On Tuesday 13th May our Accrington Stanley Community Trust veterans team held a friendly against Clitheroe Lads United, in what proved to be a close competitive game. The game started at a frantic pace with the Stanley Vets having the upper hand early on. Stanley were rewarded for their dominance when David Kendall picked the ball up in the middle of the park and found James Kemp with a delicious pass with the outside of the boot. Kempy did the rest and lofted the ball over the keeper and into the top corner to make it 1-0.
With the vets having trained less than 24 hours earlier, and with Clitheroe having some youthful players, fitness began to play its part and Clitheroe began to get on top. Two quick fire goals from Clitheroe who took advantage of their pace having scored with balls over the top to take the lead at half time.
Manager on the day Matt Booth acted quick and made changes at half time to try and sure things up at the back. This meant reverting to a back 5 and adding a third centre half. While Clitheroe were dominating possession, Stanley managed to equalise and make it 2-2 with a counter attack which started down the right wing. The ball was delivered into debutant Damo Burrell who initially swung wildly and missed. He then regained composure and after beating the defender managed to cooly slot the ball past the onrushing keeper.
Clitheroe managed to restore the lead through a penalty kick and another quickfire goal to make the score 4-2. Another tactical change from Stanley added more bodies into a midfield who had worked hard throughout the game. This paid off, with Clitheroe seemingly comfortable in possession, an intense press from our front 2 led to a loose pass which fell to the feet of Jay Nestor-Entwistle who smashed the ball into the top corner to make it 4-3.
With Stanley taking risks in the game to try and equalise, we were caught out at the back, and Clitheroe’s young winger made a darting run in the box with the ball only to be chopped down by centre half Damian Chamberlain. Some heroics from goalkeeper Calvin Westwell meant that the score stayed at 4-3 at the final whistle as he sprung down to his left to make a fingertip save.
After the game we welcomed local charity Accrington Street Angels to come and do a talk to both groups of players which detailed exactly what the charity does to keep vulnerable people safe on the streets of Accrington. After Paul’s talk to the group, we were able to donate the £185 that was raised at the recent game between Accrington Stanley and Burnley Veterans teams at the WHAM stadium. This was followed up by a team curry, a wonderful end to a really enjoyable evening for all!