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KICKING-OFF
A WORD FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Welcome to Ingfield for todays clash with Pontefract Collieries and a happy Christmas to you and your family from all of us here at Ossett United.
This is a good time to have a quick look back over our shoulder and I must say we’ve come a long way!
We are 11 places higher in the league table than twelve months ago and have a good base to try and kick on from here - but clearly results need to improve over the next few games if we are to do that.
The squad has more quality to it, although injuries and unavailability have meant we’ve not seen it on the pitch as much as we would have liked in recent weeks. Players are starting to return and the team sheet last week at Stocksbridge was as strong as it’s been in recent times.
Obviously the result was disappointing but I’m sure as match fitness returns so will (hopefully) the positive results we enjoyed in August and September.
Enjoy the game.
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The Presidents Address
Neville Wigglesworth
I was elected onto the Northern Premier League Management Board and then served as a Director for in excess of fifteen years until I decided to resign my position on December 3rd 2019. Elected at the very same Annual General Meeting as myself was Mark Harris who subsequently went on to become our current League Chairman. In those 15 plus years on the Board I came to know and respect Mark enormously and still do.
I was interested therefore to read a column he wrote in the Non-League Paper a couple of weeks ago. The thread of his article was the absolute reliance of clubs in the National League System on volunteers required to keep clubs at this level afloat. “The recruitment and retention of volunteers presents our level of the game with its greatest ongoing challenge” opined our League Chairman. His assertions were supported by some research carried out by the Football Association which suggests that 91% of Northern Premier League clubs need urgent help in this area.
Digesting those figures made me think how fortunate we are at Ossett United to be able to rely on not only the number of volunteers we can regularly call upon but also the quality of those volunteers as well. As I talk to numerous club Directors and Officials, as I do on match days, they almost all confirm Mark’s assertion to be true to one degree or another. Whatever we have to moan and complain about here at Ossett United I very rarely hear the problem of getting volunteer helpers as being a major cause for concern. We are also blessed in that we have managed to recruit a number of younger people to some of the roles and the importance of this can’t be overestimated either. I do hope, therefore, that all those who put in the hours on behalf of our football club don’t think they are being taken for granted because they very much ARE NOT. Their various contributions – be they large or small – are nonetheless appreciated.
It was also interesting to pick out an observation by Mark Harris that in the recently released ‘Crouch Report’ covering all levels of football in this country the valuable importance of volunteer helpers barely warranted a mention! I agree that not to recognise the input of volunteers is a serious omission hence my comments this evening. The Crouch Report did make a recommendation that some of football’s vast wealth should be channelled down the system but I notice that some of the top clubs are already railing against this idea. Mark, who has his ear pretty well tuned to what goes on at the FA, thinks that there could be additional funding available via the Football Foundation for ground improvements which is positive news if it happens but very discouraging is his comment that, “If anyone still believes that a penny of football’s wealth will be seen at Steps 3 or below they are delusional” and if he’s right how depressing is that?
It’s not a terribly big deal but reading the article led me back to a personal ‘beef’ I have long held with professional clubs at Premier League and Championship level and below for that matter. We regularly get club scouts coming through our turnstiles to watch our games. The people from these top clubs who do come to our games aren’t doing so as a public relations exercise they are coming to run the rule over any promising young talent we might have unearthed. You’d think, therefore, that they would at least hand over a mere £9 admission charge for the privilege – but no – they flash their cards and come into the ground free gratis.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to tonight’s visitors Pontefract Collieries. It was good of our near neighbours to agree to another of our Friday Night experiments. The last occasion – the Liversedge match – attracted a ‘gate’ in excess of 1000 and we are hoping for another ‘bumper attendance’ tonight. Without the co-operation of our opponents this wouldn’t be possible so thanks again to Pontefract
Neville Wigglesworth – President Ossett United FC
Managers Corner
With Wayne Benn
Welcome to Ingfield for todays game with Pontefract Collieries, one that will be competitive from the first whistle.
