Toolstation NCEL Division One
Selby Town 2-3 Hallam
Sam Cable leapt like a salmon to head Selby Town back into the game. Picture: Dave Haddock
Terrible defending caused Selby Town to be defeated for the first time in the league this season as clinical Hallam went home with three points.
Hallam were 2-0 in front after just five minutes after Mitch Husbands and Sam Smith were gifted goals. Action flowed from end-to-end. Selby goalkeeper Peter Lawrie heroically kept Hallam out numerous before Smith struck again close to half-time.
In fairness to Selby, they did create chances, but Hallam goalkeeper Archie Sneath was on top form.
Late hope came from red hot shining star Sam Cable, whose magnificent header in the FA Cup replay with Kendal Town ranks as one of the club’s most memorable moments in recent memory.
Although it was clearly mission impossible, Selby gave everything to try and force a dramatic finale.
There would be controversy as Selby were incredibly denied a penalty after the most blatant handball seen at the FairFax Plant Hire stadium for ten years – so much so that the player had enough time to autograph it. The appeals were so strong that Ali Ann was yellow carded.
Cable would then score again in the second minute of added time to set up a grandstand finish.
In a frantic last 30 seconds, Selby had a further penalty appeal turned down – but badly-positioned referee Michael Corbally was never going to give it.
Ultimately Hallam deserved their win. Selby cannot defend like that if they want to challenge.