Shane Kelsey was sent off in Shaw Lane Aquaforce’s shock 1-0 defeat to Liversedge
Shaw Lane Aquaforce’s Toolstation NCEL Premier Division title hopes took a massive hit as Liversedge claimed their first win in eleven games with a shock, but stunning 1-0 victory in Barnsley.
Andy Wood’s first half goal proved to be the difference as FA Vase heroes Shaw Lane were unable to break down a well-organised Liversedge side.
The defeat was compounded by Shane Kelsey’s late red after an altercation with Tom Jackson which leaves him facing a three-match ban.
Liversedge’s excellent goalkeeper Sam Dobbs also played a key role with an unbelievable match-winning save in the dying seconds.
Aquaforce’s title hopes remain in their own hands with their five games in hand, but with Worksop Town flying at the top, it will be a big ask.
After such a magnificent run in the Vase, Shaw Lane’s campaign is in danger of fizzling out.
Looking to erase the memories of the 3-0 defeat at Worksop on Saturday, Aquaforce started really strongly.
Lee Morris missed a sitter inside the opening 60 seconds as the pressure mounted for Liversedge early on.
The visitors even had their assistant manager Mark Greaves, the former Yorkshire Amateur boss, removed from the technical area for remarks made to the referee Mark Powell in the 12th minute.
Kelsey then rattled the crossbar with a long range pile-driver.
‘Sedge had to rely on their vastly-experienced goalkeeper Dobbs to make several saves and he was rewarded when Wood raced through and scored midway through the half.
Alan Colquhoun’s men then set their stall out to defend and protect their lead. They were opened-up occasionally. Joe Thornton’s long run forward sent Kelsey through and the striker went around Dobbs, but couldn’t score past the last defender Jackson.
Liversedge assistant manager Mark Greaves was removed from the technical area in the 12th minute after remarks made to the referee Mark Powell
Sam Dobbs had a smile on his face at the end after winning the game for Liversedge with an unbelievable save in the dying seconds
The second half continued in the same vein with the away defence heading and kicking every single piece of danger downfield. Wood was a handful for Shaw Lane and he made Liversedge dangerous on the break.
Eli Hey was inches away from doubling their lead with a strike that cannoned back off the post.
Aquaforce’s task became harder with the dismissal of Kelsey, who became embroiled in an argument with former Farsley defender Jackson. Assistant referee Allan Clearie spotted something untoward so Kelsey made his early exit.
The striker is Shaw Lane’s third player to be sent off in two games as James Cotterill and Thornton were shown red cards at Worksop.
Shaw Lane created a few openings in the finale with Fernando Moke going close.
The biggest chance came in the sixth minute of added time. The ball reached the Liversedge penalty area and the angle opened up for Morris.
The prolific striker put his foot through the ball and it was heading for the top corner until Dobbs dived with his left-hand to divert it over the crossbar.
The save deserved to win any match and Worksop will owe him a drink or two if they go onto clinch the title.
The scenes at the final whistle told its own story as Liversedge deservedly ended a bad run and took a huge step towards ensuring their survival in the Division.
Shaw Lane have to pick themselves up and prepare for a huge test at Heanor Town.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Gathercole, Holt, Stohrer, Patterson (Moke 65), Denton, Cotterill (Fox 84), Darley, Istead (White 84), Thornton, Morris, Kelsey. Subs unused: Foster, Kane.
Liversedge: Dobbs, S Jackson, Newton, T Jackson (Smith 79), Nawaz (McMurrough 57), O’Gara, Hey, Sunless, Wood, Corley (Haley 84), Pearson. Sub unused: Scott-Bell.
Referee: Mark Powell
Ref Rating: 6/10
Attendance: 75
Man of the match: Glen O’Gara (Liversedge)