Alveston lost their local derby semi-final to Stratford Town 3-0. Stratford set their stall out from the outset, playing with 4 defenders and 5 midfield players, leaving their striker to fight it out on his own upfront. This led to a very congested midfield area, and the home side found it difficult to find any space to get their passing game going. The ball spent far too much time in the air, and despite the result Stratford never actually got into the home team's penalty area! Alveston did try to force the pace and won a number of corners, one of which went to the far post where Alan Mackinnon's shot was blocked on the line. Matty Rickett then hit a free-kick which came back off the bar with the keeper beaten.
Stratford started the second half brightly as Ben Couki drove at the home defence and won a free kick, which Dillon Parker drove wide. The game changed when after a spell of good pressure from Alveston, the ball was cleared to Henry Grisenthwaite whose first time shot flew into the top corner. The home side responded well as Josh Humphriss' shot was deflected wide, but the wind was taken out of their sales when Dillon Parker struck a 20 yard free kick over the head of Isaac Downes and into the net. Parker added a third just before the end when he struck another free kick past the helpless keeper.
