Stokesley M1 vs Rotherham M1 (H) - 5-4 (W)

Date: Saturday 17th October 2026

MOM: Jolyon Bugg

Goals: J Crack x2, D Clarke x2, D Borewell

Match report vs Rotherham

The time was 10:52, and a cosy post-night shift George Walker was suddenly awoken by an irate Paul Bell demanding he leave his house and get in the car with him. George had slept in, unfortunately, the alarm clock that was set had not gone off. This mistake would cost him dearly later in the day.

Fast forward to 12 o’clock. The game plan was to bring the momentum and energy from the second half of the Leeds Adel game in the previous week and apply it to this game again. Visitors Rotherham, who recently were promoted up the leagues and have hit the ground running, posed a tough task for Stokesley, but the players had belief that they could get a result.

Stokesley started the game on the front foot, and a member of the opposition was given a green card, which was then upgraded to a yellow. Even with 10 men, they were able to unleash an aerial pass to Rotherham’s top scorer, who slotted one in nicely from the top of the D.

Chance after chance came and went for Stokesley with no luck, and to make matters worse, Rotherham proved deadly on short corners, and Stokesley found themselves 3-0 down.

The Salamanders, however, did not bow their heads and admit defeat so early, and a crucial goal scored by Jude Crack gave the home team hope going into the second half.

As in the first half, Stokesley started the second half strong, pressing high and creating plenty of goal-scoring opportunities, however, none could find the back of the net. Then… disaster struck, and Rotherham went 4-1 up off a short corner. Still, Stokesley did not give up, and very soon after, Rotherham scored, a penalty flick was given, and captain Dawson Clark stepped up to make it 4-2.

Another thing to mention is our friend from Madagascar 🇲🇬 turned up in the second half. King Julian made it his mission to play midfield defence and attack all in one, setting up plays and saving goals that even Maurice would be proud of.

Some time after this, a wizard appeared on the pitch. Craig Baptist went down and came up with a cut above his eye. Could Harry Potter have returned? I think so. Anyway, he was sent off the pitch to bandage his head or practice some spells, I don’t know.

The Rotherham goalkeeper then wiped out a Stokesley player and gave away another penalty flick, which captain Dawson Clarke just about managed to get over the line even though he might not have caught it as sweetly as he would have liked.

The biggest moment of the afternoon came from Dan Borwell, who sealed the game with a ridiculous reverse shot into the top corner. Cheers erupted from the Stokesley players followed by a defensive masterclass to make it 5-4 full time.

MOTM goes to King Julian for running the show.

DOTD goes to George Walker for spending a bit too long snoozing in bed.

Written by George Walker

Next game: Stokesley M1 vs Newcastle University M2 - HOME