Kieran Thompson celebrates scoring the winner for Ossett Albion in the derby clash with Ossett Town. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Ossett Albion have the bragging rights again over local rivals Ossett Town after Kieran Thompson’s second half header stole the points at Dimple Wells.
The solitary goal was enough for Albion, who are now unbeaten in four derby clashes between the sides.
Over 450 people turned out for the Evo Stik Division One North match and there may have been more if the heavy rain hadn’t turned up before three o’clock.
Town were rated as underdogs following the shock Emirates FA Cup defeat at AFC Blackpool, but their efforts deserved something.
John Reed’s game-plan successfully stifled Albion and limited the in-form side to few chances.
In an far from entertaining first half, Town were breached once at the back when Connor Bower got past goalkeeper Tom Morgan. His mis-cued pass found Gibrill Bojang, but the striker somehow blazed the ball high over the empty goal.
Brett Souter ensured Ossett Albion’s win with two superb saves late-on. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Ossett Albion defender Danny South attempts to clear the ball
Ossett Albion player/chairman Dom Riordan moves away from Nathan Curtis
Ossett Albion manager Richard Tracey said it was his side’s poorest display of the season, despite the win
Handbags: Albion’s Connor Bower and Town’s Chris Ovington go at each other like rutting stags before peace is restored
Kieran Thompson heads home the winner for Ossett. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Ossett Town midfielder Sam Akeroyd falls under a challenge
Sam Akeroyd giving his views on Tyrone Gay’s late caution
Bojang wasted another glorious opportunity at the start of the second half before the winner arrived on the hour mark – just after a ruckus.
A foul by already-cautioned Chris Ovington on Bower sparked a free-for-all. The pair went at each like rutting stags before excellent referee Ian Johnston, who refused to go card crazy despite some tasty challenges, stepped in to calm tensions.
Peace was restored and Rob Bordman’s free kick was met by the head of Thompson at the back-post and the defender broke the deadlock.
Town hit back strongly in the final quarter and were unlucky as Albion had their young goalkeeper Brett Souter to thank.
He kept substitute David Brown’s seemingly goal-bound strike out and then spectacularly tipped Nathan Curtis’ top corner destined thunderbolt over the crossbar in Town’s late wave of pressure.
Ultimately Albion held on to continue their excellent start, while Town were left to rue how they left Dimple Wells empty-handed.
Ossett Albion manager Richard Tracey:
“I am delighted considering it was our worst performance of the season from start to finish.
“Fair play to Ossett Town as the way they lined up actually stopped the way we play. You have to give Reedy credit.
“We try to play through the lines in the middle of the park and compacted it with three in there and it filled the holes. It meant we had to change our plan and get the ball wider.
“Unfortunately we don’t have natural wide players, but if anyone has taken note of recent games, Rob Bordman’s deliveries have been fantastic and luckily they were today, especially when young Kieran Thompson got to the back-post.”
Ossett Town manager John Reed:
“It was a smash and grab because it was the only chance they had in the game.
“My goalkeeper did not have a shot to save. For the first 35 minutes it was a wave of attacks from my side and I thought we were excellent.
“To be fair to Ossett Albion in the second half, for 20 minutes I thought they bossed it. But, we made the substitutions and in the last ten minutes the goalkeeper has made two world class saves.
“These games are usually dead tight and I think it was harsh on us to get nothing.”
Ossett Albion: Souter, Thompson, Hardaker, Wright (captain), Riordan, South, Brunt, Birch, Bower (Nicholson 86), Bordman, Bojang (Matthews 69). Subs unused: Grech-Brooksbank, Milnes, Paylor.
Ossett Town: Morgan, Lucas, Jeff (captain), Wood, Gay, Merris, Payne (Brown 62), Akeroyd, Curtis, Ovington (Wright 62), Lever (Whiteley 71). Subs unused: Rose, Backhouse.
Referee: Ian Johnston
Ref Rating: 10/10
Attendance: 462
Man of the match: Brett Souter (Ossett Albion)