High-flying AFC Stoneham extend Baffins Milton Rovers wait for first points of 2020

Baffins Milton Rovers are still searching for their first points of the new decade following a 2-0 Wessex League Premier defeat at AFC Stoneham.
Baffins' assistant manager Steve Ledger. Picture: Chris MoorhouseBaffins' assistant manager Steve Ledger. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Baffins' assistant manager Steve Ledger. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

The visitors started well and more than matched their high-flying opponents, but neither side could break the deadlock going into the interval.

Stoneham had to wait until just before the hour mark to go ahead and somewhat fortunate having been awarded a penalty.

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After taking the lead, the hosts looked like the only winners and doubled their advantage seven minutes later.

‘In the first half we were fantastic, but after the break we were nowhere near good enough,’ assessed assistant manager Steve Ledger.

‘We dominated the first period but failed to make it count.

‘Slowly but surely, we are getting back into it as this was only our third game in nine weeks.

‘We need to get our match sharpness back.’

Baffins fired several warning shots as they more than matches Stoneham in the opening 45 minutes.

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However, the hosts started the second period on fire and sent an effort against the outside of the post.

Meanwhile, at the other end Tommy Scutt twice found time and space on the left to cross into the Stoneham box and both times Rudi Blankson was unable to take advantage and connect with the ball in front of goal.

Just before the hour the hosts were awarded a penalty by referee Harry Redman when he adjudged Sam Emeny's tackle on Eduardo Jimenez inside the box to be a foul despite Baffins' protests.

Scott Hills took advantage to rifle home the spot-kick with 58 minutes on the clock.

Seven minutes later and the Stoneham doubled their advantage when Callum Glen was caught on the ball just outside the box and Will Wiseman picked up the pieces and let fly with an unstoppable drive.

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