Match Report – Alford 2-4 Stansfeld
FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 10th October
Alford 2-4 Stansfeld
Stansfeld made it into the first-round proper of the FA Vase for the first time ever, with an excellent 4-2 away win at Alfold.
Stansfeld started brightly and put their opponents, who are a step above under pressure from the first whistle. Stansfeld’s early pressure paid off when a great ball from Sam Ryan was met at the far post by Ryan Hassan who headed into the far corner to put the visitors 1-0 up.
Stansfeld continued to make chances and were rewarded when Macey Malyon closed down on the keeper and a poor pass allowed Hassan to rob the Alfold right back of possession and his neat pull back was smashed home by new boy Ross Morley for his first goal for the club. Midway through the first half Alfold were awarded a dubious penalty which they converted to make the score 1-2.
Despite the setback Stansfeld continued on the front foot and once again great pressure from the forwards resulted in Morley getting possession and he calmly finished with a cute shot into the bottom corner for his second of the game Stansfeld went into the break with a deserved 3-1 lead.
The Second half continued as the first half ended with Stansfeld on the front foot; Hassan was sent through clear on goal, but his low shot was well saved by the home keeper. Hassan was causing all sorts of problems and a low cross found Rob Hughes unmarked 6 yards out, but the ball was slightly behind him and he could only put the ball over the bar.
Alfold set up an intense finish when on the break they made the score 2-3 with an excellent finish over Stansfeld keeper Cottrell, but after that late drama there was no more scares for Stansfeld who defended well. In the dying minutes Stansfeld sealed their passage into the next round when man of the match Morley was sent clear from the half way line and showed great composure to bag his hat trick in only his second game for the club.
Stansfeld will now host AFC Hayes on the 31st October in the FA Vase First Round proper – 15:00 KO
