Steels 0-0 Grimsby Borough

Stocksbridge Park Steels had their first goalless draw of the season against Grimsby Borough.

Both teams showed plenty of attacking intent in the early parts of the game but it was the visitors with the better chances. Not long after a cross begging to be tapped in was flashed across goal, Adam Drury was able to volley a strike into the back of the net but the linesman had flagged long before he was able to knock it in.

At the other end, Stocksbridge were causing problems with most of the joy coming down wither wing. Lewis Macaskill was doing well against debutant full-back Max Taylor, with one time him turning a few men before curling a shot that was well saved by Liam Higton. Ify Ofoegbu was also able to get a shot off after out-strengthing Luis Adlard, but Higton was able to make a smart stop.

In the second half, it was much the same. Caine Winfarrah thought he had laid up the dream pass for Brody Robertson as his effort did get past Ben Townsend, only for the former Cleethorpes striker to hit it over the bar. At the other end, a great pass saw Tomas Poole burst into the box with some pace but his powerful shot was hit just wide of the far post.

The big talking point would come following the referee giving a free kick after a foul from Jack Debnam. Tomas Poole was getting set to take it but would have an altercation with Grimsby sub Jack Barlow. Poole appeared to lower his head towards to Barlow while the Grimsby man would go to grab Poole’s neck in return. This led the referee to send both players off.

The resulting free kick, and the drama of the incident continuing on the sidelines, almost decided the game. The initial free kick was whipped in and deflected back out of the box. Bailey Baker slammed the shot back in for Higton to save, and then the goalkeeper made an impressive reflex stop to stop the rebound from going in. This ensured both teams would have to be happy with a point.