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Blackstones beat Clipstone in the United Counties League




Blackstones broke their barren run of results against Clipstone to cement their place in the United Counties League Division One play-off spots on Saturday.

The Stamford side ran out 2-0 winners to inflict a first defeat on the Cobras after five losses against the Mansfield side for Stones' joint management team of Jon Harrison and Ryan Wood.

Goals from Cameron Harris and Eddie Thorpe secured the win over their play-off rivals as Stones moved up into fourth spot in the table despite a late double dismissal.

Eddie Thorpe. Photo: SportsBob
Eddie Thorpe. Photo: SportsBob

Johan Coughlan and Louie Venni were both red-carded in the final 12 minutes but Stones held out to claim a crucial success.

The visitors had gone closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening exchanges with an effort that hit the home upright.

However, Stones then struck the opening goal on the stroke of half-time as Harris drilled the ball through a packed penalty area into the far corner of the Clipstone net.

Stones doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when Thorpe was brought down in the penalty area and he stepped up to convert the resultant spot kick and give Stones control of the contest.

A superb save from home goalkeeper Max Peverell denied Clipstone a way back into the contest before the visiting custodian turned a goalbound shot from Tom Edwards onto the post.

Will Bestwick saw a curling shot palmed away before Coughlan collected his second caution of the game and was sent off.

Eddie Grunsteins. Photo: Rob O'Brien
Eddie Grunsteins. Photo: Rob O'Brien

Venni then saw red deep into injury-time for a rash challenge but it was too late for Clipstone to make the most of their two-man advantage.

Stones had made a presentation to defender Eddie Grunsteins ahead of kick-off in recognition of his 100 appearances for the club.

The 21-year-old has been a key playing figure during Wood and Harrison's managerial tenure with a series of solid displays.

Harrison said: "Eddie's been brilliant for us and long may it continue.

"He's been with us for so long and wherever our journey goes we'll always have him with us.

"He's a loyal player and he's got better each season."

Stones travel to face Dunkirk on Saturday.



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