Evo Stik Division One South
Shaw Lane Aquaforce 1-3 Coalville Town
Adam Priestley and Gary Stohrer look dejected as Coalvile celebrate
There was no dream third straight promotion for Shaw Lane Aquaforce as Coalville Town ended their play-offs hoodoo with a second half comeback.
Aquaforce appeared to be on course for the Premier Division at half-time because of Lee Bennett’s header, but the Ducks ran out of steam and succumbed to their first major disappointment since joining the football pyramid.
Shaw Lane had pounced towards the end of a nervy first half to score. Neither side had particularly threatened until Jono Wafula’s perfect delivery allowed Bennett to rise majestically to score.
Former Athersley Rec striker Bennett almost struck again with another header midway through the second half, but that was cleared off-the-line. The moment was key as Coalville equalised straightaway with Nathan Watson’s low long range strike.
The Division’s runners-up were suddenly on the rack, arguably for the first time in ten months. Craig Elliott and his coaching staff immediately reverted to three at the back by bringing Matt Dempsey into the fray. Coalville remained on the front foot and the pressure was really mounting on Aquaforce, who looked like a team who had run out of ideas.
Ducks goalkeeper Tom Morgan denied Alex Troke, but he was left stranded when the unmarked Callum Woodhead was given an easy header from inside the six-yard-box.
Coalville proceeded to catch Aquaforce out two more times on the counter-attack. Morgan won the battle with Brad Munn, who made a long break, but Aquaforce did not escape Coalville’s second breakaway. Shaw Lane only had one player back when a free kick was cleared. Watson and Munn stormed away and the pair helped to lay a goal on a plate for Luke Smithson.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott:
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Morgan, Stohrer (Dempsey 81), O’Brien, Istead (Priestley 81), Radford, Meynell, Wafula, Thornhill, Walshaw, Allott, Bennett (Potts 72). Subs unused: P Davidson, A Davidson.
Coalville Town: Bowles, Raven (Smithson 65), Tune, Jenno, Freeman, Walshe, Woodward, Dean, Troke (Hooton 86), Watson, Holmes (Munn 46). Subs unused: Morrall, Coton.
Referee: Justin Bebbington
Ref Rating: 7/10
Attendance: 407
Match Photos
Lee Bennett gave Aquaforce a first half lead
Tempers did flare at certain points
Coalville on the attack
Coalville have been knocking on promotion’s door for a long time