Both sides know each other well, we know what to expect, as will Ponte, but I am confident in the ability of the squad and if that shows I believe we will come out on top today.
There may be a new face in the squad this evening as we have agreed to sign a lad on loan from Hull City, at the time of writing the paperwork is being dealt with so hopefully it will be processed in time. With Nathan Valentine unavailable it was important we added to the squad.
Last weekend was hugely frustrating, having started well we allowed Stocksbridge into the game and they took advantage while on too scoring a good goal, albeit one that was preventable.
We had a lot of the ball in the second period but with something to defend Stocksbridge dug in and held out for the three points.
I have allowed Marcel Chipamaunga to move to Goole on duel registration, he has been waiting patiently for an opportunity and unfortunately picked up an injury when he did. Hopefully some regular football at Goole will give him the chance to break into the first team here. We’ll be watching him closely.
On behalf of the management team and players I’d like to wish you all a very happy Christmas.
Enjoy the game.
Benno
A view from the Press Box...
Craig Biddlestone
Christmas is synonymous in non-league football with local derbies, something that doesn’t work its way up the leagues in modern professional football where unfortunately the ‘tribal’ element still exists, could you imagine a Boxing Day game between Forest and Derby, Liverpool and Everton or Millwall and West Ham? The police forces in each of those areas would be over ran with over-zealous fans who may or may not have had a festive beer or two too many.
My first abiding memory of a festive local derby was not long after I’d first started watching Ossett Town, we (and I say we because I was Town, not Albion) were at home to Ossett Albion, a Boxing Day fixture, and whilst I can’t remember much about the game other than Dom Riordan scoring twice to give the visitors a 2-0 win, it will always be remembered for a pitch invader who also after one or two festive beers too many decided to streak, though thankfully he had a pair of boxer shorts on to hide what was a pretty embarrassing display to being with.
That’s the beauty of non-league football, whilst Ossett Town had to ensure that the perpetrator was dealt with sufficiently, just in-case the referee decided to include the incident in his report, he wasn’t wrestled to the ground by a bunch of angry stewards, or dragged from the ground kicking and screaming, he was dealt with in an appropriate manor, something I’d like to see more of in professional football – not that I’m condoning pitch invaders mind you.
Another good thing about non-league football is that every bank holiday period, not just Christmas and New Year, the clubs work with each other and the league to ensure the local derbies are fitted in to the schedule correctly, it’s a sensible decision, it allows players, staff and supporters to enjoy time with their families instead of worrying about a 200 mile round trip to the North East, something the TV companies, The Premier League and The EFL should think about when pitting Exeter City against Hartlepool United at 1pm the day after Christmas Day when there is no public transport (I doubt that has happened but I’m sure there have been cases similar in the past).
This season we welcome probably the biggest of our two ‘rivals’ tonight in Pontefract Collieries (though this is not actually a bank holiday period), then take the short journey up to Tadcaster Albion the day after Boxing Day (another sensible decision) before entertaining Brighouse Town on New Year’s Day. In between times I hope you all take time out to enjoy time with your family and friends, we know it’s been a difficult two years and we know it isn’t about to get much better any time soon, hopefully health permitted football can continue at our level over the next few weeks and we can complete a full season for the first time since 2018/19.
In the meantime, tonight’s half-time playlist has been chosen by members of the Media team, I asked them to pick Christmas songs but also to “think outside the box” which believe you me they have done.
From me and all of the Media Team at Ossett United, we hope you enjoy the game and have a very happy Christmas and New Year. Stay safe.
