Saintstanbul as Alloa rescue Rossvale draw from four down

An injury-time leveller from Kornel Baczynski completed an impossible comeback for Alloa Saints, who drew 4-4 with hosts Rossvale FC in the Central Scotland FA U13 B Division.

The hosts took early control at the Huntershill Sports Club, as midfielder Tyler Scott forced an early save out of Jamie Mitchell.

Charlie Caldwell showed his attacking prowess in the early stages, as the forward drove down the line and forced another save out of Mitchell.

Rossvale took the lead in an impressive move as right-back Leo Hamilton sent an unbelievable defence-splitting ball into the path of Caldwell, who cut back to his strike partner Mohammed Mostafaei who made no mistake with the finish.

There was a tough moment for Saints’ captain James Edwards, who sadly had to exit the game after picking up an injury making a heroic lunge tackle. 

The Caldwell-Mostafaei strike duo linked up once again as Caldwell dinked a cross into the box, which Mostafaei took down nicely and slotted into the back of the net.

The latter would nearly have his hattrick when captain Sol McKechnie curled in an inviting ball, but somehow Mitchell made an incredible reaction save to deny the forward. Rossvale wouldn’t have to wait long for a third, however, as Scott powered home a header from Hamilton’s resultant corner.

It was a dominant half where the home side continued to power forward and always seemed to be on the same wavelength.

The first-half scoring was completed via Mostafaei’s hattrick, as he took the ball under control on the edge of the box and smashed a low drive into the back of the net.

Tyler Scott continued to impress with great control in the midfield and seemed to swivel through every opponent.

At half-time, while there were a few positives for the visitors, it would’ve seemed unfathomable that they could take something from the match.

Still, they showed early signs of positivity in the second half, pushing forward more often and enjoying greater spells of possession.

It would’ve been easy for heads to go down and to simply focus on getting through the half, but the Saints showed a desire to attack and eventually had their reward.

As a corner bounced loose, Murray Spowage picked it up on the right edge of the penalty box and sent a looping effort off the crossbar and in. A real moment of quality and inspiration from the wide man who had already made an off-the-line clearance.

The goal galvanised the visitors, as Brody Gillon began distributing the ball from the defence and all of a sudden, the game looked even.

Andrew Mackie pulled another one back as he hit a shot into the roof of the net after having his earlier effort saved following a bursting run in behind the Rossvale defence, and suddenly the game was on.

Mere minutes later came a moment of real class, as Kian McGill, who had threatened with earlier efforts, smoothly cut inside onto his left and from just outside the box curled an absolute peach into the bottom left corner to make it 4-3.

Both sides looked to gain that crucial final goal of the game as it went end-to-end but as the game reached its dying embers, it looked like a step too far for the Saints.

But then, right at the death, a speculative long ball into the box bobbled and landed in the path of Baczynski, who calmly took the ball and fired home to complete one of the most incredible turnarounds in the grassroots game.

Needless to say, his side certainly enjoyed celebrating that one, an amazing moment to complete what was undoubtedly an amazing game, where both sides can be proud of the quality they showed.

Rossvale Player of the Match: Tyler Scott

There were several contenders for this one, with Leo Hamilton, Charlie Caldwell and hat-trick hero Mohammed Mostafaei among the top performers, but we had to give it to the man who ran the midfield in that first half. From the game’s opening touches Scott was a composed presence, making forward runs from the middle, beating players on the dribble and not only being an attacking threat himself but also crucially bringing his teammates into the game. He may have been disappointed that his side did not bring home the three points but the youngster can certainly be proud of his game, he was always one step ahead.

Alloa Saints Player of the Match: Kian McGill

Another tough decision, with the likes of Brody Gillon and Murray Spowage making crucial contributions, but McGill takes the award. In a difficult half for his team, McGill wasn’t afraid to mix it up and attempt shots from distance and eventually, he had his reward. His curling strike to turn the game was a moment top professionals would be proud of and one that his teammates will be seriously grateful for. Every team values a midfielder who can create something out of thin air, and that’s an attribute McGill certainly boasts.

Rossvale Moment of Magic: Laser Vision

The outstanding moment of quality for the hosts was the move for goal number one. Leo Hamilton picked up the ball from deep in the right back position and somehow spotted a gap in the defence, arrowing through a reverse ball into the feet of Charlie Caldwell. The pass would count as a pre-assist for Mostafei’s opener but was both an individual and team moment of class.

Alloa Saints Moment of Magic: Cue Pandemonium

In a game that ends 4-4, there are a fair few bangers on the album, but it would be wrong not to choose the big one. Kornel Baczynski will replay it in his head time and again. Many players might have crumbled on the pressure but not Baczynski, who hit home and sent his teammates and coaches into ecstasy. It’s these moments that make you love football and ones that will live long in the memory.