Stourbr*dge Updates

[Johnny Bud]

Sub: Cassidy on for Mitchell

[Johnny Bud]

Another booking for them!

[Johnny Bud]

Sub: ‘Player’ on for Smile.

[Johnny Bud]

GOAL!!!

1.0 The ‘player’ who just came on! Sign him up!

[Johnny Bud]

GOAL!!! 2.0 Finn

[Johnny Bud]

Full time: 2.0

[DJ]

Pre-Season Friendly – Saturday, 2nd August 2025

Halesowen Town 2 Stourbr*dge 0

Halesowen struck two late goals to retain the Brookes-Clark Shield in the final friendly ahead of the new season, writes DJ. This season’s annual game raised money for Alzheimer’s UK.

With the Yeltz using their new squad number system and wearing the new season’s home kit, Jak Hickman’s second minute corner was cleared. Brad Bood soon nodded wide for the Glassboys after six minutes and Ethan Freemantle lashed a shot into the side netting a minute later in a first half just edged by the visitors.

Hickman felt he was upended in the penalty area in the 11th minute but play was waved on and visiting goalkeeper Charlie Price held onto a 14th minute effort from Jason Cowley.

Midway through the half, Dan Platt easily collected Jez Abbey’s free-kick and Platt saved another Freemantle shot at full stretch. Shortly before the interval, Cowley struck just over the bar and Charlie Wragg was crowded out after he met Reece Mitchell’s cross.

It was a far better second half performance from the Yeltz as momentum steadily built towards the two late winning goals. There were also some meaty challenges after the interval with yellow cards shown to McKauley Manning of the Yeltz, followed by both Brad Bood and Jenson Sumnall of the Glassboys.

Cowley struck over the bar at the culmination of a good 51st minute move before Platt saved from Freemantle with his legs and then pushed the ball away for a corner from Blaine Rowe’s 62nd minute header.

Jamie Willets headed wide from Manning’s 67th minute cross and Stourbr*dge substitute Finn Holmes was denied at the other end in the 76th minute after he raced into the penalty area, only to be blocked out by the home defence. Manning then drew a fine save from goalkeeper Price after 77 minutes.

The Yeltz finally took a 78th minute lead when TRIALIST C planted home a free header past Price from Finn’s right wing corner. Finn almost nipped in to pass Price just a minute later following more good work from Trialist C before the hosts then did well to clear a period of pressure in their home area in the 82nd minute.

Halesowen made it 2-0 with a delightful second goal in the 89th minute when Manning lofted the ball across the penalty area for FINN to control calmly and bury into the corner of the net. Platt maintained his clean sheet by saving a low shot from Archie Kirton in added time.

Halesowen Town: Dan Platt; Jak Hickman, Josh Smile (Trialist C 75), Ryan Wollacott, Alex Gudger (McKauley Manning 46), Charlie Wragg (Kyle Finn 46), Jason Cowley, Reece Mitchell (Ben Cassidy 63), Milan Butterfield (Trialist E 52), Jamie Willets (c), Todd Parker. Unused Substitutes: Gael Mfuamba (GK), Luke Postle, Trialists A, B, D.

Stourbr*dge: Charlie Price; Blaine Rowe, Ruben Freeman, Jenson Sumnall (Archie Kirton 87), Joel Kettle (c), Tom Solanke, Dom Lewis (Matt Harland 85), Ethan Freemantle (Ari-Jae Shaw 84), Jez Abbey (Jack Concannon 70), Brad Bood, Tyrone Barnett (Finn Holmes 54). Unused Substitutes: Stan Amos, Jake Cooper, Joe Morris, Trialist A.

Referee: Jack Shepherd
Booked: Manning (48), Bood (60), Sumnall (66)

[andy]

Probably more realistic today, playing against a side from our level. It was certainly 'competitive'. To get that out of the way first, they should have been down to 9 men and that's that. We were probably fortunate to come away with a positive scoreline I feel, as Stour had a good many chances and Platt looked like he was never going to be beaten. Once the 3 big lads at the back get more used to playing together I think we'll be fine defensively. Wing backs, no problem, Jack, Reece and Ben all suited to the role. Finn looks like a good move to bring him back. Smile, quality. If Mini does what Mini can do, he's a shoe in also. The front 2 are undoubtedly good players. I've yet to mention Milan and he is the one and only option outside of the defence that could win a ball in the air, and it rarely happens. Yet going forward we just still look so small. Stour defenders had our front 2 on toast, no matter how many times they changed sides. So even though there is an arguement for every player mentioned, without at least 1, maybe 2, bigger, stronger players coming in I still fear we may struggle. Nice to win today, but still not sure.

[piearce9]

Two different systems and a range of personnel today. We definitely looked stronger second half. I know that three centre backs gives you cover but I think all three options in that department look a bit shaky, and so you might as well go with a back four. Gudger needs to keep his swinging elbows down as that will bring us problems.

Finn was superb when he came on, Mini has looked bright all pre-season and Wragg (hands up, Ken) seems like he’s kicked on and will be a good addition.

I second the comments on Butterfield - he seems a bit languid and doesn’t win his fair share of headers. I think if we can add a bigger presence in that final third, then we’ll be well set. I didn’t think that this time last week, so credit where it’s due.

[Scribbler]

Would like to say I’m looking forward to a good and successful season…..but I do feel that unless we bring in two or three players of good quality and size, especially up front,we really will struggle…… pre season done and dusted, and we’re no further on knowing what is our best line up. Or pattern/style of play is….. surely before today’s game started , the manager should have penned in his best eleven players and style of play, he thinks is his best option to start the season with ?? Instead we’re still chopping and changing players and formation, like it was the first pre season game….. I’m hopeful for a good season, but pre season and lack of the standard of players that were needed to achieve that…. Doesn’t instil confidence in me !!! But fingers crossed, and hopefully we’ll do ok..