Lee Thompson controls possession for Stocksbridge during the 3-2 defeat to Sheffield United under 21s
Stocksbridge Park Steels gave a really good account of themselves in the 3-2 defeat to Sheffield United under 21s at Bracken Moor.
Steels trailed to a solitary first half goal before an equaliser was found midway through the second half.
Chris Hilton’s men then went in front with time running out, but two late quick-fire goals denied them a memorable victory in front of a big crowd.
The home side appeared to be looking at a long night when Ortis Khan easily dispatched a free kick into the bottom corner to fire United ahead – just four minutes into the game.
The Blades had lots possession and most of the first half was spent in Stocksbridge’s half.
Steels goalkeeper Sam Andrew was called into action on more than one occasion.
However, Stocksbridge got through the opening half without conceding for a second time and went onto dominate the second 45 minutes.
Action from Stocksbridge 2-3 Sheffield United under 21s
Action from Stocksbridge 2-3 Sheffield United under 21s
Adam Hinchliffe put Stocksbridge in front late on in the second half
Martyn Scully clears his lines
Slowly the Steels put the Blades under pressure and a mistake from goalkeeper Josh Eastwood saw him almost decapitate Danny Critchlow in an aerial challenge.
A penalty was awarded and Eastwood dived low to his right to save Critchlow’s spot kick. Fortunately for Stocksbridge, Lee Garside was primed and ready to score the rebound.
A second poor challenge on the edge of the penalty area opened the door for Stocksbridge’s second goal. Former Sheffield Wednesday youngster Adam Hinchliffe was given acres of room to lash a powerful free kick into the top corner to put his side in front.
The lead only lasted a few minutes as a deflected Joel Coustrain cross deceived Andrew and crossed the goal-line.
The same player then conjured up the winner and the goal of the game. Steels will be disappointed the youngster was given and time to space to run from the halfway line, but Coustrain still had a lot to do before firing a superb low drive past Andrew.
Although history records a Stocksbridge defeat, there were plenty of positives for a clearly improved Steels side heading into their second campaign under Hilton.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: Andrew, Scully, Lever, Thompson, Cardwell, McFadyen, Shaw, Hinchliffe, Garside (captain), Ellam, Critchlow. Subs: Stirrup, Rhodes, Reay, Laight.
Sheffield United under 21s: Willis, Colquhoun, Kelly, Wiles, Banton (captain), Evans, Khan, Whiteman, Cockerline, Wright, Hamilton. Subs: McDonagy, Eastwood, Brookes, Coustrain, Heh, Bennett, Law, Murray.
Referee: Anthony Tankard