Craig
OSSETT UNITED
SQUAD LIST
Ossett United Coaching Team:
- Manager: Wayne Benn
- Assistant Manager: Chick Hayward
- GK Coach: Jay Mellor
- Physio: Katie Davies, Emily Crispin
Ossett United Squad:
- Max DEARNLEY (GK)
- Jake TEALE (GK)
- Mateusz ZANIEWSKI (GK)
- Ross HARDAKER
- Ross KILLOCK
- Harry GAGEN
- Prince ATTAKORAH
- Jack COWGILL (C)
- Eddie CASS
- Cameron CLARK
- Josh O'SONYA
- Dec McGIVERN
- Curt SENIOR
- Oliver CHAN
- Mo ELSAYED
- Aaron HASWELL
- Marcel CHIPAMAUNGA
- Jack TANSER
- Luke HOGG
- Nathan VALENTINE
- Mitch LEVI-LEWIS
- Archie WHITFIELD
- Josh HAIGH
- George GREEN
- Tabish HUSSAIN
- James WALSHAW
- Nash CONNOLLY
- Roy FOGARTY
- Seon RIPLEY
- Carl CLARKSON
- Reon POTTS
Get to know... Nathan Valentine
Basic info –
Hometown: Leeds
Age: 28
Previous clubs:
Yorkshire Amateurs FC, Harrogate Town FC, AFC Liverpool, Witton Albion, Radcliffe Borough FC FC, Frickley Athletic FC, Scarborough Athletic FC, Stalybridge Celtic FC, Matlock Town FC, Bury AFC, Radcliffe FC
Social Media handles (if applicable):
- Twitter: NathanVallo93
- Instagram: nathanvalentine93
- TikTok: nathanvalentine93
Light-hearted –
Tea or Coffee: Coffee, always on a morning.
Dogs or Cats: Dogs
What’s your favourite music genre? (If that’s too broad, what are you listening to ATM)
I can listen to anything and everything dependent on my mood, I could go from Elvis Presley to 21 Savage, before reverting to Queen and Bad Bunny!
Where’s your favourite holiday destination? Cancun, Mexico – I’ve had the opportunity to fly out twice in 2021 and stayed both in downtown and the hotel zone, the locals are friendly, it’s an amazing place with so many great memories. I’ve most recently visited Krakow, Poland and would urge everyone to go and visit if they get the chance, its beautiful and the beer is nice.
Who are your three ideal dinner party guests? My girlfriend, Mum and Dad
What do you do for work? My main profession is a teacher, I was most recently Head of Academy and Lead Tutor at Pro:Direct Academy Manchester. I am also a signed model.
Football questions –
Which football club do you support and why? Leeds United (for my sins). It’s my boy hood club. For most parts of my life, we have gone through hardship, all the way to League One and back. Its great to see them back in the Premiership again and an honour to play with Ross Killock.
Who’s better… Messi or Ronaldo? (And why if you want to add that): We are blessed to live in a time to see them both in their primes. For me, I think Messi shades it, his natural ability surpasses any before him and most likely after him! Be interesting to see how he would do on a cold Tuesday night at Frickley.
Who is your favourite footballer?: Alessandro Del Piero
Which professional footballer, who plays the same position, is your biggest inspiration? (If not the same answer as above): Steven Gerrard – I’ve had the opportunity to interview him and was so impressed with his professionalism. He was the complete midfielder; a great captain and I think he’ll be a successful manager.
How did you get into playing football at semi-professional level? I began playing Men’s Football when I was 17 in the NCEL Division One for Yorkshire Amateurs FC after coming through their youth ranks. I was never signed at a professional academy but gained some vital playing experience playing in the lower leagues. The level wasn’t great at the time, I got kicked a lot, but it allowed me to understand my strengths and gain experience of the game before progressing up the leagues year on year.
What do you do to keep fit away from football? I am an avid member at David Lloyd Clubs which is a great place to keep fit mentally, physically, and emotionally. Find me in the Sauna on a Sunday.
What’s the best moment in your career so far? Gaining promotion with Scarborough Athletic FC and being named in the Evostick Media Team of the Season.
What’s the best goal you’ve scored? For Scarborough Athletic FC against Goole FC, scored at a really important time in a must win game which kicked us on for promotion.
