Adam Priestley wheels away after scoring the decisive in Shaw Lane’s win over Stafford
Shaw Lane Aquaforce became the first team to land a knockout punch on leaders Stafford Rangers in the Evo Stik Division One South this season.
Goals in both halves from Gavin Allott and Adam Priestley gave Aquaforce a deserved 2-0 victory in Barnsley.
Stafford could have no complaints over the defeat as Shaw Lane were far better on the day in a game that was seen as an indicator of Aquaforce’s credentials as title contenders.
Former Conference side Stafford spent more time being offside along with arguing and surrounding the officials than staying focussed on the match – which contributed to their downfall.
In contrast Shaw Lane stuck to the task and the signs were good from the start.
An early warning was an Allott strike that cannoned back off the post.
The former Frickley striker was unplayable and Stafford couldn’t get near him all afternoon.
And he soon took his second invitation in front of goal by firing Aquaforce ahead with a low finish after 20 minutes.
Everyone watches as Gav Allott’s early effort hits the post
Allot soon fired Shaw Lane ahead after hitting the post
Referee Michael Denton was constantly surrounded by Stafford players throughout the game
However, referee Denton was excellent
Adam Priestley’s overhead kicks sails towards goal
Stafford appeal for offside
The goal is given
Priestley celebrates with his team-mates
The home side continued to be most likely to score next, but they had to wait until four minutes into the second half.
A scramble in the penalty area and Priestley spectacularly scored with an overhead kick. The ground paused to see if an offside flag was coming, but that stayed down and Priestley was able to turn away and celebrate.
In response, Stafford had little and their only notable moment was when Nathan Rooney clipped the crossbar from a free kick.
Allott also nearly scored his second after breaking the offside trap, but the bar also denied him.
Not that a third goal was needed on a superb afternoon for Aquaforce.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott: “It is a proud day and I’m pleased for everyone at the club on and off the pitch.
“To host a team like Stafford with their history and how they have started, shows how far we have come.
“I think we more than deserved the win today and we could have scored more.
“It was probably our best performance of the season just because of who we were playing.
“We knew we had to win the battle and we did that.”
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Deakin, Stohrer, Radford, Istead, Meynell, Jones (Holt 71), Bennett (Towey 79), Thornhill (captain), Allott, Priestley, Davidson (Wafula 86). Subs unused: O’Brien, Thornton.
Stafford Rangers: Whitehouse, Melbourne, Wood, Miles, Daniel (captain), McNaught (Jones 56), Reid, Rooney, Harvey (Luckie 70), Haseley, Till (Kasiama 84). Subs unused: Johnson, Kitching.
Referee: Michael Denton
Ref Rating: 10/10 (deserves a lot of credit having had to put up with Stafford constantly surrounding him)
Attendance: 285
Man of the match: Gavin Allott (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)
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