Adam Priestley celebrates his goal for Shaw Lane Aquaforce. Picture: whiterosephotos.co.uk
Shaw Lane Aquaforce held their nerve to record to ensure a 1-1 draw with FA Trophy winners North Ferriby United in Barnsley yesterday.
Ferriby gave Aquaforce a lot of problems in the closing stages after their captain Liam King had cancelled out Adam Priestley’s opener.
The match will be remembered as it was the first time that Aquaforce had held a home pre-season friendly in their short history.
Pitch maintenance has always put pay to any home summer fixtures and Priestley almost christened the match with a goal in the opening 60 seconds.
The Gibraltar International eventually got his goal on the half hour mark. After breaking up a Ferriby attack, Lee Bennett led a counter attack and fired the ball at goalkeeper Adam Nicklin.
The stopper made the save, but Priestley pounced to score into the empty net.
Ferriby equalised within four minutes from the penalty spot after Danny Clarke had been fouled.
King, who scored the memorable last minute winning penalty in the FA Trophy quarter-final tie with Ebbsfleet, converted the spot kick to Ian Deakin’s left.
Shaw Lane faced a barrage of pressure from their higher league National League North opponents in the final stages.
Shaw Lane’s young goalkeeper Danny Rusling did exceptionally well to deny Danny Emerton before new Ferriby signing Ross Armstrong tested him late-on.
The home side held on though.
North Ferriby United: Nicklin (Nicholson 67), Bruce (Middleton 45), Davie, King (Taylor 72), Palmer, Hone, Clarke (Armstrong 36),(Hotte (Bolder 45), Denton (Kendall 69), Kendall (Fry 45), Emerton. Sub not used: Bateson.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Deakin (Rusling 61), Stohrer, O’Brien (J Fox 72), Foster (Devaney 72), Sabo, Holt (Kilburn 61), Fox (Eyles 56), Meynell (Thornhill 45), Bennett, Adam Priestley (A Fox 78), Devaney (Morris 53). Sub not used: Dan Vinten