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Azzuri 1 - 5 Stonemasons

5/ 3/2008

STONEMASONS turned in an inspirational performance against Azzuri on Saturday, to move five points clear of Santos at the top of the Rochdale Online League first division with two games in hand.

In difficult conditions – a swirling wind and sodden pitch – this was an outstanding team performance from the Heywood outfit.

Stonemasons started strongly and Mark Hughes and Joe Wilsher brought fine saves from the keeper.

Stonemasons, though, were not to be denied and when the keeper deflected Stephen Power’s firm header, Ross Jones was on hand to fire home.

Azzuri were struggling to cope with the pace and power of the Heywood team as Power and Gary Goodall combined to set up Martyn Smith, who coolly slotted the ball past the keeper for a 2-0 half-time lead.

After the break, Stonemasons turned on the style and a dazzling move involving Adam Davies and Goodall saw Smith roll the ball into the path of Wilsher who unleashed a thunderbolt which scorched into the top right-hand corner of the net.

John McHale came off the bench and was soon on the scoresheet.

He received the ball with his back to goal and, although he was closely marked by three defenders, managed to spin clear and steer the ball into the bottom corner.

Azzuri pulled a goal back but their joy was shortlived. Stonemasons came straight back when Smith steered a long clearance into the path of Wilsher who slammed the ball low and hard past a helpless keeper.

The goal capped a tremendous win for Stonemasons and a superb display by Wilshere. His powerhouse performance saw him named man of the match.