FA Trophy
Stocksbridge Park Steels 2-2 Stalybridge Celtic
Star striker Joe Lumsden was controversially sent off just ten minutes into Stocksbridge’s heroic draw with National League North side Stalybridge.
The stalemate has given the Steels a second chance of beating their higher league opponents in the replay at Bowler Fold on Tuesday night.
Lumsden, Non League Yorkshire’s Crawford HR’s October player of the month, saw red in debatable circumstances for a challenge on Danny Wisdom.
The home side suffered a further blow when Aidan Chippendale raced through and placed Stalybridge ahead.
That was cancelled out by Scott Ruthven, who struck with well-placed effort across the face of the goal.
Celtic went in front again straight after half-time – with Danny Wilkins getting the goal.
Stalybridge remained ahead until in-form midfielder Harrison Biggins’ superb free kick levelled matters for the second time.
Remarkably, the Steels who had to play with ten men for 80 minutes almost won it when Ben Rhodes’ long range effort was palmed away.
The Team
Stocksbridge Park Steels: D Reay, Meade, Grayson, Gregory, McFadyen, M Reay, Hinchliffe, Biggins, Lumsden, Ruthven, Crofts. Subs: Rhodes, Poulton, Whelan, Thompson, Laight.