A new season and Athletico Stones looking to show they weren't just a one hit wonder. Played 2, lost 2. Brilliant. Confidence was low, really low. No. 1 keeper Taz having mental health issues since that fateful night on pitch 2, Moose goes down with a groin injury, Grigg with other commitments to a team that hadn't lost their last 3, Bray still weeks from recovery, Beast on the longest running goal drought in the Stones' 200 day history and replacement keeper Andy Law shaking like a leaf. The gaffer however, cool as a cucumber, completes an overnight loan signing of Scott Walker on a 'paid as you play' contract.
The match gets underway and the tension is fierce. Step up Jon Dey and Stones score the first goal of a game for the first time since March. The crowd goes quiet. The players on pitch 1 stop and turn. "Athletico are back".
A nervy affair continues and Athletico reach half time 2-1 up courtesy of fine link up play between Walker and Beast. The finish not quite as elegant as the build up with the ball bouncing off the keeper and in. But it would need a brave man to take anything away from Beast right now. At the other end of the pitch, debutant keeper was commanding his D and pulling off some absolutely outstanding saves and frustrating the opposition.
Jacob blows for the restart and when the 3rd Athletico goal hits the back of the net from Swiss Bone you'd be a fool for thinking the game wasn't wrapped up. The former invincibles had found form again, there was no way back for Stockwell. 3-2. Hang on. Fine, keep calm, composure needed. 3-3. Oh dear. This can't be happening again. Hearts start racing, a draw or a loss would end any already distant title hopes and 5 edgy minutes ensue. The stones need something here, a few attempts on goal test the keeper but nothing more. Until...Jon Dey beats a player, beats another and slots home an outstanding left footed strike. Athletico have taken the lead once more and CAS look deflated, heads drop and they've got nothing left. Nothing. Any attempt on goal is thwarted by Andy's excellent keeping. The goal tap turns on and a 5th and 6th quickly follow from Walker and Love. Both fine efforts. At 6-3 the Stones look comfortable but would love a goal to seal the deal. A mistake from the Stockwell keeper falls perfectly to the feet of Bone who to the amazement of the crowd, his teammates and the opposition, tries to lob the ball over a 6 foot keeper into a 5 foot high net from 6 yards, nearly putting the ball in row Z. It can only be described as ludicrous. Nevermind, the game was won and with not long left on the clock, a cross field ball from Jon Dey is pinpoint in accuracy and falls to the feet of Beast who volleys the ball into the back of the net. Amazing scenes. Game over.
Athletico Stones 7 -3 Change at Stockwell
