On Thursday 3rd May, Stretton Handley football team travelled to Grassmoor Primary for the final game of the season. Again, the team were without usual captain LM.
Straight from kick off, Grassmoor started fast and took the lead within 2 minutes with a good low shot that TH had no chance to save. Stretton kept on battling and had a few good chances through MH, LR and RJ. However, just before half time Grassmoor scored again to make it 2-0.
After a quick team talk, the Stretton team came out fast and scored through a brilliant tackle by MT which led to MH running through and smashing the ball into the roof of the net to make it 2-1. Stretton kept up the pressure and from a good kick by TH, GH found herself on the edge of the Tupton box only for the goalkeeper to come out and smother the ball.
Tupton managed to break through with 10 minutes to go and increase their lead to 3-1. Again though, Stretton didn’t give up and LH played a good pass to LR who crossed for MH who brought it down and calmly placed the ball into the corner to make it 3-2.
Stretton were searching for the equaliser and were caught on a counter attack which led to a penalty decision, which was waved off as advantage, leading to a Tupton goal, causing confusion amongst players and parents. TH as well as the Stretton defence stopped as the whistle went, only for the referee to wave play on. A very debatable goal to make it 4-2 to Tupton.
In the last minute a driving run from RL nearly completed the scoring only for his shot to go just wide of the post.
A good final match of the season with an unfortunate defeat.