Steels 3-0 Pontefract Collieries

Stocksbridge Park Steels moved back into the play-offs with a 4-0 win over North Ferriby.

With both teams having so much on the line, Pontefract could drop into the bottom four with a loss, it was understandable that we saw some gung-ho attacking from both teams. It saw Stocksbridge get some early chances, with a Luke Rawson snap shot being saved by Heath Richardson while Paul Iggulden sent a header onto the bar. At the other end while Pontefract had a spell of good attacking play, a wayward shot from Jack Boyle turned into a close range header from Bailey Thompson which Ben Townsend, wearing his own gloves this week, was able to claw away.

In the second half, Stocksbridge were under the cosh a bit but one big move saw them take control. A Jack Greenhough long throw was claimed by Ben Townsend, who immediately pumped the ball forward with a big kick. James Morris rushed onto it and he lobbed Richardson. Bracken Moor held it’s breath as they waited to see where it land and thankfully, it dropped underneath the bar and the Steels had the lead.

Pontefract made a big push to get the equaliser, but they couldn’t make the chance. Mikey Dunn did race through but Jack Tinker made a crucial tackle to prevent him from pulling the trigger. But at the other end, Stocksbridge were able to finish the game off. Morris was able to fire off a volley but Richardson made the save. It fell to Luke Rawson who on the edge of the box was able to fire in, and now it was 2-0.

And soon enough, the game was truly finished. A mistake in the Pontefract defence allowed Morris to go free into the box and he was able to curl the ball into the bottom corner. It secured another big win for Stocksbridge and moved them to 5th in the NPL East table.