Abbey Hulton United won promotion to Step 5 on Saturday afternoon, beating Stafford Town 3-0 in a penalty shootout after a scintillating 2-2 draw in normal time.
Abbey were twice pegged back by the visitors as the two battled hard at Drayton Beaumont Park in front of a crowd of 561.
Kieran Brown put the hosts in front with just eight minutes on the clock, arrowing his 20-yard strike low into the corner beyond reach of Stafford ‘keeper Adam Jenkins.
Stafford were handed a way back into the tie on 27 minutes when Patryk Mazurkiewicz was tripped by Matthew Bell inside the area; Jayden Hunter making no mistake from 12 yards with a powerful penalty low to Daniel Roberts' left hand side.
Parity lasted for just five minutes this time though, Lewis Holdham receiving the ball from Matthew Bell inside the area and rifling a shot back across goal that crept into the far corner to put Abbey back in front. Holdham came within a whisker of making it 3-1 before half time but could only find the side netting from the edge of the box.
Just six minutes into the second half and the scores were level again; Jayden Hunter with a through ball to Patryk Mazurkiewicz who made no mistake in finding the bottom corner to make it 2-2.
Substitute Luke Walsh's superb volley was kept out by Adam Jenkins midway through the half before Mitchell Glover was denied by Daniel Roberts as both 'keepers were kept busy with penalties looming in Stoke-on-Trent.
The referee blew for full-time after five additional minutes were played and it was the hosts that came out on top from 12 yards. Three substitutes in Daniel Cocks, Aaron Bott and Ethan Stanton all scored for Abbey Hulton; Joseph Perry hitting his spot kick wide before Daniel Roberts saved Jayden Hunter's and Mitchell Glover's efforts to win promotion for Abbey Hulton and break Stafford hearts.
Following the match, victorious manager Jon Beaumont said that the game was "a rollercoaster of emotions!
“The game began as a cagey affair, with both teams wary of making early mistakes. The pitch was dry and hard, making it difficult to get the ball down and play in the opening five minutes.
“We eventually settled and got off to a good start, with Kieran Brown scoring a fantastic goal to give us the lead. Stafford responded well, and after we got caught out of shape, they were awarded a penalty. I think it was a fair decision, and they made the most of it to level the score.
“We regained the lead not long after, releasing Lewis Holdham, who smashed a low, hard strike into the bottom corner. We went into the break 2–1 up and full of confidence.”
“After the restart, Stafford came out strong and started to take control of the game, putting us under a lot of pressure. They eventually equalised and looked sharp on the break.
“We made a few changes in the second half, and that gave us a fresh spark going forward. Both teams created chances, and the game opened up like a basketball match – end to end, with both sides going all out for the win.
“Both goalkeepers were outstanding. Danny Roberts pulled off a couple of brilliant saves to keep us in it, while Stafford’s keeper made an unbelievable stop from Luke Walsh – I was already celebrating the goal!
“A draw felt like a fair result overall, and the game headed to penalties.
“It was a nerve-wracking time for us on the management side, but I had full faith in the players on the pitch. Several of them have been involved in big penalty shootouts with me over the years, and that experience showed.
“With a keeper like Danny Roberts, we always had a chance. He saved two of the three missed penalties from Stafford. Our lads did us proud, calmly slotting all three of our penalties into the net.
“It’s been a fantastic season, full of the club’s biggest achievements—strong cup runs and now a playoff win that sees us promoted to Step 5! The whole club is buzzing, and we can’t wait to get started on next season.”
Congratulations to everyone involved at the club!
