Men's 5th XI Vs Stone 4

A bitter chill, coupled with buoyed spirits from the previous week's exploits; the 5ths looked to put in a solid performance ahead of the upcoming Telford derby next week. A strong line up took to the hallowed turf, with a debut for youngster Keiran Barclay and only a third selection for Tyler Cameron, looking to build on the performance which saw them battle and hold Oswestry to a 4-1 deficit the week before. 

As the wind howled, Telford began to surge forward. Excellent work from stalwarts Paul Tynan and Jim Tranter to lay the ball down the line for the onrushing George Pittson and Abraham Bello to expose the unsteady back line of Stone's defence. Despite this early pressure, Telford were unable to capitalise and saw repeated turn-overs and the apparent threat of the Stone forward line. If not for the defensive prowess of Jerry Cresswell, the deadlock would have been broken within the opening exchanges. 

In truth, Telford repeatedly put themselves on the back foot after speculative passes which were cut out with ease by the dominant Stone midfield. 

If the Telford defence were the door, Stone certainly had the key. Waves of persistent Stone attack danced their way into the circle but found the 'bouncer' Seth Higginson denying them entry. This door, however, not to remain locked for very much longer. Lacklustre play from Telford gifted Stone an opportunity which they weren't going to squander. Passing neatly around Higginson for the unmarked forward to tap in at the back post. This goal was swiftly followed by another; Telford seemingly licking their wounds without realising what was coming. The second strike in two minutes burst the bubble of hope which Telford had created in the early exchanges. 

It wasn't all misery for Telford, as glimmers of well-worked passing saw Will Chiverton and Ewan De Vere pose treats against the static centre-backs. This, much like most of Telford's first half, came to nought and were left joining the defensive effort. 

Chances and attacks were few and far between as the half came to a close, and the misery was further compounded as Stone's danger man up front kicked the ball passed two Telford defenders before taking on Higginson one-on-one and slotting the ball home. Frustration grew and so too did the temperature of the game. Tackles from either side became wayward and luckily the half time whistle blew before the game spiralled into something neither side, or any player - or umpire - would have wanted. 

The message at the break was not one of doom and gloom, but one of positivity and forward planning. Despite the score line, Telford had worked hard and showed great defensive resolve, bright periods of play and a fantastic understanding of patterns of play. These core principles played were taken forward into the second half and Telford certainly have nothing to be ashamed of during these 35 minutes. 

The brilliant Bello, perfect Pittson accompanied Chiverton and De Vere in the forward line to mount successful attacks that posed a threat to the Stone circle. Clever interchanges led to a glimmer of hope with a succession of penalty corners. Unfortunately for the hosts, luck was once again not on their side as the returning Adam Wheeler's drag flick found the onrushing runner's inside thigh, but play was waved on. Following this, an off the ball incident involving the runner and the spritely defender was not seen by the officials - causing the physical undertones of the game to be reignited and cranked up a notch once more. 

Through the diligence of Alan Brannen and John Higginson in the heart of the midfield, Telford started to get a hold of the game, causing Stone more and more problems as time ticked slowly by. Telford's hard work was eventually rewarded, earning the rub of the green and what can only be described as outstanding play from Bello, Chiverton, De Vere and Brannen, with the latter dispatching the ball past the visiting goalkeeper with a neat drive at the far post. 

This renewed confidence was short lived, despite the greatly improved passing and threat which the hosts now posed. Exposure at the back gave Stone opportunities time after time, but they were unable to capitalise until an overload left the Blues short and Stone surged forward in a 6 on 3 attack, placing the ball, once again, across the circle to the unmarked winger waiting at the back post. 

Undeterred by this, Telford came once again. Cameron linked with De Vere to dance past the opposition midfield and break into the 23, giving the aging Stone backline something to consider. 

Were it not for the brilliance of Barclay's defensive performance, coupled with Cresswell, Tranter and Tynan's tutelage and Seth Higginson's rapid reflexes, the score could have hit double figures. They were unable to prevent the 5th for the visitors, but this would be a blip on the radar of an excellent second half performance. 

This was not by any means a dismal display, in fact, much the opposite. As the clock ticked down, the game temperature ticked back up and John Higginson found himself on the naughty step for an over-exuberant challenge on an onrushing Stone midfielder. 

The positives of this game far outweigh the negatives and it provides the 5ths with a strong platform on which to build going forward. This ever developing and ever improving team should by no means hang their heads in shame this week, but hold them high. Personal performances have increased throughout the season and this team poses a real threat to opposition teams. 

The 5ths make the journey to face the 4ths in the Telford derby next week and will be looking to utilise their performance once more. 

Man of the Match: Kirean Barclay