Evo Stik South
Stocksbridge Park Steels 1-1 Cleethorpes Town
Young Jordan Greaves was the man of the match in Stocksbridge’s 1-1 draw with Cleethorpes. Picture: Peter Revitt
A generous last minute free kick led to Cleethorpes Town equalising and denying Stocksbridge Park Steels a victory over one of their play-offs rivals.
It was a harsh ending for the Steels, especially for their fearless man of the match goalkeeper Jordan Greaves.
Although they had to weather a lot of pressure in the second half, they had stood firm and looked set to hold on until Liam Dickens scored.
That cancelled out a magnificent first half goal from key man Joe Lumsden – a quality goal that inspired his mentor Ryan Laight, the Steels assistant manager, to gallop down the touchline punching the air.
Stocksbridge’s first half display was excellent. Lumsden’s goal came off the back of an error from rattled Cleethorpes goalkeeper Walton Richards who had to smash the ball out of play after briefly losing control of it. Brodie Litchfield reacted quickly and his throw-in caught Cleethorpes cold and sent Lumsden away down the left. Stocksbridge’s perennial hero cut inside into the penalty area and sent a tremendous effort past Richards into the far corner.
More pressure followed. Litchfield was a constant threat and Scott Ruthven went close with a good effort.
Joe Lumsden scored for Stocksbridge. Picture: Peter Revitt
Galloping Steels assistant manager Ryan Laight could not contain his delight after Joe Lumsden scored
Brodie Litchfield on the attack for Stocksbridge. Picture: Peter Revitt
The Steels could not maintain the same tempo in the second half, but they looked very dangerous on the counter-attack. Cleethorpes were exposed several times and had the final pass been better, the visitors would have been finished off.
Goalkeeper Greaves, in the side because David Reay was suspended, was a busy man, but he dealt with almost everything thrown at him. He attacked and claimed crosses, made several good saves – most notably when he put his body on the line to deny Cleethorpes number ten Daniel North.
Ultimately the referee Brad Hall played a starring role at the death. His decision to award Cleethorpes a free kick on the attacking right was debatable to say the least. The free kick was swept in and a header came back off the post, trickled across the goal-line before Dickens blasted it over.
Greaves was called upon again in stoppage time as he denied Marc Cooper from snatching victory for the visitors by saving his header.
The Team
Stocksbridge Park Steels: Greaves, Charlesworth, Coleman, Jordan, McFadyen (captain), M Reay, Litchfield, Stirrup, Lumsden, Ruthven, Rhodes. Subs: Grayson, Salmons, Thompson, Turner, Laight.
Who Was In Charge
Brad Hall (7/10)
A steady display, with the last minute free kick being the only talking point.
I was sat in the Vardy stand with a load of old timers from Stockbridge who were convinced a goal was coming throughout the match for Cleethorpes- Stockbridges goal was class but against the run of play. Clee dominated and if they could finish would have won by a significant number of goals. I guess when a team give away a foul in the last minute or so and fail to clear the resulting kick then that’s football. Keeper was definitely the difference and deserved man of the match.