Stenson were now in a hunt for their 3rd consecutive victory as they started to climb to a more respectable league position.

They had never come across the Saturday section of today’s opponents Castle Donnington but today would visit their reserves.

Jake Danby and Tom Dallison would be returnees to the squad.

1st Half

It would be an evenly contested opening to the half, Donnington perhaps just shading it in opportunities created. It would be the hosts who would have their chance to open the scoring on 5 minutes, Lewis Hearne conceding a penalty. However it would be villain turned hero for Hearne as he denied the resulting spot kick. The “topsy turvyness” of the game would continue with Stenson now getting some better looks at goal themselves. It would be an unlikely opener as Rob Horton turned in a Ben Winfield free kick on 25 minutes however the lead wouldn’t last long as the home side would equalise minutes later. A competitive half would finish with Stenson in the ascendancy though, as Niall Worrall would dance around the Castle Donnington defenders and slot home leaving the visitors with a hard earned half time lead.

Half Time - Castle Donnington Reserves 1-2 Stenson

2nd Half

If the 1st half was anything to go by, it was going to take a big effort for Stenson to remain on top come the end of the game. However it would be Stenson this half who would come out the much stronger side, and after 10 minutes, would be further in front. Ash Allum this time getting in on the act scrambling home his own lob attempt, after getting on the end of an all too familiar Ash Hargreaves through pass. Stenson pushed on and in the last 20 minutes really finished off what looked like a shattered Donnington side. Chris Thomas would add further to his tally for the season slotting home 1v1 on 72 minutes. Jake Danby then put the cherry on top of the display with the goal of the game. Danby precisely volleying into the bottom corner having latched onto Ash Allums cross. It was not only the finish that was pleasing but also the build up play was equally as impressive. Stenson in the end, runaway winners.

Full Time - Castle Donnington Reserves 1-5 Stenson

Man Of The Match - Ben Winfield

Player Performance

Lewis Hearne - 8

Tom Heeley - 6

Tom Dallison - 7

Ben Winfield - 9 - MOM - A commanding and positive display, an integral part of the creativity coming from central areas.

Rob Horton - 7

Ross Webster - 7

Niall Worrall - 8

Sam Stuart - 7

Chris Thomas - 7

Ash Hargreaves - 8

Ash Allum - 8

Substitutes

Martin Hardy - 6

Jake Danby - 8

Matt Roberts - 7

Managers Thoughts

Again we were a little slow to get out of the blocks and a little tentative to begin with. Once we got going though and the confidence started to run through the side there was only ever going to be one result.

Our opponents troubled us 1st half, they would they had some bright young players but all it needed was that bit of authority to nullify what they had. We saw that in droves the second half.

With that authority, confidence then breathes through the rest of the team and our creative players and attacking threats can continue with the great work they’ve been doing so far this season.

The result then speaks volumes.

Especially pleased with that second half.

Well done.