Richard Stirrup scored the equaliser for Stocksbridge against Farsley in the FA Cup. Picture: Gillian Handisides
Departing midfielder Richard Stirrup’s parting gift to Stocksbridge Park Steels was the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Farsley Celtic, giving them a second bite of cherry in the Emirates FA Cup Preliminary Round.
Evo Stik Division One South leaders Stocksbridge were heading out until Stirrup intervened to book a replay at Throstle Nest on Tuesday night.
The home side weren’t at the races compared to previous fixtures in the first half at Bracken Moor.
Farsley, on the other hand, were hoping to get their season properly underway after a poor start.
Goals have troubled the West Leeds-based outfit and up to Saturday afternoon, Lewis Nightingale was the only player to have found the net for them in the first few fixtures.
Stocksbridge midfielder Harrison Biggins prepares to close down Farsley’s Neil Stevens. Picture: Gillian Handisides
Nick Guest, who got his first goal for Farsley, on the attack for his team. Picture: Gillian Handisides
The midfielder and Aiden Savory both went close in the early exchanges. Farsley’s recent bad luck continued as Kyle Harrison and Leon Osbourne were forced off injured.
Their luck appeared to change in the second half as their pressure began to tell. Midfielder Neil Stevens was the supplier for former Hemsworth striker Nick Guest, who was able to score his first ever goal for Farsley.
Farsley skipper Rob O’Brien was then denied by Stocksbridge goalkeeper Sam Andrew as the visitors looked to kill the home side off.
With time running out, the equaliser was found. Stirrup, who is off travelling abroad, struck to give his in-form side a second chance.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: Andrew, Meade, Coleman, Patterson, McFadyen, Cardwell, Biggins, Stirrup, Garside (captain), Hinchliffe, Gregory. Subs: Critchlow, Poulton, Thompson, Laight, Hilton.
Farsley Celtic: Taylor, Harrison, Grant, O’Brien (captain), Riley, Wigley, Nightingale, Stevens, Sugden, Savory, Osbourne. Subs: Hancock, Jenkinson, Guest, Trotter, Lofthouse.
Referee: Neil Guest
Attendance: 109