Stratford

[juanillo]

The equaliser was poor defending and their winner was just panic and bad defending.

It all started with the foul to give them a free kick in a dangerous place which hit the bar. Attempts to clear it were poor and we were warned with a free overlap down their left which wasn't cleared and then we allowed them to repeat the overlap.

The game never merited 5 goals as they were largely due to defensive mistakes and both sides resorted to launching it long from the start.

We did play better in the 2nd half when there was slightly less long ball, but the cohesion at the back is just not there; hence there are far too many unnecessary goals being conceded.

[andy]

Unfortunate. No real difference in the style of play but the performance was a little better again. Stratford were no better than us, just finished the game stronger. We really need to start playing to the strengths of the players we have, I reckon about 1 in 10 of these long balls upfield actually stick. It's non effective and poor to watch. So why, just why? I know I'll probably get panned for this, but I can't see any willingness from Russ to change this, and if he won't, then he's not the man to take us forward. Unlucky today admittedly but we really need to change our plan, and quickly.

[Rich]

I think good signs are there with the new guy up top. Just need to change our style of play to get our creative players involved to make the chances and I'm sure now we have a guy willing to make the runs and get on the end of them.
Presume Holmes now back at Solihull as not on bench today.
Think we need a couple more signings as bench very limited.
Table looks deceptive as all teams below have games in hand.

[andy]

Didn't we just know as well that their number seven, Styche, was going to score. Reminded me so much of Insall, old head, been around for years, spends all game winding people up and pops up with goal near the end. Git.

[Simons]

Don't know what has happened defensively. I thought that would be our strength based on how it was at the end of last season. It always seemed we would struggle to score goals, as has been proved. But 3 home games now where we have conceded 3 or 4
Not going to get many points if that continues

[DJ]

Southern League Premier Central – Saturday, 28th September 2024

Halesowen Town 2 Stratford Town 3

Stratford struck two late goals to snatch victory and deny Halesowen the chance to go top of the table, writes DJ.

Yeltz manager Russ Penn could not hide his extreme disappointment at the outcome. “We switched off for three goals. It was an outstanding performance for 85 minutes, but we’re so naïve. We were top of the league and chucked it away - we don’t know how to see games out.”

McKauley Manning robbed the Stratford defence allowing Jak Hickman to flash a 4th minute shot wide and a speculative 35 yard free-kick from Stratford captain Paul McCone on his birthday landed on top of the net as the first half started evenly with few chances.

More chances were created late in the first half as Manning brought a 36th minute save from Stratford goalkeeper Jacob Weaver and defender Ryan Wollacott just failed to connect with the resulting corner at the far post.

The Yeltz took the lead after 37 minutes when a defensive mix-up let in Todd Parker and although Weaver saved his shot, the rebound fell invitingly for Conor TEE to slam home into an open net. But Halesowen’s lead lasted just a few minutes when the Bards won the ball back and set up unchallenged Callum EBANKS to beat goalkeeper Dan Platt for a first-half injury time equaliser.

In a competitive start to the second half, Manning’s 49th minute free-kick was grabbed by Weaver.
The Yeltz then regained the lead in the 62nd minute following an instant impact from substitute Jordan Ponticelli on his Yeltz debut. Ponticelli met Hickman’s right wing cross with an overhead kick and Weaver could only push the ball out for Kieren DONNELLY to bundle the ball home.

Weaver then did just enough to keep out Manning’s 20 yard shot before the Bards finished with a fine flourish. Reece STYCHE was put through and skipped down the right to beat goalkeeper Platt with a low shot to make it 2-2 in the 84th minute. With the pressure on Halesowen in added time, Lewis Ludford-Ison struck the home crossbar from a free-kick from the edge of the home area and Platt cut out a cross from the left by Ebanks.

But the Bards grabbed their winner in the fifth minute of added time when a shot from Owen James was deflected and fellow substitute Lewis WILSON stabbed home after just entering the game.

Halesowen Town: Dan Platt; Jak Hickman (Adi Yussuf 90), Nat Kelly, Josh Smile (Reece Mitchell 80), Ryan Wynter (c), Ryan Wollacott, Todd Parker, Conor Tee (Jordan Ponticelli 58), Kieren Donnelly, McKauley Manning, Ben Cassidy. Subs Not Used: Luke Postle, Lewis Solly.

Stratford Town: Jacob Weaver; Alexander Williams, Finley Brennan, Josh Hawker (Charlie Williams 68), Paul McCone (c), Babatomiwa Solanke (Owen James 60), Reece Styche (Lewis Wilson 89), Lewis Ludford-Ison, Callum Ebanks, Daniel Lafferty, Christopher Hussey. Subs Not Used: Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton, Maxx Clutterbuck.

Referee: Jason Porter Attendance: 1,001
Booked: Williams (6), Wollacott (21), McCone (49), Hickman (90), Lafferty (90)

[andy]

Just read DJ's report. Russ thinks we were OUTSTANDING for 85 minutes!!!!!!! Ouch.

[Rich]

Yeltz manager Russ Penn could not hide his extreme disappointment at the outcome. “We switched off for three goals. It was an outstanding performance for 85 minutes, but we’re so naïve. We were top of the league and chucked it away - we don’t know how to see games out.”

Not sure I would call it outstanding

[andy]

Didn't hear a MOTM today. For me, Manning by a mile.

[TheWitleyWonder]

Thought the new bloke looked enthusiastic and put himself around a bit . I’ve seen bits of criticism of the defence but I will come back to it again there are so many occasions where better decision making and taking care of the ball would help .
Ironic that the one time we needed to hoof the ball we didn’t and Stratford eventually scored from us not clearing our lines effectively .