Stafford Town FC vs Abbey Hulton United
1 - 1
24 April 2021 · North West Counties<br>South
Home friendly match played on 24 April 2021.
Kicked off at 3:00 PM
1-1
vs Abbey Hulton United
Home friendly match
As 'competitive friendlies' go this one was full of incident, goalmouth activity, efforts on and off target and some fine saves by both keepers. We even had time for some handbags midway through the second half which didn't detract from a cracking game concluded with both teams enjoying a beer, or in our guests case beers plural in the post game sun.
Abbey had the better of the first half as Town struggled to settle into any kind of rhythm. The hosts weren't without chances but it was Abbey who were more in control and took the lead midway through. Some neat combination play out on the right wing saw the attacker fire home at the near post from a tight angle.
Town rang a few changes 2nd half introducing energetic skipper Charlie Swingwood returning from injury at the base of the midfield. A change up top saw trialist for trialist as Peter Tautscher replaced the hard working Connor Robillard. There were debuts for two promising lads from our u18's; 17 yr old Kaysan Al Salih and 16 yr old Jayden Moore were introduced for the second half and did themselves and the club proud.
It would take less than 5 mins for Towns bright restart to get them back on levels terms. Nice build up play involving both youngsters and Kaz Danillian resulted in Peter Tautscher stretching his right leg beyond the pressuring defending and stabbing the ball past the visiting keeper.
In reverse to the first half it was Town enjoying the lions share of the chances but again with both goals being tested.
In the final two minutes of the game the reintroduced Connor Robillard thought he'd won it for the hosts. A sublime first time cross from the right hand touchline to the opposite back post saw the Canadian arrive in perfect time to meet it. The reactions of the visiting GK to somehow deny him drew an impressive intake of breath from all in attendance. There was still time for a long ball over the top to see one of the Abbey strikers 1v1 with the debuting Ryan Pratt. The striker jinked one way, then the other before dispatching his shot but again the reactions of the keeper saw the game end level.
A really competitive and enjoyable encounter for all involved.
A quick mention to the referee who was a breath of fresh air. Relaxed, smiling and talked to players and dugouts throughout the game. Nobody officiating will ever get every decision right but this chap was top draw. We hope to see our opponents and the officials again soon.
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https://youtu.be/QiVKykNEC_s