Match Report: Ball Haye Green FC vs FC Hanley

Green crashed out of the Staffordshire FA Vase to an experienced FC Hanley side in a 3-1 defeat. Hanley came out from the off with a firm statement of intent and neither side could find the net in the early exchanges as Ronan Sutton in the visitors goal pulled off a number of saves to keep green at bay. Theo Stair turned a couple of defenders and hit an exquisite shot in the 25th minute to give Hanley the lead.

Green had arguably done enough to go into half time level as skipper Joe Redgate headed home just before the break but a defensive mix up in the 48th minute gave Liam Tomlinson an absolute dolly in front of Elliot Cooper which he duly put away to put them 2-1up at Half-Time.

Against their recent good form Green’s defending saw them fall further behind in the 53rd as Martin Stanyer converted a ball from the right to give Hanley a 2 goal lead. A third game in 6 days saw the introduction of fresh legs to try and get back into the game but with Hanleys resolute defence the visitors experience saw them manage the game out for a well deserved win despite Greens endeavours.

Green have a week off to lick their wounds before another cup tie against league leaders Brereton in the Leek Cup. The fixtures ramp up with the pressure now on the current league champions if they want to have any chance of adding to last seasons achievements.