Deadly duo Joe Lumsden (left) and Scott Ruthven (right) have struck up a great partnership
Chris Hilton admits that he is delighted that Scott Ruthven and Joe Lumsden have quickly struck up a successful upfront partnership at Stocksbridge Park Steels.
The pair have only been at Bracken Moor for a month, but they’re already making a name for themselves.
Lumsden has scored three goals in five games since joining from Armthorpe Welfare, while Ruthven, who signed at the beginning of October, has five.
Hilton told Non League Yorkshire: “They have made a massive difference and we have missed Lee Garside (who has been injured and suspended) to be fair.
“Scott and Joe have made an instant impact though. They complement each other and both know where the net is.
“They are scoring regularly so if doesn’t score, the other does. They are sharing the workload.
“Joe has done really well considering he has stepped up a level. He has acclimatised straightaway and looks like he has played at this level for a while.
“He’s only going to get better which is good for us.”
Lumsden and Ruthven had key roles in the shock FA Trophy replay win over Ilkeston on Tuesday night.
The victory has set up a colossal tie with holders North Ferriby United in the next round.
The weather played a part in the Ilkeston win, but Hilton had nothing but praise for his players.
He said: “It is hard to say that (we needed to score as many as possible in the first half), but of course when you have the wind to your advantage you have to try and score a couple of goals and not concede.
“We conceded at 2-1 so the third one was a bonus and it gave us something to hang onto in the second half.
“We knew they would come at us and I thought we defended really well as a unit. The lads stuck to their shape and the task we asked them to do.
“We changed the shape at half-time to try and combat the conditions and the lads did really well.
“The shape and the two lines we wanted were absolutely fantastic. They deserve all the credit they can get.
“It was an excellent battling performance in challenging conditions.
“I think the team who wanted it the most won. I think that was us.
“It was probably the best win we have since I became the manager here. Northwich was the best win, but Ilkeston are a Division up and over two games they haven’t beaten us.”
The Trophy run has brought a brilliant side-line for the Steels this season, but it has made them fall behind in the Evo Stik Division One South.
Stocksbridge are now unbeaten in six games and Hilton wants them to carry on the good form against Gresley at Bracken Moor tomorrow.
“The momentum it has brought to the club is fantastic,” he added.
“Everyone has a smile on their face. Confidence is growing.
“We won at Northwich and wanted to take that into our next league game which did by winning 5-0.
“We have to push on now and keep the momentum going by winning on Saturday.”