The Stainton Park Six

Taking up my usual position in the stand behind the goal and with both teams warming up for this local derby I felt that there was a real buzz around.The Ammies had brought a healthy keen following , the home support desperate for a home win in the league made for a great football cocktail. Gerry and Kevin had to mix it up again with late withdrawals of Unsworth and Rutter. The bench looked under no pressure with only Manning and Traynor siting on it.
Salford kick off hoping to get off bottom spot and looked lively to the task. Enniss tested the Boro defence and got a shot away for Priestley to take comfortably. Boro respond with a move that sees the visitors delay before clearing with Howson prowling. Boro win the first corner. Salford switch defence into attack and look dangerous with the home defence looking shaky. Priestley saves again low down from Enniss who is played in well by Brackenridge. Ennis involved again with support of Depeiaza , they combine well to let Kelly and his colleagues know they're in a game. Dawson clears from behind his keeper to keep the Salford outfit at bay. Chappell works hard to chase down and force the central defender to sky the ball, Howson latches on to attempt the lob but is off target . Boro find some relief from the early attacks of Salford when Jones (G) finds his way into the box after turning his defender well, he runs out of grass and the chance goes. Salford go again with a great run and cross that beats the defence to fly past the diving header of Depeiaza who is inches away from contact. The first 20 minutes belonged to Salford with a stuttering start by Radcliffe. The last attack wakes the boro up and some great football is played between Sampson, Connell & Hill . Battersby adds his presence to find Connell in acres with the keeper to beat he hits it firmly but Campbell saves well at point blank range. Boro win the free kick that Hill whips in to test the Ammies , Howson wins and the ball falls to Griff Jones who feints the shot and chips a great ball in for Dawson to score his second in 4 days with a convincing header 1-0 ! The ends change and Forrester brings a great one handed safe to his left, a great stop. Salford produce a couple more corners the latter ending in a shot that goes a couple of yards wide. The game is being played at a great tempo for the expectant crowd. A very quick half an hour goes before Chappell wins the ball in a central position, Howson stands strong and feeds Sampson who cuts into the box only to be brought down by Kay, Penalty, up steps Howson , Keeper saves ! Kay gets booked for booting the ball in the air through frustration. He wastes his energy on showing no respect for referee.. The visitors bench see sense and replace him before he is sent off. Danny White replaces him. The tangerine shirts play some good football on the half way line and gets them a free kick that does not result in any threat . Boro start to show the upperhand with some controlled play. Battersby is the main instigator and when he uses Sampson to find Connell he curls a shot low to the right of the keeper who concedes a corner. The ball swings in for Chappell to try and control the ball runs into the path of Connell who fires through a crowd to beat the keeper low to his right, 2-0! A comfortable lead to take down the tunnel.
The second half starts with Boro looking for more Howson and Connell are soon asking questions but it is the improved Griff jones who patiently waits for the chance to better the two defenders and push his shot from in the box passed the unsuspecting Campbell, 3-0 the Boro!
Soon after play starts again and howson finds a splitting pass to Jones (G) who takes his chance but fires high. Mark Jones shows real grit and chases down hard to defend the whole team start to play with confidence and clearly are now enjoying their football. Hill is supplying the best of the passes and one of them on 59 sees Battersby control take aim and score confidently to end the game, a deserved goal based on his recent form. 4-0 up and Chappell is replaced by Manning. Salford remain full of endeavour and are trying to play out of trouble. They are struggling with the step up to this division and it is starting to show. Manning involves himself early and gets to the bye line well his ball fins the keeper instead of Griff Jones. Boro are starting to turn the screw with Salford restricted to small break aways. Griff Jones is free again and proving to be the games best man , he chooses the wrong option this time ,leaving Howson screaming for it. The visitors produce a good move when Forrester & Kelly unite in finding Enniss who fires over the bar and stand. Manning looking sharp goes down the flank and sends the ball in to Battersby who attempts the 1-2 , the ball spins loose in the box and the awareness of Griff Jones and his strength to beat off defenders makes it 5 for the Boro, fantastic! Howson gets a rest on 80 and Traynor joins the party. The away side work hard to find some chances and do manage good shots by Forrester & Bancroft who keeps Priestley awake. The game is secured by six when Hill aims for Dawson who is just beaten by Robinson who clears only to Battersby his clever ball finds Lee Connell , Connell shapes well to fire in a great strike into the corner of the net, 6, yes 6!
The game ends as Dawson defends well to keep the clean sheet. The boro fans leave the stand half in joy , half in disbelief of the scoreline. Perhaps a little flattering given the start Salford made . The game was won by the more experienced side who are more than comfortable playing in this league. Salford will improve but it may take some time. They have a very supportive set of fans.
Wins lead to wins ,

see you at Mossley.