Date: Saturday 17th August 2024, 12:00
MOM: S Wallace
Goals: M Breeze x3
Heayns x1
Stokesley Seconds, fielding a largely new-look team, faced off against a strong Thirsk side in their first pre-season friendly of the season. Thirsk, fresh from a league reshuffle that saw them join this division after finishing second last year, quickly demonstrated why they were a force to be reckoned with. Their young, skilful, and pacey players applied relentless pressure from the outset.
Stokesley’s backline, featuring the Walker brothers and Boal, found themselves under constant threat, with Thirsk’s number three breaking through on multiple occasions. Fortunately, new vice-captain Matt Hibbert was on hand to make several crucial saves. Despite a few early chances for Stokesley, including a short corner, it was Thirsk who drew first blood with a clinical close-range finish.
However, Stokesley’s midfield, led by Wallace and Armitstead, started to gain control, creating a number of opportunities. One such chance was seized by Matty Breeze, who finished expertly to level the score. Breeze struck again a few minutes later, putting Stokesley ahead 2-1 with another well-taken goal.
Thirsk responded swiftly, equalising through a slick move that exploited space down the left-hand side. The ball was played across the D and finished clinically to make it 2-2.
The second half began with Thirsk applying heavy pressure, which resulted in a penalty corner. In a contested play, Dan Walker suffered a head injury after a missed swing, forcing him off the pitch. His brother’s spirited reaction earned him a five-minute spell in the sin bin. Isaac Graham, making his second-team debut, stepped in and showed promise, providing solid defensive cover.
Stokesley, however, didn’t buckle. Debutant Hawkins’ tireless work and intelligent movement led to a chance for Jack Atha, who was fouled in the area. Matty Boal stepped up for the resulting penalty, and although his drag flick was impressively saved on the line, Stokesley were not to be denied for long. A subsequent short corner saw Boal’s drag flick saved again, but Heayns was on hand at the top of the D to rifle home the rebound, giving Stokesley a 3-2 lead.
As the match wore on, Stokesley began to tire, but they sealed the victory when Matthew Breeze dribbled into the D and beat the goalkeeper with a decisive flick, making it 4-2.
Special mentions go to both wingers, whose tireless work rate was instrumental throughout the match. Man of the match went to Benji Gate for his exceptional effort, while Adam Derry caused problems for Thirsk’s defence all day with his blistering pace.
Overall, it was a strong start for Stokesley, who will look to build on this performance in the coming weeks.
Next game: Furness M2 Home (Sunday 18th August 2024, 12:00 push back)
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