LEAGUE - REPORT
Another glorious sunny day as we played the 4 final fixtures in Grimsby. These fixtures would determine where we finish in the league and at the start of play Stamford Strollers (SS) were 3rd with 1 game in hand and 3 points behind the Top 2!
The Squad for today’s game was: Bill Whittle GK, Chris Keirl, Paul Beard, Bill Heath, Tim Marsden, Steve Adcock, Glyn “The Slipper” Williams and “Honest John” Hutchins.
Stamford v South Lincs Steelers (SLS). Stamford found it hard to get started as SLS proved to be a challenging and difficult team to breakdown during the first half. Eventually Stamford managed to make the breakthrough (Steve), quickly followed by a couple more from Tim and Steve. Stamford 3 – 0 winners.
Our 2nd fixture v Lincoln Invictus (LI) did not start as planned, Strollers struggled to play their tight controlled game and Bill W was called upon early on to make some excellent saves to shut LI out. During the 2nd half the breakthrough came with an excellent team goal, slick passing with Steve finding the net. Then Bill Heath scored his debut competition goal for Strollers to help make the game safe. Stamford 2 – 0 winners.
It is fair to say both South Lincs Steelers and Lincoln Invictus proved much stiffer opponents than a month ago – well done guys and a pleasure to play against.
We had a 30min break, so this was the moment when “Honest John” brought out his secret weapon – A “Mrs H” homemade “Sausage Roll” for all of us & what a difference it made to the Strollers! Thanks again Mrs H – for making the difference.
Our 3rd fixture v Grimsby Ancient Mariners (GAM) and suddenly Strollers started to play a well controlled game with great interplay. Some more quick passing and Strollers were ahead with 2 quick classy goals going into half time from Steve & Tim.
Strollers found the net again early in 2nd half (Steve) and then a cheeky “Chip” over the GAM Keeper by Bill Heath was a real class finish.
During the game, we had a lighter moment when one of our players (no name!) suffering from a cramp needed Dr Keirl to help revive him! Strollers managed the ball from here to play the game out. Stamford 4 – 0 winners. (Btw this was our 6th clean sheet in a row!)
Our 4th (immediately following fixture 3) and final game of the Lincs League was against Sleaford Academicals (SA). Both sides equal on points at this stage and goal difference unknown but we were ahead after the 2nd set of fixtures .... tension building for the final fixure!
Stamford started really well, playing a “high press” attacking football and creating a number of good chances with Sleaford’s England keeper making save after save to keep us out. SA eventually had a few breaks & towards half time a neat flick by their Striker resulted in SA going in 1 – 0 up.
The second half Strollers tried to apply more pressure but were finding it difficult to create a clear chance with SA defending well. John & Glyn came on half way through the 2nd half - a change in the structure resulted in “Honest John” moving quickly on to a ball down the left and shoot under the SA keeper! A thoroughly deserved equaliser ensured we finished the game 1 – 1. Thanks again to Mrs H for the magic sausage rolls!
In summary, Stamford Strollers have finished as Runners-up to Grimsby Corinthians.
And for all those who love the detail: Strollers Won 8, Drew 3 & Lost only 1 game. Scoring 32 goals and conceding only 4. Played 12 games & managed 9 clean sheets & never conceding more than 1 goal in any of the 4 games where the opposition scored!
So proud of every team mate who played their part today & in previous Match Days - Guys, you have been brilliant throughout this League & also thanks to Colin Kirby, Ian Scarborough and the ageless Bob Lear who all played their part in Matchdays 1 & 2 to help achieve Runners-Up spot.
Thanks to Lincs FA Walking Football Committee for making this happen.
Stamford Strollers look forward to next season.