Stamford Open With A Loss
A loss for Stamford to start off their NPL Division One South campaign as they lose 3-1 to Witton Albion at the Zeeco stadium. writes Stephen Breden
After just three minutes Witton took a 1-0 lead after a long ball forward was allowed to bounce after an error of communication at the back. Witton’s number 9 Robert Hopley ran on to the ball and lobbed Stamford goalkeeper Peter Denton. After the Witton goal they enjoyed a period of control but were unable to trouble Denton in the Stamford goal.
Later in the half Stamford had their first chance of the game as a long throw came in but in the following scramble Stamford were unable to get a shot on target.
On the 33rd minute Witton doubled their lead after a free kick came in bouncing in front of the Stamford number 1 which was parried straight into the path of Hopley for his second of the game.
Following this the game started to become a little scrappy with neither team able to maintain a long period of possession in challenging windy conditions. In this period chances were few and far between with the best falling to Ryan Robbins who ran on to a long Jordan Smith ball which he controlled well and then toe poked wide.
On the 45th minute after a foul in the middle of the field a scrap between 21 of the players lead to Witton’s Prince Haywood and Stamford’s David Bell getting booked.
In the second half Stamford looked the brighter team with more possession than they had in the first half. After 55 minutes a deep corner from David Bell was headed towards goal by Sam Hill where it was put in by Ryan Robbins, opening his account for NPL First Division South, this year.
After these substitutions were made by Stamford as they tried to push to win the game, as first John King was replaced by Jevani Brown, then Elliot Sandy made way for Sam Mulready and finally Ryan Robbins was taken off for Jake Duffy.
Shortly after these substitutions a nasty looking injuries to Witton Albion’s Cameron Dalton lead to a long delay before he was stretchered off the field.
Soon after this Dalton’s replacement Tolani Omotola ran down the wing before squaring the ball across the box where it was slotted into the Stamford goal under the body of Peter Denton.
On the 81st minute Stamford had the last chance of the game with Jevani Brown’s powerful volley hit straight at Daniel Roberts in the Witton Goal.
Star Player
Delroy GordonKey moments
Videos and photos
Highlights
As it happened
- Stamford
- Witton Albion
- 0
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Robert Hopley Goal 3:00'
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Anthony Gardner Yellow Card 25:00'
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David Bell Yellow Card 26:00'
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Prince Haywood Yellow Card 26:00'
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Robert Hopley Goal 34:00'
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Niall Mather Yellow Card 40:00'
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Ryan Robbins Goal 55:00'
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John King Sub Off 59:00'
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Jevani Brown Sub On 59:00'
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Elliot Sandy Sub Off 63:00'
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Sam Mulready Sub On 63:00'
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Ryan Robbins Sub Off 66:00'
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Jake Duffy Sub On 66:00'
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Tolani Omotola Sub On 77:00'
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Cameron Dalton Sub Off 77:00'
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Karl Noon Goal 81:00'
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Karl Noon Sub Off 90:00'
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Ryan Hickman Sub On 90:00'
Team selection
- Stamford
- Witton Albion
Denton, Peter
Gordon, Delroy
Mather, Niall
Hill, Sam
Miller, Kern
Malone, Paul
Smith, Jordan
Bell, David
Sandy, Elliot
Robbins, Ryan
King, John
League round up
Other First Division South results
Comments
League table
| # | Team | Pl | Pts |
| 14. | Market Drayton Town | 42 | 50 |
| 15. | Sheffield FC | 42 | 48 |
| 16. | Stamford | 42 | 48 |
| 17. | Chasetown | 42 | 47 |
| 18. | Gresley FC | 42 | 45 |
| 19. | Carlton Town | 42 | 42 |
| 20. | Loughborough Dynamo | 42 | 34 |
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