Evo Stik Division One South
Leek Town 0-1 Shaw Lane Aquaforce
Lee Bennett scored the winner for Shaw Lane Aquaforce, but was later sent off at Leek
Lee Bennett scored the winner for Shaw Lane Aquaforce before his day ended badly when he was sent off.
The straight red card was the only black mark as Shaw Lane put their midweek blues behind them and pulled off a memorable victory at a notoriously difficult ground.
Bennett had caused numerous problems in the first half for Leek. His most vital touch came in the 18th minute as he turned home a cross from the left.
The former Athersley Rec attacker then jinxed past several defenders and shot narrowly wide.
However, the game turned sour for Bennett on the stroke of half-time after a lunge on Leek’s Jon Beaumont. Leek players reacted like wild animals and the referee Alex Kirkley, perhaps influenced by them and the vocal crowd, produced the red card.
It gave Aquaforce a huge test for the second half, but it was one that Craig Elliott’s men stood up to.
Elliott’s players made themselves heroes with a series of last-ditch blocks and tackles. Goalkeeper Ian Deakin also played his part with some good saves.
Although Shaw Lane spent the majority of the second half defending, the Ducks almost sealed the victory in the dying minutes as Gavin Allott had a goal-bound header turned away.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Deakin, Stohrer, O’Brien, Istead, Radford, Meynell, Wafula, Thornhill (captain), Bennett, Allott, Davidson. Subs: Morris, Priestley, Eyles, Youhill.