Emirates FA Cup
Handsworth Parramore 4-1 Stocksbridge Park Steels
Simon Harrison (left) congratulates Conor Higginson on his goal
Handsworth came from behind to knock their local rivals and Evo Stik League opponents Stocksbridge out of the FA Cup.
Goals from Kieron Wells (2), Tom Dugdale and Conor Higginson propelled the Ambers into the first qualifying round for the first time since the merger of Handsworth and Parramore.
The hosts, the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division title favourites, did not have it their own way for the majority of the first half.
Stocksbridge were organised and, despite missing key players Joe Lumsden and Corey Gregory, dangerous going forward. The Steels had been threatening for some time when Scott Ruthven pounced on the rebound from Ash Burbeary’s parried effort.
Scott Ruthven gave Stocksbridge the lead
Tom Dugdale holds Stocksbridge right-back Josh Meade
Handsworth left-back Connor Smythe holds Ben Rhodes’ shirt
Smythe wins a header over his team-mate Dugdale and Stocksbridge striker Scott Ruthven
Harrison Biggins in action for Stocksbridge
Tom Claisse (right) in battle for Handsworth
Kieron Wells scored twice
Stockbridge’s Ash Burbeary cuts a frustrated figure
Tempers flare between Handsworth defender Sam Denton and Burbeary
Chris Hilton’s men were full value for their lead at this point. However, just like their opening two league games, the tie started to unravel for them.
With half-time looming, Parramore seized the moment and never looked back. A long free kick from their own half fell kindly for Dugdale and he made Stocksbridge’s defence pay for their slow reactions.
That was the equaliser and during the final three minutes of the first half, Stocksbridge found themselves under siege. Goalkeeper David Reay produced a wonderful save to tip Wells’ long range pile-driver over the crossbar as the pressure mounted. Wells was soon back probing and he headed Parramore in front from the resulting corner.
The end to the first half was one hell of a sucker punch for Stocksbridge and they never recovered.
Parramore were excellent from there on and looked capable of scoring in every attack. There were one or two last ditch tackles that had to be made in their own penalty area, but they were rarely threatened.
A quick-breaking counter attack put the victory beyond doubt. Substitute Danny Buttle broke down the left before sending a low ball across the box for Wells to finish.
More misery was piled on Stocksbridge when Higginson struck with a low drive.
What They Said
Handsworth Parramore manager Mick Godber
Stocksbridge Park Steels manager Chris Hilton
The Teams
Handsworth Parramore: Green, Harcourt (Higginson 26), Smythe (Buttle 68), Marrison, Denton, Griffiths, Harrison, Claisse, Froggatt (captain), Wells (Holland 82), Dugdale. Subs unused: Warne, Rippon, Starosta, Lancini.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: D Reay, Meade, Tootle (Whelan 68), Fewkes (Thompson 78), McFadyen (captain), M Reay, Rhodes (Paling 68), Biggins, Ruthven, Burbeary, Poulton. Subs unused: Griffin, Laight.
Who Was In Charge
Martyn Gospel (6/10)
Referee Martyn Gospel
It was a very relaxed display from Mr Gospel. Although none of his decisions had any effect on the result, he should have been a lot stronger and dealt with some of the dissent from a handful of Stocksbridge players early on.
How Many Were There
129
Man of the Match
Tom Claisse (Handsworth Parramore)
Handsworth midfielder Tom Claisse was Non League Yorkshire’s man of the match
How dare you insult Mr Gospel one of the best referees I’ve ever seen the grace the field you should be ashamed. He deserves a 11/10 no matter what the outcome. whoever wrote this has something severely wrong in their mind. Get over it he didn’t give you a decision