Two new teams lined up to face each other on the fabulous pitch at Massey Ferguson

Massey Ferguson v Stockton Reserves.

A very warm morning greeted the players and the eagerly awaited start to the season was upon us. The game started brightly and both teams settled into the game. The first action came after only ten minutes when a touch of over enthusiastic defending resulted in a penalty kick to Massey’s. With the small crowd eagerly anticipating the first goal of the season , Ross Davis struck it well, low down to the keepers left but with a great diving save it remains goalless. Five minutes later and Massey’s have a corner. A great knock into the box but it’s headed wide. Straight down the other end and John Ahearne latches onto a loose ball and fires home to put Stockton ahead. Four minutes later and we have our first goal for Massey’s. A long through ball and a one on one with the defender but 37 year old Davis gets the advantage and slots the ball home. Massey’s first goal in the Tracey Thomas Leamington and District Sunday Football League. Another break down the left and Massey’s looking good for a second but the pass was poor into the box. Stockton play out from the back with some intricate one touch play. A delightful passage of play results in a scramble in the box , and it results in a corner. The cross is half cleared and results in a Stockton free kick thirty yards out on the right. A lovely deep cross with some curl on it and it’s met by Alex Boulden who glances his header sweetly inside the far post. With half time looming another break down the left and youngster Quinn King picks up a pass out on the left. He jinks into the box and fires across the keeper into the net. Into stoppage time in the first half and Massey’s break down the right but the resulting shot is pushed wide of the far post by the keeper.

Half Time : Massey Ferguson 2 Stockton Res 2

Two minutes into the second half and Massey’s are on the charge. Fresh legs make an immediate difference and Stockton are under pressure. There’s a bit of ping pong in the Stockton box as the ball is cleared off the line twice, but amongst the melee Adam Buzzard finds some space and manages to turn and blast the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
Another chance goes begging when Stockton lose the ball in the middle of the park and the shot from 20 yards rifles just over the bar.
As time runs down Stockton continue to press but the final third lets them down. A close range effort sails past the post and a goal mouth scramble is cleared and results in another Massey break away that could easily have extended the lead barr the intervention of the post. Another chance results in a freekick just outside the box. The Stockton wall is lined up and the fierce strike is blocked. Time runs out and Massey’s hold on to take all three points.
A very enjoyable game for the neutral supporter with some good football , well reffed, and a fine sporting attitude from both teams.

Final Score: Massey Ferguson 3 Stockton Reserves 2