Evo Stik Division One South
Stocksbridge Park Steels 4-0 Stamford
Stocksbridge hat-trick hero Joe Lumsden in action earlier this season. Picture: Peter Revitt
Joe Lumsden hit a hat-trick as play-offs chasing Stocksbridge Park Steels brutally disposed of a very poor Stamford side.
The Steels go into Christmas on a huge high and firmly back in the race for the top five.
Stamford had a lot of the ball in the opening half hour, but once as Lumsden struck the first blow as half time approached, Chris Hilton’s men took full control.
The opener was a typical clinical finish from the former Armthorpe Welfare striker. The move actually started in Stocksbridge’s box as they had to defend a Stamford corner. The ball was swiftly moved to the other end of the field and Lumsden shot perfectly into the far corner.
One soon became two as Matt Reay headed home from a corner.
It was nearly all attack after attack from Stocksbridge in the second half as Stamford, who only tested goalkeeper David Reay once, folded up.
The lively Nathaniel Crofts made the third goal with a brilliant run and cross which Lumsden finished off at the back-post.
More goals were inevitable as the chances continued to flow. Fittingly Lumsden took home the match-ball after latching onto Adam Hinchliffe’s deflected strike.
The striker was then greeted by a standing ovation as he was substituted – his work was done…until Boxing Day when the Steels host Chasetown.
The Team
Stocksbridge Park Steels: D Reay, Meade (Rhodes 64), Grayson, Hinchliffe, McFadyen (captain), M Reay, Crofts, Biggins, Lumsden (Litchfield 74), Ruthven, Poulton (Burbeary 71). Subs unused: Greaves, Thompson.