Date: Saturday 14th September 2024, 10:15
MOM: Bell
Goals: Hawkins
Stokesley Second XI Begin Season with a Hard-Fought Draw Against Morpeth
The first game of the season saw Stokesley Second XI host Morpeth at McMillan Academy, with expectations riding high after a promising pre-season. Having integrated several younger players into the squad, Stokesley handed debuts to Jack Hawkins and Xav Lane, both of whom were eager to make an impact on their first appearance.
The match began with a high tempo, as both teams looked to gain an early advantage. Despite some solid build-up play from Stokesley, it was Morpeth who managed to break the deadlock. After sustained pressure on the home side's defence, Morpeth capitalised on a lapse at the back and took a 1-0 lead into the half-time interval.
Stokesley, however, refused to be disheartened. The team came out with renewed energy in the second half, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off when, following a breakdown in Morpeth's defensive area, debutant Jack Hawkins pounced on an opportunity to fire home the leveller, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The final stages of the match saw chances at both ends, with both sides pushing for a winner. However, neither could find the decisive goal, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. While both teams may have felt they could have snatched the victory, it was a fair result in what was a tightly contested encounter.
Harry Bell was named Man of the Match after an outstanding performance on the wing, showing great energy and creativity throughout the game.
Overall, it was an encouraging start to the season for Stokesley, who will take confidence from the result and the performance of their younger players as they look ahead to their next fixture.
Next game: Marton Furness M2 - AWAY (Saturday 21st September 2024, 13:30 push back)
Comments