Stocksbridge Steal Share of Points

[Guest]

Saturday 11th December 2004

Unibond Division One

WILLENHALL TOWN 1 vs STOCKSBRIDGE P.S. 1

 

This crucial match can be summed up by a traditional film title that seems to re-appear at his time of year, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly”. The “Good”, the Reds played some good football but were unable to turn possession into goals. The “Bad”, some bad decisions frustrated the players and fans, and ultimately decided the game. The “Ugly”, the way the visitors approached the game, although their unsavoury tactics weren’t as bad as the corresponding away game in September.

Although the Reds were in control of the first half an hour, their best chance to open their account didn’t come ‘till the 35th minute, a Colcombe cross was hit by Myers, his effort going just over.

Like men’s Christmas shopping the Reds left it very late to grab the most sought after gift, a goal, and it was two minutes into added time that Hay received the ball, his run into the visitors box sliced through the defence like an electric knife in a well cooked turkey. The big striker sliced the ball to Myers, who deceived everyone by not shooting, instead setting up Rowe who’s low, powerful shot beat keeper Hodgson.

The second half saw Smith walk out of the dressing room in place of McGhee, and again the Reds were on top, until the 79th minute when the visitors “tactics” of pushing, shoving, and diving paid off. Another hotly disputed free-kick awarded by the ref, resulted in a goalmouth scramble and with their only on target effort of the game, Bates equalised from close range.

To keep the crowd of 146 hanging on ‘till the end the Reds went in search of the much needed extra points, and with two minutes remaining nearly got their rewards. Middleton headed a Hay effort off the line, and from the corner the keeper somehow managed to tip the ball over his bar.

The Steels made their way back to Sheffield knowing they really did steal a share of the points, while the Reds will put their disappointment behind them ready for next Saturdays 3rd Round League Cup clash at Noose Lane with Chorley.

Reds line up;Vaughan, Colwell, Colcombe, Slater, Creighton, Thomas, Rowe, Myers, McGhee, Hay, Field. Subs Smith, Webb, Whitcombe.

Willenhall’s Boxing Day derby fixture against Telford at Noose Lane on Monday 27th December will be a 1pm kick off. Due to the expected high crowd attendance people are being advised to arrive early. Due to safety reasons only disabled badge holders will be allowed to park on the ground.