Jimmy Eyles scored twice for Ossett Town in their 3-3 draw with New Mills
A heart-breaking 97th minute penalty denied Ossett Town and caretaker player-manager Steve Jeff a crucial Evo Stik Division One North victory over New Mills, writes James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson).
Jeff, in charge following the departure of Craig Elliott to Shaw Lane Aquaforce, was on his way to leading the side to a 3-1 win until two Daniel Grimshaw penalties in the final five minutes earned the visitors a point at Ingfield.
The Ossett left-back gave Ryan Williams his debut and the former Goole player scored the opener inside the first eight minutes.
Ross Davidson replied for New Mills before two Jimmy Eyles goals on the stroke of half-time looked good enough for Ossett to record an 9th win in 11 league games and maintain their hunt for a play-offs place.
However, luck was with New Mills for the closing stages and Jeff was “gutted” but not overly disappointed.
“To be in a winning position for so long and draw because of two late penalties is a bit deflating,” he said.
“Considering the situation that has gone on and having players playing out of position, looking at the bigger picture we haven’t been beat so that keeps our run going.
“I think the amount of added time was justified. I went in after the game and talked it through with him.
“New Mills were dominant in the second half and they did a good job of holding onto the ball and holding onto possession. Towards the end, I was guilty of it, we should have cleared our lines instead of passing it.
“It was decision making skills, maybe we were tired as it was our first game in two weeks. We had got off to a great start because the two new lads Brice (Tiani) and Ryan (Williams).
“I would have loved to have got a win today. It feels like a defeat, but it isn’t so we have to take the positives. We had an Ossett Town under 19s player (Sam Pashley) in today so did well when he came on.
“We were a bit thrown together and we did well.”
Steve Jeff was denied a win in his first and likely only game as caretaker player-manager of Ossett Town
Ossett have had a nightmare 24 hours since Elliott departed and the team had a slow opening few minutes. Goalkeeper Sam Dobbs had to be alert to deny Ryan Hopper with a brilliant save in the opening 180 seconds.
But, Ossett quickly overcame their poor start and Tiani and Williams, Elliott’s last signings as Ossett boss, combined for the opening goal on their debuts. Former Farsley midfielder Tiani’s superb long distance pass split the New Mills defence apart and Williams raced through to score.
Eyles almost doubled the lead when goalkeeper Kallum Campbell-Rose made a fine save before Davidson capitalised from poor Ossett defending to equalise from Wesley Bancroft’s cross.
The scores looked set to remain level at the break until a quick-fire double put Ossett in a great position. Tiani was once again involved with a fine pass to the far post from the edge of the box which Eyles converted for his first goal of the night.
The visitors’ defence was then all at sea for the third goal as Eyles raced through unopposed. The former Nostell striker initially hit the post before scoring at the second attempt.
New Mills turned out a much improved performance in the second half and were well on top. The away side rattled Dobbs’ crossbar in an early warning.
Ossett struggled to hold onto the ball and New Mills enjoyed a controlling period as the last five minute of normal time approached. The visitors were then rewarded for their efforts when Jack Wakefield was deemed to have tugged Melford Knight back. Grimshaw’s spot kick was too powerful for Dobbs.
New Mills continued to pressurise the Ossett defence and gained a huge stroke of luck as the seventh minute of added time came. Referee Ken Haycock deemed that Wakefield had handled Grimshaw’s cross and pointed to the spot.
The New Mills number 11 stepped up again and smashed the ball down the middle to deny Jeff a dream victory.
Jeff is likely to pass the reins on the next permanent manager of Ossett for Saturday’s trip to Cammell Laird as the club hope to appoint Elliott’s replacement later this week.
Ossett Town: Dobbs, Wakefield, Jeff (captain), Tiani, N Wood, Connor, Fox, D Patterson, C Wood (Pashley 88), Eyles (Hughes 77), Williams (Branagan 64).
New Mills: Campbell-Rose, Shaw, Caldercott (Hewitt 81), Davidson (Knight 77), Hare, Wood, Hopper, Smith, Bancroft, Fish (Baguley 83), Grimshaw. Subs unused: Weston, Hampson.
Referee: Ken Haycock
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 108
Man of the match: Brice Tiani (Ossett Town)