Evo Stik South
Stocksbridge Park Steels 0-2 Spalding United
Richard Stirrup battling during Stocksbridge’s 2-0 home defeat to Spalding
Winning at Stocksbridge Park Steels must be a big thing as Spalding United celebrated like they had won a cup final by banging on the changing room walls and singing euphoric songs.
Goals in either half from Cenk Acar and Gary King gave hard-working Spalding, who beat the Steels in the play-offs semi-finals last season, their opening day victory.
There was little in the game, but Spalding’s physicality was probably the major difference. But had Joe Lumsden converted his second half penalty, the Steels would have looked capable of winning the contest.
The first decisive moment came midway through the opening half. Spalding enjoyed a five minute spell which saw Acar waste one good chance before redeeming himself by pouncing on a loose ball from a free kick to give his side the lead.
Stocksbridge raised their tempo after the interval. They pressed higher up the pitch, put Spalding’s defence under pressure, but crucially did not test visiting goalkeeper Michael Duggan.
The Steels were handed a stroke of luck as a silly challenge on Richard Stirrup earned them a penalty. Unfortunately the usually-reliable Lumsden saw his effort palmed away for a corner by Duggan.
Penetrating attacks from Stocksbridge soon faded out and they were caught out by the inevitable sucker-punch on the break – with King volleying home a terrific effort from distance.
That was the end of the on-the-pitch entertainment, the further cabaret act came after the final whistle when Spalding entered their changing room. The bizarre euphoric scenes were visible and audible to those leaving Bracken Moor and their celebrations are bound to come back and haunt them at a later date.
New Stocksbridge right-back Tom Charlesworth in position
Star Stocksbridge striker Joe Lumsden gets closed down
Joe Lumsden saw his second half penalty get saved
Action from Stocksbridge 0-2 Spalding
The Stocksbridge management team of Chris Hilton, Ryan Laight and Lee Thompson watch on
Action from Stocksbridge 0-2 Spalding
Jack Poulton cannot believe it after a decision goes against him
Brodie Litchfield on the attack
What They Said
Stocksbridge Park Steels manager Chris Hilton
The Teams
Stocksbridge Park Steels: D Reay, Charlesworth, Grayson, Stirrup, McFadyen (captain), M Reay (Poulton 18), Litchfield (Carroll 75), Wiles, Ruthven, Lumsden, Rhodes (Osgathorpe 70). Subs unused: Hinchliffe, Thompson.
Spalding United: Duggan, Walker, Jackson (captain), Varley, Humble, Spafford, Beeson (Fixter 52), Whitehead, Acar (Lockie HT), King, McGee (Harris 81).
Who Was In Charge
David Jones (7/10)
Not a brilliant opening half display from Mr Jones, but his second half performance was very competent and he showed shades of being a good referee.
How Many Were There
104