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Santos 1 Stonemasons 2

28/ 2/2008

STONEMASONS faced another big game on Saturday, taking on league leaders Santos and emerging victorious.

This game provided a test of character and whether of not they are destined to become champions or runners up. In a superb performance, the Heywood outfit did enough to convince that they can indeed capture the crown.

Within minutes of the kick off, Stone were awarded a penalty for a handball in the box. Central defender Stephen Penrose showed no fear, stepping up to take the spot kick, drilling the ball into the left-hand corner of the net and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

With a strong wind behind them, Santos took the game to the Stonemasons but were reduced to long-range shots which goalkeeper Barry Taylor dealt with comfortably.

Wilsher, Davies, Goodall and Kirk Orman in midfield were causing menace to the Santos defence while Ross Jones and Martyn Smith were combining to good effect up front.

Santos continued to take the game to Stonemasons, but in a fantastic counter attack Gary Goodall burst down the right wing to send a pinpoint cross to the head of centre forward Smith who rose to power home a header.

Santos were not to be denied, even though the visitors’ defence were giving them few clear-cut chances. From a freekick just before the break they scored via a header.

Kirk Orman, Adam Davies and Carl Orman all went close for Stonemasons while young substituteJohn McHale ran the Santos defence ragged with his strong running and closing down.

To Santos’ credit they never gave up but were thwarted time and again by the Masons’ backline of Penrose, Stephen Power, Mark Hughes and Andrew Carr.

The hosts’ goalkeeper pulled off a good save from McHale with 10 minutes remaining. Santos went upfield and were awarded a very soft penalty which their striker powered against the post. In a nervy closing few minutes, Santos’ forward went through on goal for a one on one with Taylor, who raced off his line and made a fantastic save which could well see Stonemasons crowned champions.

Among the many fine performances, Stephen Penrose won the man of the match award, leading the team by example.