On a pleasant Sunday morning a large crowd had gathered with exited anticipation. Was it really the first match of the season already? Whatever happened to those relaxing Sunday mornings of lying in and reading the newspapers? Still, at least it wasn't snowing.
The game kicked off and within minutes Saltburn had taken the lead with an opportunist goal from Michael Owen look-alike Craig Hadden. However it wasn't long before Stokesley had equalised. A string of top class saves from Saltburns Keeper Lewis (Keepers Ball!!) Parkin followed, one that even Shay Given would be proud of. This kept the score at 1-1 before makeshift striker Jamie Ellison was on hand to make it 2-1 and continue his goal a game record!! Oliver Moore then converted a magnificent passing move which made it 3-1 to Saltburn at half-time.
The second half started with end to end football then Saltburn went 4-1 up with a volleyed cross from Jonny (long legs) Oliver which was met with a bullet header from Jamie Bennison.
Unfortunately a spirited Stokesley fightback ensued and in the final minute they achieved a hard fought equaliser.
Final score 4-4. Man of the match :- Craig Hadden (a good battling performance topped off with a deserved goal)
All in all a very good start to the season, played in good spirit. Well done lads, keep up the hard work.