Stafford Town’s final pre-season match at Allscott was a Jekyll and Hyde performance for the visitors, as they dominated the first half and should have put the result beyond doubt but only scored once. The second half was a different affair, the hosts capitalising on some sloppy mistakes from Stafford to emerge with a 2-1 victory. Stafford had a first minute chance, Nathan Scott latching onto a good clearance by ‘keeper Joe Williams before shooting wide. After a shot in the box by Allscott was saved, a neat one-two between Josh Oultram and Josh Wilson Jr on the left led to a low cross that was finished at the back post by Scott; however the assistant referee had flagged for offside in the build-up, much to the bemusement of the Stafford contingent. Stafford were clearly on top in the game, passing the ball well through the pitch whilst the attacking players displayed several neat interchanges. Charlie Swingwood and Henry Smith were dealing with the Allscott attacking threat through the middle, which appeared to lack the final piece of quality required to create a clear chance. Wilson had a shot saved after being put through on goal in the tenth minute, with Sean Kinsella having a shot go just wide after flicking off a defender minutes later. ‘Kaz’ Danilian then had an effort cleared off the line after dribbling into the box, Allscott responding with a forward ball into the box that resulted in a shot that was saved. A superb driving run down the left by Oultram in the 37th minute almost ended in a goal but his effort hit the post. Stafford took the lead a minute later, Ben Wood winning the ball in midfield and playing the ball into Danilian to flick through for Wilson, who curled the ball into the bottom corner. The final promising chance of the half saw Kinsella hit the post with a well-placed free kick in the 42nd minute. HT 1-0 Stafford Town. The second half was a frustrating one for Stafford, as they appeared to lose the rhythm in their play and concede possession more cheaply and consistently. Whilst some may point to a number of half-time substitutions, the players who continued from the first half also dropped their level and allowed the hosts back into the contest. The equaliser arrived in the 57th minute, Allscott stealing the ball in the Stafford half and driving towards goal, before bypassing the ‘keeper to score. The turnaround was complete in the 65th minute, a straight ball down the middle leading to a mix-up between a Stafford defender and the goalkeeper, ending with a shot across goal into the far bottom corner. Oultram had another good opportunity as he drove into the box with the ball but unfortunately he attempted to cut back inside instead of shooting and the chance was gone. Scott had a shot pushed wide for a corner in the 76th minute after a driving run, before a short corner involving Wilson led to a cross and shot across the goalmouth. Allscott headed over from a corner in the 81st minute as they looked to finish the game. Stafford substitute Will Bates delivered a decent low cross from the right in the 85th minute but no finish was forthcoming. Stafford had a final chance with two minutes to go, a free kick by Wilson into the box resulting in a shot that was wide of the target. FT 2-1 Allscott. Stafford open their league campaign on Saturday 30th July with a stern test, as last year’s beaten play-off finalists, New Mills visit Evans Park. This is followed by another home match against Ellesmere Rangers on Tuesday 2nd August, the Shropshire side winning both league encounters last season.
