On the day of El Clasico, Stow Town came away from their very own derby, with no points to take with them. In the first game against Falcons of the season, Stow went down 3-1 after the odd mistake cost them dearly. Conditions were wet and foggy at the Village Hall, but the mist cleared in time for 10:30, although a lack of referee delayed the encounter further. However, eventually Lee stept in to take charge of proceedings - yes, the situation was that bad.
Manager Neil had made one change from last week's victory over Elmswell, James replaced Henry in the midfield. As well as this the return of Jack and Jamie supplied wide options on the sidelines should they be needed. With Harrsion leading the line, it was he who had the first real chance of the half; Liam playing the ball through as H rounded the keeper but couldn't get enough power on the shot.
James had two opportunities to put his stamp on the game, firing wide twice, after finding himself in the box. Jamie and Jack were introduced rather quickly in place of Ryan and Jacob, to give Stow more attacking tenacity. Falcons had their first chance too, after Stow gave the ball away on halfway, before their centre-forward ran forward, only to shoot wide. It would turn out that the attacker would be amidst more controversy minutes later.
As two players went in for the ball, in the corner of the Stow half, Swanny came off badly, and required lengthy treatment. Fortunately he was okay to carry on, although it was later revealed that he had been studded in the neck. And that proved the final action of a cagey half, where possession was about 50-50, with Stow probably having the better chances.
Henry replaced James at half-time, but Stow started the half under pressure, and couldn't get the ball out of their half. Dan beat away a shot, before the inevitable arrived: Cookie and Swanny both went in for a tackle, but the ball trickled past the pair of them. Falcons were 2 on 1 against our goalie, and he saved the first effort well, but the second was put beyond considerable doubt, and Falcons led 1-0. Changes were made immediately. Matty and Ryan replaced Harrison and Cookie respectively.
Town looked like they would get an equaliser instantly, as Swanny sent a free-kick into the box, and Harvey sent a looping header towards the goal, which the keeper parried, and Falcons cleared. Harvey had another attempt seconds later, as his shot incredibly cannoned off the crossbar. James re-entered the fray for Jack, and Stow were made to pay for missed chances. As Falcons broke from the halfway line, the ball came across from the left hand-side, and their player put it beyond Dan, with little time left, to put Stowupland firmly in the driving seat.
Almost from the kick-off, a glimmer of hope was restored, as a Harvey free kick from a fair way out found the back of the net. But that was gone within minutes as Stow again gave the ball away, which was then put through to their controversial striker, who made it 3-1 and put the result beyond doubt.
It could have very easily been four, but the magnificent Swanny cleared off the line to keep defeat at a minimum. And so, it finished 3-1. As I said our Captain was exceptional throughout, but Falcons were more clincial in the 2nd half. Revenge could be served later in the campaign, but as for now, bragging rights go to Falcons, and probably deservedly so.
Next week, Stow are back on home soil, against formidable Bury Panthers, and a performance is needed to quickly forget a disappointing derby day.
