SPS steel Points

[Guest]

Saturday 11thSeptember 2004

Unibond Northern Premier League Division One

STOCKSBRIDGE PARK STEELS 1 vs WILLENHALL TOWN 0

 

When an unbeaten side go to a team who are languishing at the bottom of the league without any wins, history usually shows that there will be a surprise in store!

The omens were not looking good for the pride of ‘Umpshire, firstly the team’s coach engine caught fire, and the team had to travel to Sheffield in Hednesford Town’s team bus. Then heavy traffic on the M1 meant the two-hour trip took three hours. Then some bizarre decisions and an overall below par team performance meant the Reds had their first taste of Unibond defeat. Indeed it was the Reds first away defeat since last October, it was a bitter taste and one they will want to rinse away quickly.

After just 10 minutes Edwards saw his effort cleared off the host’s goal line, two minutes later and Smith rounded keeper Siddall and with the unguarded goal in his sights the little striker shot just wide.

The first of many big decisions to go against the visitors came on 29 minutes when a blatant handball in the area was turned down.

Then with ten minutes remaining of the first half, keeper Siddall made an excellent block with his hands, unfortunately he was two yards out of his area. Even the ref couldn’t deny the Reds this decision. Unlucky Siddall was invited to watch the remainder of the match from the comfort of the dressing rooms. Striker Ring took over in goal for the Steels.

After a strong worded half time talk the Reds came back, but would they manage to break down the physical ten men of Sheffield, something they had failed to do on Tuesday against ten men Gresley.

On 57 minutes a Smith cross was met by the head of Quilt but the stand in keeper managed to tip the ball over. Five minutes later and Quilt saw his shot charged down by the hand of a defender, again the ref declined the penalty.

With the frustrations rising it was no surprise that things came to a head and a fracas ensued with the ref losing control of the game. Not surprising with a dozen or so players involved he choose to book just one player, sub Tyrell who hadn’t been caught in the melee much to the bemusement of the 111 crowd. Curiously the host’s boss seemed to be keen to get involved in the game, he stopped the game for 4 minutes when he stormed onto the pitch to shout abuse at the ref after the official asked a player to change his blood soaked shirt. With the ref taking no action against him, he then re-appeared on the field in the 82nd minute. This time Bullimore kicked out at Swann, boss Rinckavage piled in and another mass brawl took place. To make sure he was consistent the man in black sent off another player who was not involved in the unsavoury scuffle, this time it Thomas who was invited to leave the pitch early.

To add insult to injury deep into added time, the Steels stole the points with their only attack of the game, sub Hannah out raced Slater and slotted the ball past Vaughan.

At the end of the day the Reds may look at the diabolical officialdom but really only have themselves to blame for not pressing home their advantage against a team who looked relegation favourites.

Reds line up; Vaughan, Colwell, Whitcombe, Slater, Thomas, Creighton, Swann, Jackson, Edwards, Quilt, Smith. Subs; Tyrell, Jones & McGhee.

 

The Reds entertain Belper Town on Tuesday in the league, before playing host to MFA side Barwell on Saturday in the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, three teams share top spot in the UniBond League First Division with Brigg Town’s excellent 2-0 success at AFC Telford United on Saturday giving them the lead on goal difference from Ilkeston Town and Gresley Rovers, who coincidentally meet in the FA Cup next Saturday.

Ilkeston were involved in an eight-goal thriller at the New Manor Ground. Ryan Hindley and Nigel Jemson both bagged braces for the Reds with Craig Swinscoe scoring in between. Gresley, however, couldn’t manage one in a goalless encounter at Woodley Sports

Willenhall Town also launch their new web site this week www.willenhalltownfc.com