Sarries maintain top spot with come from behind win over Stonehouse Town

A four minute second half turnaround saw Cheltenham Saracens come from behind to defeat Stonehouse Town on Saturday afternoon thanks to goals from Connor Stalley and Jacob Chamberlain, writes Alfie Richmond.

Having seen off FC Stratford on Tuesday night, table-toppers Saracens welcomed local rivals Stonehouse Town to Petersfield Park. Their opponents, unbeaten in their last six, began the afternoon in ninth place; just six points behind the leaders.

Ryan Dobbins had a great chance to put the hosts ahead in the 13th minute. Joe Richards did superbly to keep the ball in play by the by-line and cut it back into the box, but the ball bobbled just in front of Dobbins, denying him a tap-in.

On 28 minutes, Josh Aldridge’s free-kick found Tom Hoskins who, again, couldn’t get a clean enough connection on his volley, which was well held by Stonehouse keeper Daniel Brabham.

Dobbins had the ball in the net 5 minutes later after Essa Sabally’s drilled cross, but the linesman’s flag was up.

Moments before the break, the home side created the best chance of the half. Dobbins and Richards linked up neatly before the latter’s strike forced a strong stop out of Brabham.

With very little goal-mouth action in the first half, it was all to play for at the break.

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Just four minutes into the second half, and it was the visitors who made the break-through.

Finn Rees’ chipped ball over the Sarries defence fell into the path of Jorell Sanniola, who headed over Harvey Need and into the net. Despite claims for an offside, the flag stayed down, and it was 1-0 to Stonehouse.

On 66 minutes, Richards had a decent chance to get the hosts level. Sabally’s long throw caused the Stonehouse defence problems, and when the ball dropped to the midfielder, his half-volley spun over the bar.

Saracens eventually got their equaliser courtesy of Connor Stalley. Richards’ persistence paid off as he bundled his way into the box, before squaring the ball to Stalley for a tap-in. With 17 minutes to play, it was 1-1.

Just four minutes later, the hosts went ahead. Grabham denied Sabally from point-blank range, but on the follow-up, the Sarries full-back delivered a pinpoint cross for substitute Jacob Chamberlain to head home and make it 2-1.

The away side inevitably launched a late rally for an equaliser, and with minutes remaining, came mightily close. Lee Keveren met Jamol Dare’s cross well at the back post, but his header sailed over the bar. And with that, the game ended, and Saracens maintain their position at the top spot.

Both sides kickstart their FA Vase campaigns next Saturday, with Sarries hosting Fairford Town and Stonehouse hosting Calne Town. Saracens take a trip to Bewdley the following week, whereas Stonehouse host Carterton.

Subs: Comerford, Richardson, Chamberlain (71’), Marszalek (90’)

Subs: Dare (81’), Hawes (65’), Keveren (71’), Weyman, Redding (65’).

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Joe Richards (Cheltenham Saracens)