Alveston took the spoils in this eagerly awaited derby game by beating Stratford Town 4-1 at the NFU . Straight from kick off old rivalries were very apparent as the game immediately picked up to a tempo but it was Alveston who were the more comfortable and were unlucky not to take the lead on two occasions, first when from a corner Roshen Foley just failed to direct his strong header on target and then when Harry Spencer shot just wide after finding space in the penalty area.
However, despite this promising start the game at 0-0 remained tightly contested and indeed if not for a key interception by Jake Greaves at centre back and then two diving saves by Isaac Downes at the feet of the incoming centre forward Alveston could have gone behind . Alveston’s endeavour proved to be key though and when Stratford failed to clear their lines from a corner Billy Dingley was first on hand to take advantage and lash the ball from close range high into the net to give Alveston the luxury of a 1-0 lead at half time.
Alveston started the 2nd half as they had the 1st seeking to apply early pressure and this was rewarded within the first couple of mins when Jamie Stephens raced onto an early ball over the top by Mattie Ricketts to drive the home. Stratford then responded well to this disappointment applying their own pressure but perhaps the turning point in the game came in two vital minutes when Jordan Pace was on hand to clear off the line, to then see Josh Humphries win a corner at the other end which the resulted in Alan Mackinnon reacting to confusion in the 6 yard box to steer home.
At 3-0 the game now looked to be won. Any chance of Stratford getting near goal was consistently defended. When the ball evaded the Alveston midfield both Greaves and Dan Malone were on hand to provide some fierce competitive tackling and as a consequence Alveston looked comfortable pursuing a 4th This duly came when Stephens’ ball over the top released Humphries who calmly fired past the keeper and this gave Alveston the privilege or being able to look for more without fear.
First Alex Connor’s weaving run was denied by the keeper and Harry Coleman saw his long range shot go just wide. Joe Vose introduced on the wing consistently made good progress down the flank keeping the right back busy but against the run of play Alveston conceded when lack of concentration enabled Stratford to profit from a corner. However, this was of little consequence and Alveston gladly finished the game as winners.
