Ossett Town are forever in debt to Steven Jeff after his stint as caretaker manager, says secretary Neil Spofforth
Interim boss Steven Jeff and his team were hailed as heroes by Ossett Town officials yesterday after the sensational 2-1 Evo Stik Division One North victory at Cammell Laird.
Jeff, holding the fort for the final time before John Reed takes the reins on Monday, took a threadbare side to far flung Liverpool and led them to an unexpected win – ensuring his two game stint in charge ended in an unbeaten record.
The caretaker player/manager was already missing five players through work and pre-arranged commitments before losing Gary Stohrer and Danny Patterson to Shaw Lane Aquaforce on Friday.
Club secretary Neil Spofforth said: “Knowing how this team had been pulled together I would have been pleased if the worst was a two-goal defeat.
“To get a win was amazing. It is quite simply the best moment of my short time as secretary and quite possibly the highlight of my footballing life.
“The final word goes to Steven Jeff who stepped in (to manage the team). I know the hours he has put in keeping the side together and Ossett Town will forever be in his debt.”
Brice Tiani and Joel Hughes were missing because of work commitments whilst Shaun Connor, Andrew Fox and Chris Wood had previously agreed they could have the weekend off.
Manager Jeff had to desperately ring round to find players and dual-registered centre-half Liam Smith only agreed to play on Saturday morning as Garforth Town did not have a game.
Matt Sykes was brought in from the club’s reserve team while Sam Pashley and substitutes Ryan White and Kyle Rose were drafted from the under 19s.
Tom Dews signed for Ossett from Horbury Town.
Pashley made his debut in the 3-3 draw with New Mills and despite being a striker, he had to play at right-back.
Ossett were put under pressure and the Lairds’ Joe Evans rattled the crossbar in the opening five minutes.
The visitors then applied their own pressure and Ryan Williams struck a volley from the edge of the box for the opening goal.
Ossett Town goalkeeper Sam Dobbs saved a penalty in the 2-1 win at Cammell Laird
The Lairds were awarded a penalty close to the half hour mark as Pashley brought down Evans, but Jamie Henders’ spot kick was heroically saved by goalkeeper Sam Dobbs.
Craig Cairns equalised for the Lairds before half-time with a close range header and a draw was on the cards until the decisive moment in the 76th minute.
New signing Dews was the man with the assist. His fantastic cross found the former Maltby Main striker Rob Branagan who rose to head the winner – his first goal for the club.
Ossett had to survive a late push from the home side, but Jeff’s side held on to celebrate a remarkable win. Jeff later tweeted: “That is honestly one of the best victories I have ever played in. Unbelievable. Everyone was brilliant today, different class.”
The win maintains Ossett’s late push for a play-offs place and new boss Reed will take charge of a team seven points off fifth place.
Ossett Town: Sam Dobbs, Sam Pashley, Steven Jeff (captain), Matt Sykes, Nick Wood, Liam Smith, James Eyles, Stephen Wakefield, Rob Branagan, Ryan Williams, Tom Dews. Subs unused: Kyle Rose, Ryan White.