Shane Kelsey scored a late header to push Shaw Lane closer to the title
There was pandemonium at Shaw Lane Aquaforce last night when Shane Kelsey scored an 85th minute winning header to move the league leaders to within six points of the title.
The experienced striker struck to earn his side a dramatic 2-1 victory over Albion Sports in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
It was a big night and win for Shaw Lane, who knew a victory would finally put some distance between themselves and Worksop.
Worksop Town’s hopes are fading and it appears Tadcaster Albion are the only team capable of stopping Aquaforce.
Shaw Lane have a superior goals difference on Worksop and Tadcaster.
After two consecutive goal-less draws, the pressure was on for Shaw Lane to find their shooting boots again.
There were plenty of chances in the first half, but Aquaforce could only manage the one goal.
Matt Thornhill missed a sitter and Danny Frost smashed the post in a frantic opening 20 minutes.
Shaw Lane eventually ended their goal drought on the half-hour. Andrew Fox struck a sweet volley from all of 30 yards to get Aquaforce up and running.
Shaw Lane attackers look on in disbelief after another missed chance
Shaw Lane captain Sam Denton heads for goal in his side’s 2-1 win over Albion Sports
But, Aquaforce failed to kill their visitors off which ensured late drama.
Shaw Lane captain Sam Denton had a header cleared off-the-line and Frost missed a couple.
The best chance to finish Albion off was wasted after confusion between Joe Thornton and Jimmy Eyles.
The pair had Albion goalkeeper Tumour Khan in their sight, but at the critical point, neither knew who was going to go for goal. They delayed and Eyles’ weak lob was caught by Khan.
Just to show how easy a game can change, Albion went straight down the other end and their dangerous striker Danny Facey got behind the home defence and scored.
The goal was not in the script and only a good save from Ian Deakin denied Facey from adding a second.
Shaw Lane threw caution to the wind. James Cotterill headed wide from a good position before the scenes of jubilation when Kelsey rose to be the hero.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Deakin, Stohrer, O’Brien, Foster (White 77), Cotterill, Denton (captain), Fox, Thornhill, Thornton, Frost (Eyles 70), Kelsey (Patterson 86). Subs unused: Istead, Holt.
Albion Sports: Khan, K Basi, Hussain (Dacres 86), Annor, Morgan, Firth, A Basi, Tiani, Facey, Maturine (Harper 86), Cusack. Subs unused: Lamb, Mathers.
Referee: Nicholas Gibbons
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 284
Man of the match: Gary Stohrer (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)