Ten-man AFC Stoneham stun below-par Brockenhurst

Sydenhams Wessex Premier: Brockenhurst FC 0-1 AFC Stoneham

BROCKENHURST FC were left frustrated after they were unable to break down a 10-man AFC Stoneham in the last 30 minutes.

Brock went behind in the first 10 minutes when Callum Laycock got on the scoresheet for the visitors. Stoneham were reduced to 10 men in the second half after a second yellow, but the Badgers were unable to capitalise on the man advantage.

The hosts found themselves behind as Laycock found the back of the net after a goalmouth scramble. It was a fairly even first period after the goal as both teams had their chances, but neither could impact the game further.

In the second half, Brock went on the offensive to grab an equaliser. Young striker Freddie Bullard came close within minutes of the restart, but his close-range effort was blocked in front of goal.

The Badgers found success down the right wing through Will Tickle as he was a regular threat for the visitors. However, Stoneham remained resolute and refused to buckle under the pressure.

Tackles started to fly in, and the referee, who had been stringent with his cards all game, handed a red card to Will Wiseman for a cynical tackle on Tickle which earned him a second yellow card midway through the second half.

From the resulting free-kick, defender Patrick Wilson had a close strike which was well saved by the Stoneham keeper Tom Parker-Trott.

The intensity rose, and with the one-man advantage, Brock seemingly camped in the Stoneham half. However, on the counter-attack, the visitors had an opportunity to double their lead as Nathan Clements’ dinked chip was lofted over Jon Webb and the bar.

With time winding down, Brockenhurst had their final chance as Jude Nwachukwu headed goalwards from a long-distance free-kick, but it was well held by Parker-Trott who was essential in the visitors’ victory.