Match Report: Louth Town vs. Stamford, 16th Jul 2011

Stamford started their pre season campaign at Northern Counties East side,  Louth Town.

Simon Clark had 21 players and, with Gavin Saxby the only goalkeeper, that made a neat choice of ten different out field players in each half.

First Half Team
Gavin Saxby, Matt Cook, Nick Jackson, Chris Gray, Stuart King, Michael Jacklin, Dan Cotton, Danny Steadman, Dean Oliver, Sam Mullarkey, Aiden Brady.

The opening minutes were dominated by Stamford who were moving the ball around well on a lush playing surface.  Sam Mullarkey had the first chance with a quick turn but his shot was straight at the Louth keeper. The keepers long clearance forced a Louth corner but Nick Jackson won the ball and quickly played the ball forward to Mullarkey.  He crossed to Chris Gray, who had run from one box to the other, but his shot was well saved.

Both wide players were causing problems and they nearly combined to put Stamford ahead but Aiden Brady’s cross was whipped off Dan Cotton’s toes on the six yard line. Two minutes later Cotton did put Stamford ahead.

Danny Steadman controlled the ball well creating space for himself before playing the ball into the path of Cotton.  He took the ball forward before shooting between the ‘keeper and the near post.

Louth were creating few chances but Jackson had to be sharp to block a rare shot and deflect the ball for a corner.  For spells in the game Louth struggled to get the ball as Stamford kept control.

Another cross from Brady set up Mullarkey but his shot was blocked but, with six minutes or so left in the half, he made it 2-0 when a poor clearance went straight to him.  His first shot was blocked by the keeper but Mullarkey followed up and tapped the ball home.

Cotton made it 3-0 picking up a long ball, first turning the keeper and then a defender, before sliding the ball home.

Gavin Saxby had his first test as the half drew to a close with a free kick heading for the top corner.  Even at 6’4”, he had to stretch to tip the ball over the bar.

It was a promising first half display with Stamford looking good going forward, winning much of the ball in midfield but not coming under too much defensive pressure.

Second Half Team
Gavin Saxby, Lee Thompson, Dan Barratt, Dan Brooks, Miles Chamberlain, Seth Burkett, Lee Beeson, Jake Gibson, Gary King, Jason Kilbride, Andy Toyne.

It was much tighter in this half with Louth defending better. Stamford still moved the ball around but they came up against a more resolute defence.  The first chance for either side came almost mid way through the half and that was a long range shot from Andy Toyne.

With 15 minutes left, Saxby had to be sharp to block a through ball colliding with the boots of Miles Chamberlain and a Louth forward.  Dan Barratt peered up at Saxby’s chin to confirm a deep cut underneath so Saxby was withdrawn with Dan Brooks going in goal.

All the first half players were by now showered and changed so Stamford finished the game with ten men.

Stamford finished the half strongly and a curving shot from Lee Beeson was palmed away for a corner.

Despite not adding to the scoreline, it was a positive second half for Stamford. Well organised in midfield and defence they rarely allowed Louth to get into a threatening position.  The first half forwards had more pace which stretched Louth more than in the second half. For the first game, there were plenty of good points but it was only the first game and there are sterner tests to come.