| Match Report |
Looking to bounce back for the disappointment for last week's away defeat to Newport, Telford 5ths took the hallowed turf with high expectations and dogged determination.
In current tradition of bringing in young talent, the 5ths welcomed Connor Ashbridge to the fold for his league debut.
Chris Davies returned for his second 5th XI appearance, whilst Gary Stacey slotted in to the midfield, while Alan Bain came back after his absence last week.
The blues began as expected: like a whippet, with Stacey's unexpected burst of pace fooling the Stafford midfield, carving out an early chance for the forward like of Chiverton, Brannen and De Vere - resulting in a a game of pinball inside the Stafford circle. With the ball eventually finding its way outside the 23 to Wheeler, whose pacey ball through the Stafford defence found an ambling Stacey on the penalty spot, who exquisitly directed the ball into the sideboard past a stranded keeper.
If St. Georges' was a casino, then Telford were on a winning streak. Within minutes, the Stafford defence once again cashed in all their chips, gambling on a barrage of carefully picked out balls intersecting the circle and finding the stick of De Vere; coolly slotting in from close range.
Strong interchanges through George Pittson, Paul Tyant on the left channel saw Telford heap more pressure on and the wheel spinning.
However, luck is a fickle lady and Telford's luck was about to change. The Stafford midfield began working in between pockets of the Telford line, finally managing to penatrate the circle and have their own plethora of chances. Through the resolute defending of Kieran Barclay, Jerry Cresswell and Chris Davies, the Blues weathered the storm. However, lady luck had a very unladylike way of running out.
Wheeler barged off the ball; forward breaks into the circle; goal.
That glimmer of a comeback may just be on.
Half time brought it's usual discussion and the 5ths were focused with the job they had to do and the role they had to play. The next goal was crucial and Man of the Match Alan Brannan's persistent hassle of the backline and constant lead runs made him the biggest threat to Stafford's defence. Through his tenacity, a penalty corner and a chance to extend their lead.
Previous corners in the first half amounted to not very much at all, but this was a chance to put it right. The ball reached the ever present, ever hassling John Higginson at the top of the circle, who slotted it to penalty corner danger man Wheeler; who proceeded to extend Telford's lead.
With the fans exuberant and players buoyed by securing their third goal, it became about defending and preserving before pushing. This, however, would not be the case for long.
Excellent triangular play from Stafford's experienced players saw the ball break into the circle once again. It was now Telford's time to play pinball wizard.
Ashbridge provided great utility as both a wide man and forward, pressing hard to force errors in the backline. Combining with Pittson and Bain to force his way into the circle for another Telford chance.
A combination of bad luck, unfortunate passes and missed opportunities let Stafford back into the game. A clean finish past Seth Higginson closed the deficit to just one goal.
This time fortune favoured the brave as Stafford surged forward and delivered Telford the sucker puch - 2 goals in quick succession. Even the heroic last ditch defending could not save Telford from their fate.
The clock was ticking, it was the last roll of the dice. Persistent forward play led to a smattering of Telford chances, when with 2 minutes to play the home side were awarded their final penalty corner.
4-3 down, 2 minutes left, 1 chance.
Stafford could do nothing to stop the bullet flick which nestled the the bottom corner, drawing the game. As the whistle blew, a drew was a fair result. For the visitors, just their second point of the season. For the Blues, a draw from the jaws of defeat is some consolation and a point, dear reader, is better than none!
Man of the Match: Alan Brannen
Goal Scorers: G. Stacey (FG) E. De Vere (FG), A, Wheeler (PC)(PC)
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