Dominoes Lift The Staffordshire Vase
Tue 13th April 2010 | Stone Dominoes | By Ian Templeman
Stone Dominoes followed up their excellent away win on Saturday against Holker Old Boys by lifting the Staffordshire FA Challenge Vase on Monday night.
In front of a big crowd at Stafford Rangers ground, they deposed current Vase holders Heath Hayes by three goals to nil. The West Midlands outfit currently lie 4th in the Midland Combination Premier Division, but were no match for a determined Dominoes side who have clicked back into top gear in recent games.
Stone raced into a 4th minutes lead when a long corner from Lowndes dropped to Charlton who volleyed home at the far post. Despite Dom's winger Andy Matthews pace causing Hayes left back Wallis many problems there was little to test either keeper up to the break.
After the interval Stone had to withstand a period of pressure from Heath Hayes but the rearguard held firm with Bradbury dominant in the air and keeper Danny Roberts demonstrating assured handling.
But Hayes keeper Danny Lane was forced to turn a curling free kick from Lowndes round the post as Stone wrestled back the initiative, and when Danny Brown replaced Karl Charlton, within minutes he rifled in Stone's 2nd goal finishing off a smart move involving Matthews and Eldershaw with just ten minutes left of normal time.
Brown made the game safe for Stone four minutes later, when he was on hand to tap in after Matthews had burst down the right and cut the ball back from the by line.
Manager Sean Hollinshead said after the game: "Our win was fully deserved and hopefully the first of two with a top two league position in our sights. The Vase final was not taken lightly as it is a very prestigious competition, even though we have six important league games to come.
"Our form up to Christmas was excellent, however due to the enforced winter break and a few injuries we won only one out of seven games. Due to the excellent attitude and hard work of the players this was turned round resulting in winning three league games on the trot and the cup final.
"The effort the players put in on Monday showed the togetherness within the squad and also showed that hard work brings its own results."
Chairman Chris Haines said: "This is our first piece of silverware since we won the Division Two Trophy in 2003 and I am so pleased for everyone at the club. It's just reward for the hard work put in this season but we must now push on and secure promotion".
Stone Dominoes captain Niall Maguire is pictured below with the trophy.
Thanks to Colin Heath for the match report and picture.
Dominoes Lift The Staffordshire Vase
Tue 13th April 2010 | Stone Dominoes
By Ian Templeman
Stone Dominoes followed up their excellent away win on Saturday against Holker Old Boys by lifting the Staffordshire FA Challenge Vase on Monday night.
In front of a big crowd at Stafford Rangers ground, they deposed current Vase holders Heath Hayes by three goals to nil. The West Midlands outfit currently lie 4th in the Midland Combination Premier Division, but were no match for a determined Dominoes side who have clicked back into top gear in recent games.
Stone raced into a 4th minutes lead when a long corner from Lowndes dropped to Charlton who volleyed home at the far post. Despite Dom's winger Andy Matthews pace causing Hayes left back Wallis many problems there was little to test either keeper up to the break.
After the interval Stone had to withstand a period of pressure from Heath Hayes but the rearguard held firm with Bradbury dominant in the air and keeper Danny Roberts demonstrating assured handling.
But Hayes keeper Danny Lane was forced to turn a curling free kick from Lowndes round the post as Stone wrestled back the initiative, and when Danny Brown replaced Karl Charlton, within minutes he rifled in Stone's 2nd goal finishing off a smart move involving Matthews and Eldershaw with just ten minutes left of normal time.
Brown made the game safe for Stone four minutes later, when he was on hand to tap in after Matthews had burst down the right and cut the ball back from the by line.
Manager Sean Hollinshead said after the game: "Our win was fully deserved and hopefully the first of two with a top two league position in our sights. The Vase final was not taken lightly as it is a very prestigious competition, even though we have six important league games to come.
"Our form up to Christmas was excellent, however due to the enforced winter break and a few injuries we won only one out of seven games. Due to the excellent attitude and hard work of the players this was turned round resulting in winning three league games on the trot and the cup final.
"The effort the players put in on Monday showed the togetherness within the squad and also showed that hard work brings its own results."
Chairman Chris Haines said: "This is our first piece of silverware since we won the Division Two Trophy in 2003 and I am so pleased for everyone at the club. It's just reward for the hard work put in this season but we must now push on and secure promotion".
Stone Dominoes captain Niall Maguire is pictured below with the trophy.
Thanks to Colin Heath for the match report and picture.
