Date: Sunday 25th August 2024, 12:00
MOM: I Graham
Goals: C Heayns x4
J Hawkins x2
K O'Connor x1
Stokesley’s second team faced off against Scarborough in their third preseason friendly, a match originally scheduled as a home fixture but relocated to Norton Sports due to the bank holiday. Scarborough, freshly promoted and now competing in a higher league, provided a stern test for the young Stokesley side.
Continuing their strategy of integrating younger talent, Stokesley fielded promising players like Issac G, Xav L, Rapha S, and Jack H, all of whom performed admirably. Their contributions are a testament to the hard work put in by coach Dave Tucker, who has consistently nurtured the club's emerging talents.
From the outset, Scarborough demonstrated why they secured promotion last season, quickly establishing a 3-0 lead. Despite the early setback, Stokesley managed to create opportunities of their own. Skipper Heayns, had he been 10 years younger and 10 kilograms lighter, might have converted a few chances, while O’Connor saw his close-range effort narrowly miss the left post. A well-worked move down the left found Medley, who slipped the ball to O’Connor at the top of the circle. This time, O’Connor made no mistake, pulling one back for Stokesley to make it 3-1.
However, Scarborough’s clinical finishing saw them add another three goals before halftime, leaving Stokesley trailing 6-1 at the break.
Despite the daunting scoreline, Stokesley emerged from halftime with renewed determination. Tactical adjustments allowed them to create more chances, though Scarborough struck first in the second half, extending their lead to 7-1. Stokesley quickly responded when Heayns pounced on a rebound, his initial shot saved by the keeper but perfectly positioned to bury the follow-up with a reverse stick strike, bringing the score to 7-2.
Scarborough added another to make it 8-2, but Stokesley refused to roll over. Signs of early-season fatigue or perhaps a slight easing off by Scarborough allowed Stokesley to gain a foothold in the game. At the back, Adam Rose and young Issac G developed real chemistry, while Medley, O’Connor, and Welsh combined to create a flurry of attacking opportunities. Jack H added to his tally with a trademark reverse stick effort, reducing the deficit to 8-3.
Moments later, Jack H turned provider, delivering a pinpoint pass to Heayns, who rounded the keeper and flicked the ball past two defenders on the line to make it 8-4. Stokesley, now in full flow, dominated the final 10 minutes. The relentless work of Armitstead and Xav L led to another chance for Heayns, who struck venomously low into the corner for his hat-trick. Jack H then added his second of the day, cutting inside after receiving a through ball and finishing with aplomb.
In the dying moments, Welsh found Heayns once more, who sealed his scoring spree with a neat finish into the bottom left corner from a narrow angle, bringing the final score to 8-6.
Although the game ended in defeat, Stokesley can take pride in their spirited comeback. Man of the Match honours went to Issac G, who is rapidly cementing his place in the second team and shows great promise for the future.
A big thank you to Scarborough for making the journey—although, as they pointed out post-match, an hour and a half is relatively close for them! They were a genuinely great group who played the game in the right spirit.
Next game: Acomb/Rochdale M1 Neutral (Saturday 31st August 2024, 14:30 push back)
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