Evo Stik Division One South
Shaw Lane Aquaforce 3-2 Lincoln United
Shaw Lane Aquaforce striker James Walshaw
Shaw Lane Aquaforce will fly the flag for Yorkshire in the Division One South play-offs final after getting past Lincoln in Barnsley.
A brilliant second half performance, slightly tarnished by a sloppy final five minutes, booked a date with Coalville Town for the final on Saturday. Goals from James Walshaw (2) and Adam Priestley pushed Aquaforce over-the-line, despite two late strikes from Lincoln.
The pressure was on the Ducks because of their decision to withdraw from the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup final 24 hours beforehand. Defeat would have raised a huge smile on some faces. Ultimately Craig Wood’s decision has been vindicated.
With Lincoln beating them twice and being the only team to win at Shaw Lane in the league this season, it must have been something in Craig Elliott’s side’s minds.
The first half, played in terrible wet conditions, was pretty tight with few talking points.
Shaw Lane were a changed side after the interval and Lincoln simply could not cope with them.
The visitors received two let-offs in the space of 60 seconds. Michael Jacklin somehow blasted Lee Bennett’s goal-bound effort off-the-line before the Aquaforce attacker blazed over from close range in a separate chance.
It was left to Walshaw to break the deadlock. With Lincoln’s defence going all kamikaze, the deadly striker latched onto a long kick and sped away before brilliantly drilling the ball into the bottom corner.
The chances kept coming and Lincoln were either relying on a fortunate block or goalkeeper Mariano Ziccardi to keep them in it. There was no surprise when Walshaw headed home his captain Matt Thornhill’s corner.
Adam Priestley appeared to have killed Lincoln off two minutes after his introduction as a substitute.
However, goals from Jack McGovern and Robert Norris brought Lincoln back into it and ensured five final nervy minutes for Aquaforce, who greatly relieved when the final whistle sounded.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott:
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Morgan, Stohrer, O’Brien, Istead, Meynell, Radford, Wafula, Thornhill (captain), Allott (Priestley 78), Walshaw (P Davidson 83), Bennett. Subs unused: Potts, Dempsey, A Davidson.
Lincoln United: Ziccardi, Hornsey, Gibson (Smith 68), Whitehead, Jacklin, Wright, Griffiths, Toyne (Grimes 79), King (McGovern 68), Norris, Cotton. Subs unused: Cann, Musselwhite.
Referee: Matthew Parry
Ref Rating: 10/10
Attendance: 374
Man of the match: Matt Thornhill (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)