Nicky Travis was sensational for Handsworth Parramore in the 4-1 win over Albion Sports last night
Russ Eagle saluted his Handsworth Parramore players after a stunning 4-1 victory at Albion Sports sent his side to the top of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division table.
Impressive Handsworth dominated a fairly one-sided encounter at Throstle Nest and would have added to their four goal haul if Albion goalkeeper Aaron Brian hadn’t made several good saves late-on.
Handsworth had taken a sixth minute lead through Sam Smith – a goal that was cancelled out by Alex Cusack’s penalty.
Vill Powell put Parramore back in front on the stroke of half-time and Eagle’s men blew Albion away with two early second half goals from man of the match Nicky Travis and Calum Ward.
Eagle told Non League Yorkshire: “We have come here tonight and set our stall out to win the game and as I said to the lads, there is no point travelling to a club like Albion and to not compete.
“For the first ten or 15 minutes they turned us and put us under pressure, but to be fair, we probably only had four shots against us along with a dubious penalty.
“It was a really good performance which is what you want away from home on a midweek.
“They got the penalty and even at half-time, I said to them that it should have been 2-0 or 3-0.
“We’re solid all the way round and the thing is that all the lads are helping each other out in situations.
“We had to weather a storm because Albion are no mugs. They set their stall out and had a game-plan so we had to match them and it is a very good result tonight.”
Handsworth, who were aiming for their fourth straight league win, got off to a dream start.
A Luke Fletcher sent Powell away and he squared for Smith to finish from close – which the striker did at the second attempt.
Experienced winger Lee Elam wasted a good chance for Albion before Gareth Griffiths was deemed to have handled the ball inside the penalty area, leading to Albion’s spot kick.
Andrew Sneath guessed the right way, but Cusack’s attempt had too much power on it.
Handsworth still looked the most threatening side and in the dying seconds of the opening half, Eagle’s side regained the lead.
A cross from former Buxton left-back Scott Maxfield was headed back across the six-yard-box by Warren Burrell and Powell found the bottom corner.
The goal was a massive blow for Albion, who were blown by Handsworth with ease in the opening acts of the second half.
Led by attacking midfielder Travis, Handsworth took the game to their hosts and Albion were rocking straight away as Brian had to bat a Travis long range attempt over the crossbar.
Travis has been earning plenty of plaudits for his performances in Handsworth’s opening matches and he played a part in the decisive third goal.
His pass gave Ward an angle to drive the ball home from for goal number three.
Travis then deservedly wrote his name on the score-sheet on the hour with arguably the goal of the night.
The midfielder beat three defenders before drilling a low shot through Brian’s legs to make the score-line even more emphatic.
Albion were lucky that Brian proved to be in good form in the closing stages as Handsworth finished strongly.
Albion’s long-serving goalkeeper denied both Lee Hill and Fletcher in quick-succession from point-blank range.
Parramore also hit the post from a Powell shot and Brian also pulled off a terrific save from substitute Lee Whittington.
If Parramore’s performance is matched by another good one on Saturday, the home clash with Tadcaster Albion is set to be a cracker.
Albion Sports: Brian, Redhead (Brown 67), M Morgan, Elam (Annor 70), Mathers, Firth (captain), L Morgan, Tiani, Facey, Hall, Cusack. Subs unused: Hussain, Dugdale, Maturine.
Handsworth Parramore: Sneath, Tootle, Maxfield, Travis (Fox 67), Cotterill (captain), Griffiths, Burrell, Fletcher, Smith (Whittington 67), Powell, Ward (Hill 58).
Referee: D Watson
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 69
Man of the match: Nicky Travis (Handsworth Parramore)