Abbey Hulton United vs Stafford Town FC
2 - 1
13 May 2021 · North West Counties<br>South
Away friendly match played on 13 May 2021.
Kicked off at 7:30 PM
2-1
vs Abbey Hulton United
Away friendly match
Town started really lively and were enjoying some short, sharp interchanges that saw Nathan Scott in particular getting in behind his fullback marker several times in the first ten minutes. A little composure in the opening few minutes should have seen him find a target man and ask something of the home stopper but the delivery was over hit beyond everyone. The nippy winger would go on to have a very effective game on the right wing.
The hosts weathered the early storm and it was they who broke the deadlock around the half hour mark. It looked like the initial threat from the attack had been quashed but the second ball was picked up a lively Abbey attacker who unleashed a fierce drive from the edge of the box. Stand in keeper Henry Smith pulled off an outstanding save however the rebound was pounced on and tucked away giving no chance at all. HT 1-0.
A change of personnel and a tweak in formation saw the visitors again start the half very brightly and this time they got their rewards. Not too dissimilar to the hosts goal in structure, Nathan Scott unleashed a shot which was parried only for Sean Kinsella to be first to the rebound and his side footed find the inside of the far post.
The next 25 minutes was a decent battle between two sides that were both up for getting stuck in. The goal had buoyed Town and there was a confidence to their play with neat 1-2's and solid passages of play at times frustrating the hosts into some last ditch challenges.
A big positive from this trip into deepest Stoke was the debut of 16 year old Jayden Moore. The Town u18 player came on at right back at half time and put in a very impressive 2nd half. It was clear from the off the lad likes to get forward and proof of why came around the hour mark. An absolutely delightful bending cross into the box was met by the head of the leaping Josh Wilson however the keeper was equal to it and the scores remained level.
Both sides played some lovely stuff in the final half hour of the encounter and the hosts found a way to take the victory with just five minutes remaining on the clock. The ball was played into the Town penalty area and the assistants flag went up only to then go back down and play carried on. The initial attack was headed clear however a Hulton midfielder in an advanced position picked up the loose ball and dispatched it into the top corner from fully 20 yards out. Hard for the young Town side to take however sometimes you just have to applaud the quality of a goal rather than beat yourself up too much.
Well done to all involved (even the nearside assistant) in what was a very entertaining encounter for the lucky few that got to witness it.
All the very best to the good folk at Abbey for the forthcoming season.