Date: Saturday 21st September 2024, 13:30
MOM: Alex Schmuck/Dan Walker
Goals: Anderson x3, Heayns x2, Gate
For their second game of the season, Stokesley travelled to Kings Academy for what is traditionally a challenging away fixture against Marton Furness 2's. The difficulty was compounded by the absence of their regular goalkeeper and vice-captain, Matt Hibbert, and with all the usual centre-back options unavailable, the team faced a real test. Up stepped Steve Dolan, donning the goalkeeper's kit, while Shaun Wallace was tasked with filling the centre-back role.
Marton Furness applied early pressure, creating a few promising opportunities, but Stokesley’s defence, led by Mawston and Schmuck, held firm in the midfield and thwarted any significant threats. Around the 20-minute mark, Mawston split the Furness defence with an inch-perfect pass to Heayns, positioned on the penalty spot. Heayns skilfully rounded the Furness keeper and slotted home to give Stokesley a 0-1 lead. This goal sparked a wave of momentum, allowing Baptist to dictate play, distributing the ball to the wingers. The blistering pace of Harry Bell and Adam Derry wreaked havoc on the Furness defence throughout the match.
Stokesley’s second goal came courtesy of a well-executed penalty corner. Mawston injected the ball to Schmuck, who stopped it dead for Anderson, who unleashed an inch-perfect drag flick into the roof of the goal to make it 0-2. Moments later, Heayns turned provider, once again from the penalty spot, slipping the ball to Anderson, who calmly tucked it beneath the advancing keeper. Despite continued pressure from Marton Furness, Stokesley were well worth their 0-3 lead at the half-time whistle.
Predictably, Marton Furness came out fighting in the second half, but Stokesley’s defence remained resolute. Excellent work from Dan Walker, Sam Pennington, and Shaun Wallace kept the home side at bay, soaking up the pressure. Ten minutes into the half, Stokesley extended their lead with a beautifully worked move. Bell’s tenacity and vision allowed him to find Anderson, who completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish, making it 0-4.
Bell wasn’t done contributing to the scoreline. A few minutes later, he delivered a pinpoint pass to Heayns, who produced the goal of the match. With his back to goal, Heayns pulled the ball across his body in one fluid motion, slotting it perfectly into the net. His Alan Shearer-inspired goal celebration earned him a fair bit of ribbing from the team post-match.
Stokesley's sixth and final goal came with ten minutes remaining. A flowing move through the midfield ended with Benji Gate at the far post, and he coolly slotted home to open his account for the season.
Despite two late goals from Marton Furness, both coming from penalty corners after brief lapses in concentration, Stokesley’s dominance had already put the game beyond doubt.
It was a fantastic all-round team performance, highlighted by the number of players receiving votes for Man of the Match. In the end, the honours were shared between Alex Schmuck and Dan Walker, both of whom were pivotal in securing this convincing victory.
Final score: Marton Furness 2's 2-6 Stokesley
Next game: Stockton M3 - Home (Saturday 28th September 2024, 10:15 push back)
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