Strollers Come Close in Hull Friendly

On Sunday 13th November Stamford Strollers 50s went to Hull to play in a tournament at Poorhouse Lane Hull. We played in a 4 team league format

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1st game v Hull Pacemakers

A very slow start ended up 2-0 down in 6 minutes brought the game back 2-1 through an Iain Ross shot. Then suddenly finding 4-1 down before Paul Kirby getting a goal back. Lost 4-2.

2nd game v Gainsborough Trinity

Quick off the blocks in this game Paul Blakemore blasting in a shot early on. Then suddenly we found ourselves down 2-1 against run of play, still outplaying our opponents. Paul Blakemore blasting in another goal. Could have got the winner but for their keepers legs. Draw 2-2.

3rd game v Hull St Mary's

Was a must win game to progress to the cup knockout, a deflected shot off Blakemore going 1-0 down. Then Paul B getting an equaliser, then going 2-1down. Iain Ross equalised ,then another Paul B deflected shot 3-2down. Paul B equalising, then a silly goal going 4-3 down. Then Strollers went into overdrive with 2 minutes left Paul kirby, Paul Blakemore, another Iain Ross blaster making score 6-4 and progressing to main cup semi final. Note - a hattrick from centre-back Paul Blakemore and 2 own goals 😁

Semi final v Denton from Manchester who won all their 3 league games

Again, a deflected shot gave Denton an early lead, then Paul Kirby double shot rebound getting an equaliser. Again a badly conceded 2nd goal going 2-1down before Richard Batty getting an equaliser. Stuart made 2 crucial saves for the game to go to a penalty shootout, eventually losing 2-0..

So Stamford Strollers dreaded Achilles Heel penalty shoot outs strike again. On a footnote, at least we lost Denton who were eventual winners 🏆

Squad was:

Stuart Gardner

Paul Kirby.

Paul Blakemore

Iain Ross

Richard Batty

Brian Dunkerley

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Just to say it was Stuart's tournament debut who performed very well, and to Brian for coming along as a sub.so big thanks.

Well done to the team for scoring 14 goals/conceding 14 goals so making it an entertaining day out. And special thanks to Naul newiss organising/managing the team and at least having a few laughs 😀 Well done guys.