Steels storm to Purdie Cup triumph

Stocksbridge Park Steels 6-2 Penistone Church

Stocksbridge Park Steels overcame a tricky start to easily defeat local rivals Penistone Church and win back the Purdie Cup.

Toolstation NCEL Premier Division new-boys Church certainly gave Chris Hilton’s men a run for their money in the opening half-hour.

Church raced ahead after just four minutes when two of their signings from AFC Emley combined together. Jordan Coduri threaded a through ball into Kieran Ryan who scored after his initial attempt was saved.

Set-pieces were Penistone’s downfall. From every Stocksbridge free kick or corner, Penistone looked vulnerable. Star striker Joe Lumsden appeared to claim Stocksbridge’s equaliser after a scramble from a corner.

An Adam Hinchliffe corner was then headed home by inspirational Steels captain Liam McFadyen – placing the Evo Stik side in front.

The game’s moment of sheer magic was reserved for Coduri. Church’s twinkle-toed magician broke clear down the left, making his way into the box. He shaped himself to cross. The clever movement wrong-footed Steels goalkeeper David Reay, allowing Coduri to lob him in an exquisite fashion.

All this happened in a pulsating half-an-hour. Ultimately Church could not maintain their strong start. By half-time Stocksbridge were well in control.

More set-piece chaos saw Brodie Litchfield, one of the smallest players on the field, allowed to head Steels back ahead.

A foul on Lumsden by Tom Brennan then enabled the striker to score his side’s fourth from the penalty spot.

Stocksbridge added two more goals either side of the hour mark. Striker-turned central defender Ruthven headed home another Hinchliffe corner before Lumsden raced through to score the sixth with ease.

Aside from the action, the Purdie Cup clash did manage to raise over £450 for charity.