Adam Hinchliffe’s last minute thunderbolt sent Stocksbridge top of the Evo Stik Division One South table
Adam Hinchliffe sent Stocksbridge Park Steels to the top of the Evo Stik Division One South table after the dramatic late winner at much-fancied Basford United.
Stocksbridge, who have surprised many with their superb start which has seen them win all three of their opening matches, were behind at half-time.
Basford restricted Stockbridge to only a couple of half chances and took the lead through debutant Rob McCormick, who scored from close range.
The second half was a different story. With Stocksbridge’s long-awaited debutant Richard Patterson and subsitute Richard Patterson now on the field, the Steels found the equaliser,
Hinchliffe crossed and Patterson stuck his head in where no-one else dared and scored with a magnificent diving header from inside the six-yard box.
The Steels then conceded a harsh penalty. However, justice was served when substitute goalkeeper David Reay, who replaced Sam Andrew at half-time, saved Stuart Hendrie’s tame effort.
A draw was on the cards until the 92nd minute when Hinchliffe sent a thunderous strike into the top corner from 25 yards after starting the move by dispossessing a Basford midfielder close to the halfway line.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: Andrew, Meade, Coleman, Biggins, McFayden, Laight, Hinchliffe, Stirrup, Garside, Critchlow, Gregory. Subs: Patterson, Reay, Poulton, Vinten, Hilton.
Referee: Matthew Law
Attendance: 78