What are your ambitions with Ossett United? To gain promotion, I know just how much of a great feeling it is and would want to use my experience to ensure the young players, supporters, volunteers, management, and everyone connected with Ossett United is able to experience the same feeling.
What do you make of the season so far? The club has made a steady start to the season and is currently in and around the play offs, we have some really good players, a mixture of experience (Dec and Wally) and some really promising younger players (Aaron and Luke Hogg to name a few), by gaining some consistency, I see no reason why we can mount a strong challenge. Its fine margins for any team at this level as any team can beat anyone and hopefully, we can end on the right side of results in future games. Also, from a club perspective, it has a real family feel, the supporters and volunteers live and breathe every header tackle and pass and I speak on behalf of the team when I say we really value and appreciate your time, effort, and support.
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Pontefract Collieries FC
SQUAD LIST
Pontefract Collieries Coaching Team:
- Manager: Craig Rouse
- Assistant Manager: Andy Seed
- Assistant Manager/Player: Jimmy Williams
- Head Coach/Player: Gavin Rothery
- GK Coach/Player/Sports Analyst: Ross McKenna
- Physio: Bailey Smith
Pontefract Collieries Squad:
- Ryan Musselwhite (GK)
- Lloyd Allinson (GK)
- Jack Greenhough (Captain)
- Spencer Clarke (Vice Captain)
- Fabian Bailey
- Scott Smith
- Jack Lazenby
- Jack Shepherd
- Jack Vann
- Derry Robson
- Luke Hinsley
- Scott Brown
- Dylan Collington
- Joao Rangel
- Wilber Ocran
- Callum Brook
- Nick Guest
- Rob Guilfoyle
Pontefract Collieries History:
Pontefract is known to have had a football club as far back as the 1890’s when a side, presumably composed mainly of soldiers, completed in the West Yorkshire League as Pontefract Garrison. Much of the history requires further research but it is known that a Pontefract Borough Club reached the dizzy heights of the Yorkshire League in the late 1920’s. By 1935 a club called Tanshelf Gems managed to acquire a ground on Ackworth Road, moved there and became Pontefract United.
The current club was formed in 1958 enjoying considerable success on and off the field, much work being done during the miners’ strike cementing relationships with the mining industry and the local community. The floodlight opening in 1987 saw the Colls take on Hull City in a friendly watched by a record crowd of 1000.
Recent History:
2012/13 – The season ended with only one defeat in the last ten games including victories over Askern Villa of 9-0 and 10-2. The club finished 5th for the 3rd season in a row.
2013/14 – This was a season of consolidation which ended in a disappointing 9th place but with a clear plan in place for the 2014/15 season.
2014/15 – The plan was delivered as the Colls finished as runners-up in North Counties East League Division One and were promoted back to the NCEL Premier Division after a 15-year absence. Along the way they recorded the highest away win, best aggregate score, most goals scored (joint with Louth Town), 2nd best defence and the most clean sheets.
2015/16 – The latter part of the season saw the Colls with a new management team of Craig Parry, Manager and former Colls Keeper, assisted by Craig Rouse and Nigel Danby. The Colls fought to the bitter end but ended up 3rd from bottom and back in Division One!
2016/17 – A great start to the season led by Manager Craig Parry, Assistant Manager Craig Rouse & Head Player/Coach Luke Jeffs saw the Colls win 9 from 9 (including pre-season friendlies) The League performance saw some brilliant runs of form including one of 21 games with only 1 defeat. With the Colls fate in their own hands, they only needed to win away at Worsborough Bridge in the final game. This they duly did and returned to the NCEL Premier Division at the first time of asking!
2017/18 – A fantastic season saw the Colls produce many impressive statistics, best attack, best defence, most goals scored (134), best goal difference (+96), biggest away win (8-0 v Thackley), most clean sheets (17) on their way to promotion to Step 4 of non-league for the first time in their history.
