**stones 1-3 Rock A Nore**

Another disappointing result for the stones today against Rock a Nore. The away side started brighter and when Matthew's gave away an early penalty they took a deserved lead. The stones were fortunate to only be 1-0 down as Rock a Nore continued to threaten and were awarded another penalty when Parry fouled the Rocks winger. Saunders came to the rescue saving the pen and Dave Hand reacted well to prevent the rebound going in. The Stones created a couple of half chances towards the end of the first half but nothing of any real note in a lacklustre 1st half performance.

The 2nd half started like the 1st when The stones gave away possession cheaply and Rocks forward Reece Johnson broke away and finished well from a tight angle.

The stones did rally and improve as the half progressed and Pugh fired over the bar after an excellent throught ball from Cusden. Davies started to look threatening down the right and they eventually got one back when Cusdens long throw found Johnson in the box who rolled one man, side stepped another and squared for Pugh who made no mistake with a low finish from close range.

The Stones momentum was building and when Rock a Nore had a man sin binned an equaliser looked on the cards but never materialised.

The Stones day was compounded when a late 2nd yellow card for Parry evened the sides up to 10 men each.

Rock a Nore added a late 3rd with a break away and good finish. 4 defeats in a row now for the stones, it's becoming a bleak winter where injuries, unavailability and loss of form has cost them dear after some bright early season form.

Next week we face Herstmonceux in what feels like a must win game if the stones have any ambition of finishing in a high league position.

#UTS