09/06/2026
The STAGS kicked off their season at home to Ripley on Saturday afternoon! The STAGS came flying out of the blocks, and took an early lead as Sutcliffe provided for Grosch to finish neatly into the bottom corner. *1-0* ! The STAGS continued to dominate throughout the first half and, in truth, should have been three or four goals ahead by the break. Unfortunately, a shocking refereeing decision allowed Ripley back into the game. The lino flagged, everyone stopped, but play was somehow allowed to continue despite the Ripley man appearing to be five yards offside. The man in black took the headlines and suddenly it was *1-1* ! The STAGS would then go down to 10 men because of protests, but still managed to regain the lead before half-time. Grosch turned provider this time, finding Aust, who twinkle-toed his way past two before finishing brilliantly. *2-1* !
*Half-time: STAGS 2-1 Ripley*
The STAGS allowed Ripley back into the game early in the second half when a final-third set went wrong, allowing the visitors to transition quickly and finish to make it *2-2* . Ripley would then take the lead for the first time in the afternoon, with another questionable offside decision going the visitors’ way. *2-3* . The STAGS battled hard to get themselves back into the game against the 12 men, and their persistence paid off. Cooper won the corner before Odendaal fired home to level things once again. *3-3* ! Unfortunately, Ripley managed to regain the lead with around 20 minutes remaining, and despite the STAGS pushing for another equaliser, this time there would be no way back. Despite large periods of dominance, it was ultimately a day of missed chances and some very questionable officiating decisions that allowed the three points to go the wrong way.
Goalscorers ⚽️
- Grosch
- Aust
- Odendaal
Assists 🎯
- Sutcliffe
- Grosch
- Cooper
MOM 🏆 Aust
- Caused problems all afternoon and Ripley couldn’t contain the man for a second. A constant threat from start to finish!
Donkey 🫏 Schorah
- Took out Ellis and forced a double change during the first half. Taking competition for places a little too seriously! 😂
