Steels 0-0 Bridlington Town
Written by Dakir Thanveer
Stocksbridge Park Steels played out a 0-0 draw with Bridlington Town in the the Northern Premier League East Division at Bracken Moor on Saturday.
The Steels went into their penultimate home game of the season looking to bounce back from their defeat to North Ferriby last weekend. However, it was not meant to be as the match ended in a stalemate.
Bridlington’s Adam Stockhill had the only chance of what was an eventful first half. The Seasiders number 11 had a shot from the centre of the box only to be denied by a timely Charlie Oglesby block.
Stocksbridge, who failed to test Bridlington goalkeeper James Hitchcock in the first 45 minutes, made a positive start to the second half, with Jack Watson asking a few questions of the opposition defence down the left-hand side.
The first big chance of the second half, though, fell to the Seasiders, with Lewis Dennison racing into the Steels box with intent. Ben Townsend was up for the challenge when he was called into action, pulling off a great save to deny the visitors.
Stocksbridge had a sight of goal two minutes later following a quick attack down the left-hand side. Jack Dolman’s cross was met by Luke Rawson, whose header missed the target by a whisker.
Manager Ian Richards brought on Bailey Tye-Baker, Kurt Turner and Oliver Nowak to try and grab a winner.
Bridlington substitute Daniel Hernandez, meanwhile, had a chance to give his side the lead in the 84th minute. The attacker found himself free in the box and got on the end of a cross from the left wing, but failed to test Townsend with the headed attempt.
The best chance of the game went to Stocksbridge in the first minute of added time. The ball found its way to Alex O’Connor yards away from goal after Tomas Poole’s hopeful effort from distance took a deflection. However, the midfielder could not direct the ball into the net.
Dennison, meanwhile, saw a shot go well off target on the other end in what was the final action of the game.
Stocksbridge’s wait to ensure safety, therefore, continues. On a positive note, the Steels are unbeaten at home in four consecutive games – a record they will look to preserve when they face Dunston in their first match of the season on April 27.
Richards and Co. will focus on their upcoming trip to Cleethorpes Town on April 20 for now.
