NPL Division One East
Ossett United 3-2 Sheffield FC
Super-sub Ify Ofoegbu smashed in the winner for Ossett United with literally the last kick of the riveting battle with relegation-threatened Sheffield FC.
The climax was extremely cruel on Ryan Cresswell’s Sheffield who had put a tremendous shift in and were good value for a precious point.
Ultimately the huge pressure towards the end from Ossett told.
Nathan Modest and Luke Rawson put Sheffield in front on two occasions, only for Ossett to respond with goals from Aaron Haswell and recent signing Jordan Turner.
Sheffield set off like an express train by taking the game to Jas Colliver’s Ossett.
Starlet Manasse Kianga watched his goal-bound effort get headed off-the-line by Harry Gagen – possibly one of the greatest goal-line clearances in Ingfield history.
The half evolved into an end-to-end encounter and chances flowed at both ends.
Sheffield’s deadlock breaker on the half-hour was fairly deserved.
That came from a break down the left and on-loan Bradford (Park Avenue) striker Rawson squared to Modest who curled an effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.
The visitors began the second half in the worst possible fashion as Ossett equalised within minutes of the restart – Haswell striking home with help of the post.
Despite Ossett being now on top, the world’s oldest club restored their lead against the run of play.
Kianga played the ball into the box and after an almighty scramble, Rawson poked the ball past new Ossett goalkeeper Edd Hall.
Ossett responded with force and an equaliser was forthcoming.
Ross Hardaker crossed from the left, Haswell flicked it on and Turner converted from close range.
The early loss of Modest was a blow to Sheffield as he was a focal point for them upfront.
As the clock ticked on, the focus was on hanging onto a point.
Ossett really tightened the screw on their visitors and the chances flowed.
Walshaw went close several times and Ofoegbu had one belted off-the-line.
Luck has not been on Sheffield’s side many times this season so the ending was fairly predictable for them.
Four additional minutes were signalled and Ossett won a corner in the 95th minute.
You could see a goal coming.
Hardaker’s blast when it was knocked was blocked but Ofoegbu was Johnny on the spot and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net to send the Ossett fans home delirious.
The Teams
Ossett United: Hall, Gagen, Hardaker, Hogg, McGivern, Beatson, Green (Wood 73), Valentine (Williams 60), Walshaw, Haswell, Turner (Ofoegbu 64). Subs unused: Deighton, Teale.
Sheffield FC: Musselwhite, Turner, Coleman, Birks, Whelan (Robinson 57), Magee, Modest (Mukendi 54), Baxendale, Newsham (Ruthven 70, Rawson, Kianga. Subs unused: Ackroyd, Yates.
Who Was In Charge
Luke Watson (6/10)
How Many Were There
395
Man of the Match
Harry Gagen (Ossett United)