Dunston UTS 0-1 Steels
Stocksbridge Park Steels secured a place in the play-offs with a 1-0 win over Dunston UTS.
Within two minutes, Stocksbridge had the lead. It had appeared that Luke Rawson had fouled a defender in the build-up, but the referee indicated play on. This allowed Oliwier Grzelak to play the ball back to Rawson and he fired the ball into the bottom corner. The opening goal would be clocked in at 72 seconds.
However, Dunston would then pile on the pressure. Despite a much changed team, they still looked good and worth their already secure second place. Sado Djalo was causing problems for the Stocksbridge, first when his header from a long throw flashed wide and then when he was inches from connecting with a low cross that would have certainly had the game level had he made contact.
Dunston’s biggest chance came a bit later on. A ball over the top had caught Stocksbridge out and Scott Robson got to the header first. It went over the onrushing Ben Townsend but Paul Iggulden was able to get back and clear it before it went over the line.
In the second half, Stocksbridge were able to adjust and this prevented Dunston from making the same quality of chances. In fact while they didn’t have the majority of the possession, it was Stocksbridge who looked most likely to score. Elliot Owen hit the post after heading goalwards from a corner and this caused a goalmouth melee which eventually was cleared.
From there, the Steels were able to hold on even when Dunston sent on some of their star players to turn the game around. It means Stocksbridge will be 3rd and have a home tie on Tuesday night in the play-offs.
