Alleyn Old Boys 4th 5 vs 2 Tenisons III

Tenisons III travelled to the Edward Alleyn Club on 18 April 2026 for their league away fixture against Alleyn Old Boys 4th, kicking off promptly at 2:00pm. Despite a promising start and two goals of their own, Tenisons III ultimately succumbed to a 5-2 defeat in a match that saw the hosts dominate the latter stages.

Tenisons III lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity. Matt Corby took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, while a make shift back four consisted of PJ Walton at right back, Tom Tennant and Jeremy Barton as central defenders, and Jack Pinter covering the left flank. In midfield, Garth Foley and Jack Turner operated as the two central midfielders, tasked with both protecting the defence and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the three attacking midfielders were Sean Smith on the right, Luke Hinds centrally positioned as the attacking midfielder, and Matthew Sunday on the left, all supporting lone striker Melvin Osadolor. The substitutes named were Josh Hannon and Christian Hall.

The match burst into life early on when Jeremy Barton opened the scoring for Tenisons III in the 19th minute, finishing off a well-crafted assist from Luke Hinds. This goal gave Tenisons a deserved lead and suggested the visitors might dictate the tempo. However, just six minutes later, Tenisons were forced into an early substitution as Barton limped off injured, replaced by Josh Hannon, disrupting their team rhythm.

Alleyn Old Boys 4th responded strongly and levelled the score in the 33rd minute, capitalising on a lapse in concentration from Tenisons’ defence. The hosts’ equaliser shifted momentum, but Tenisons III struck back just before half-time in the 42nd minute. Melvin Osadolor found the net after a precise pass from Matthew Sunday, restoring the visitors’ advantage and sending both teams into the break with the score at 2-1.

At the interval, Tenisons III made a further change with Christian Hall coming on for PJ Walton at right back, a tactical move perhaps aimed at shoring up the defence ahead of the second half.

The second half, however, belonged almost entirely to Alleyn Old Boys 4th. Following an injury to Matthew Sunday, Tensions attack lacked quality. Alleyn found the net four times, beginning with a goal in the 61st minute that brought the scores level once more. Tenisons’ defensive line struggled to contain the hosts’ increasing pressure and fluid attacking play.

Further strikes followed in the 68th, 74th, and 86th minutes, each goal compounding Tenisons III’s woes and firmly establishing Alleyn Old Boys 4th as the dominant force in the closing stages. Despite Tenisons’ efforts to regain composure and mount a comeback, the visitors were unable to stem the tide.

The final whistle confirmed a 5-2 victory for Alleyn Old Boys 4th, a result that reflected their clinical finishing and sustained pressure after the break. Tenisons III showed glimpses of promise in the first half but ultimately were undone by defensive frailties and the loss of a key central defender early on.

This defeat at the Edward Alleyn Club will serve as a tough lesson for Tenisons III as they look to regroup and strengthen ahead of their next league encounter.