Aston Freeman’s double gave Rochester United the three points against Stansfeld in the SCEFL Division One.

Stansfeld came into the game after a goalless draw away at SC Thamesmead while Rochester United came into the game after an encouraging 3-0 victory over Welling Town.

The hosts started on the front foot with a very early corner, but the chance came to nothing and went out for a goal kick. Both teams tried to use the long ball route with the likely outcome was either out to play or offside.

After six minutes Rochester’s young striker Aston Freeman, beat the offside trap through on goal but Stansfeld’s Cottrell thought he done enough to stop the striker, but he turns him and places the ball into the open net to give Rochester the lead.

Since taking the lead Rochester looked more comfortable on the ball and 11 minutes later in the 17th minute Aston doubled his and Rochester’s tally for the afternoon. Freeman once again beats his marker and the offside trap and calmly places his shot past the onrushing Charlie Cottrell and rolls into the net. 

Since going to 2-0 down Stansfeld started to get into the game more with a couple of cut ins from wide man, Jack Calvert. Thanks fully for the home side one of the shots resulted into a corner and skipper Luis Birch nods home to make it 2-1, which means it’s game on. 

With both teams pushing to add to their tally it was mainly full of half chances and a huge penalty shout for the Spartans, referee said no almost instantly. 

Half time 1-2 

After the interval both teams continued to try and grab more chances to get on the scoresheet. Mainly half chances but Stansfeld should have levelled after 68 minutes. Heir wide man drilled a lovely cross across the box, but Spartans defender Tom Webb did enough to put off the forward and missed the chance to then go out for a throw. 

Spartans’ striker Mack Reilly tries his luck from distance but goes wide with 12 minutes to go. Substitute for Rochester Harvey Brown came on and looked a real threat and caused problems for the Stansfeld defence but his efforts on goal was saved or went narrowly wide. 

Stoppage time where fans and coaching staff get nervous and rightly, so Stansfeld kept knocking at the door to grab the equaliser. But the back for the Spartans kept their shape and determination to keep Stansfeld out. 

After playing eight minutes of injury time and a spontaneous shot from his own half by Mack Reilly, the referee ends the game and it’s a big three points for Rochester United. To maintain their 100% start after 2 games. 

Full-time Stansfeld 1-2 Rochester United

STANSFELD

Cottrell, Porter, Almond (Green 45’), Raishbrook (Mead 71’), Mallon, Cook, Fowler (Egole 76’), Birch (C), Kuffour, Calvert, Hughes (Igwe 72’)

Subs not used

English

ROCHESTER UNITED

Swift, Webb, Loynes, Payne (C), Whitaker, Bray, Wilkins, Akhazzan (Brown 75’), Freeman (Wyness 85’), Reilly, Roberts (Dance 65’) 

Subs not used

Currie, Sheridan