Date: Sunday 8th September 2024
MOM: M Hibbert
Results: Game 1: Stokesley 2-1 Durham City
Game 2: Stokesley 2-0 Marton Furness
SF1: Stokesley 1-0 Norton
Final: Stokesley 0-0 Stockton (Stokesley WIN 5-4 on Penalty Strokes)
Game 1: Stokesley 2-1 Durham City
The first match was against Durham City, a closely contested game that was tied 1-1 heading into the final minutes after a goal from Jack Hawkins. However, it wasn't over yet, as Harry Bell netted a last-minute winner, securing a 2-1 victory.
Game 2: Stokesley 2-0 Marton Furness
Next, Stokesley faced a strong Marton Furness side. Displaying skill, speed, and determination, the Stokesley youngsters confidently swept their opponents aside with a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Sam Pennington and three’s captain Johnny Towers, advancing them to the knockout stages.
SF1: Stokesley 1-0 Norton
In the semi-final, Stokesley faced off against Norton in a tense and fiercely competitive match, with chances arising for both teams throughout.
The Norton goalkeeper was in outstanding form, pulling off a series of brilliant saves to keep his side in contention, including stopping a McAdam penalty corner.
Despite the opportunities, neither team could break the deadlock for much of the game. However, late arrival Christopher Heayns, who made it just in time for the semi-final after completing a 13.1-mile warm-up, finally secured the decisive goal. A precise pass from Harry Bell set up Heayns, whose initial attempt was blocked by a Norton defender. The deflection sent the ball into the air, and Heayns showed great composure to calmly slot it home, sealing Stokesley's victory.
Final: Stokesley 0-0 Stockton (Stokesley WIN 5-4 on Penalty Strokes)
The final match saw Stokesley pitted against a formidable Stockton side, who had already shown their strength by defeating Stokesley 5-2 in a pre-season friendly. Stockton's attacking prowess was on full display, but Stokesley’s defence, led by the outstanding Colin McAdam, Rafa S, and company, rose to the challenge. Despite their best efforts, Stockton came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions. In one instance, Stockton's forward rounded goalkeeper Hibbert, only to fire the shot narrowly wide. Soon after, another attempt skimmed past the far post, leaving the Stokesley defence momentarily relieved.
In midfield, Mark Armitstead and Johnny Towers worked tirelessly, battling to break up Stockton’s rhythm. Their persistence paid off when the ball fell to Sam Pennington, who swiftly played it out wide to Xav L. Xav, who has impressed throughout the preseason after stepping up from the third team, found Jack Hawkins at the top of the circle. Hawkins skillfully evaded one defender and unleashed a shot, but the Stockton goalkeeper was equal to it, making a crucial save.
As the game progressed, Stockton ramped up the pressure, searching for a breakthrough. They came agonisingly close when a one-on-one opportunity saw the Stockton striker slip the ball past the onrushing Hibbert, only for the shot to ricochet off the post. Quick to react, Ben Enderwick, filling in superbly at left-back, cleared the danger, keeping the match finely balanced.
Stokesley’s resilient defence and spirited midfield play ensured Stockton couldn’t capitalise on their chances, setting the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the final.
The real drama unfolded in the final seconds. Stockton broke through the defence and played the ball to an open attacker who took a shot aimed at an empty net. But Enderwick heroically blocked the shot on the line, conceding a penalty stroke that would decide the tournament. As the full-time whistle blew, it seemed like the championship would be determined then and there.
However, Stokesley goalkeeper Hibbert came to the rescue, pulling off an extraordinary save and pushing the final into penalty strokes.
The format was intense: each team had three attempts from three different players, and if the score remained tied, the same three players would keep going until a winner was decided.
Stokesley captain, Heayns, nominated himself, Mark Armitstead, and the seasoned Colin McAdam to take the penalty strokes, although many team members eagerly volunteered. Stockton won the toss and opted to go first. Their opening stroke was drilled low into Hibbert’s bottom left corner. Armitstead responded in style, delivering a precise, high flick into the top left, despite the Stockton keeper’s attempts to unsettle him.
Stockton's second stroke aimed for Hibbert's right, but the Stokesley goalkeeper was up to the task, stretching out a leg to make a crucial save. With the advantage in Stokesley’s favour, McAdam coolly stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom left, sending the keeper the wrong way.
The pressure was on Stockton, who had to score to stay in the game. They managed to hold their nerve, converting their next attempt. Heayns then had the opportunity to win it for Stokesley but was denied by a fine save from the Stockton keeper, forcing the contest into sudden death.
Stockton continued to be clinical, netting their first sudden-death stroke. Armitstead, however, remained unfazed, sending his second attempt into the opposite corner, levelling the score at 3-3. Stockton went ahead again at 4-3, wrong-footing Hibbert, but McAdam mirrored his earlier effort, calmly placing his shot into the bottom left to make it 4-4.
As the pressure intensified, Hibbert pulled off his third save of the day, giving Stokesley another chance to claim victory. This time, Heayns seized the moment, redeeming himself by sending the keeper the wrong way and securing the win (5-4) for Stokesley on his second attempt, much to the delight of his teammates and supporters.
Stokesley win the Durham County Cup - Vase, for the first time in a number of year.
Next game: 14/09/24 - 10:15 - Morpeth 2's (H) - Macmillian Academy, TS5 4AG
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