2018/19 – After 2 consecutive promotions the Colls had an extremely successful first ever season at Step Four of non-league in the NPL Division One East finishing as runners up to Morpeth Town. A good pre-season saw the Colls gain 2 pieces of silverware – The Bill Cook Memorial Trophy against Glasshoughton Welfare and the Inaugural Colliery Cup from a keenly contested game against NPL Division One West side Atherton Collieries. The Colls narrowly lost out on promotion to the NPL Premier Division at the first time of asking after losing the playoff final!
2019/20 - Pre-season saw the Colls again retain the Bill Cook Memorial Trophy against Glasshoughton Welfare (winning 9-2) and also retaining the Colliery Cup against the 2018/19 NPL Division One West champions Atherton Collieries (winning 6-1) This season was unfortunately terminated in March and results expunged with the Colls sitting in 4th place with several games in hand on teams above.
2020/21 – A successful pre-season for the Colls retaining the Bill Cook Memorial Trophy against Glasshoughton Welfare (winning 5-1) and winning the last 5 pre-season - unfortunately this season was also terminated.
2021/22 – After again retaining the Bill Cook Memorial Trophy, we are very much looking forward to a full season under new management team – Craig Rouse, Andy Seed, Jimmy Williams, Head Coach Gavin Rothery & Goal Keeping Coach Ross McKenna.
We’re backing Play Safe
Ossett United is lending its full support to Play Safe – a national FA-led campaign to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding in football.
Play Safe is being run in partnership with the NSPCC and has the full backing of the Premier League, EFL, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and the FA Women’s Championship. It’s also supported and being run across every other level of the game.
The main element of Play Safe is a series of short films which emphasise the importance of clubs such as ours having safeguarding as an everyday reality. The films also explain to parents/carers and children themselves know what to do if they feel unsafe or worried, because nothing matters more than making sure football is safe for everyone, especially children and young people. You can see these films on our club website and we’ve also broadcast them on our social media channels.
“As a youth team coach, I will be working with my club to ensure we support the Play Safe messaging,” says FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham. “I am also pleased that the campaign has the support of the former footballers with lived experience of abuse in football, who are on our Survivor Support and Safeguarding Advisory Group. The Group has collectively said:
“Learning from the past is crucial, so that we can prevent the horrific experiences that happened to us and so many others in football, from happening again.
“As a group of survivors, we fully support the ethos and important messages that Play Safe conveys – whether to club officials, parents/carers and or vitally, children and young people themselves. Equally important is that Play Safe is not a one-off campaign – it will be used at key points in the football calendar to remind everyone in football, that children’s welfare and keeping them safe, should be at the heart of all that we do.”
As the Survivor Group points out, you’ll see Play Safe appearing at various points throughout the season to keep safeguarding front of mind in football. Together, we want to do everything we can so everyone – particularly children and young people – has a consistently positive experience of our great game.
Book Review: Bournemouth 90 by Billy Morris
Saturday 05 May 1990. Bournemouth v Leeds United. The final game of the season. Win and Leeds would return to the top flight of English football after an eight year absence. Lose and Sheffield United could pip their West Yorkshire rivals to promotion. What followed that Bank Holiday weekend on the south coast is remembered as one of triumph for the Elland Road club on the pitch, with Lee Chapman’s goal enough to earn a 1-0 victory, but which was marred by serious violence off it. And it is against this backdrop that this fictional novel takes its title.
Of the 190 pages of this engaging, gritty, fast-paced and at times brutal dark crime thriller, all but the final eight, are set between Monday 09 April 1990 and Sunday 06 May 1990. The significance of the dates are that the first sees the central character Neil Yardsley released from prison after three years as he returns to his home city of Leeds and the second is the day after the Bournemouth v Leeds fixture; very much the ‘morning after the night before’.
Whilst the match on the south coast is the culmination of the story in a football sense, it is also the setting as other plot-lines come to a head. Indeed, whilst football is featured with Neil’s return to his mates and the ritual of attending games back at Elland Road, Morris draws in a number of other themes such as family, belonging, loyalty and betrayal as Neil’s attempt to go straight are side-tracked as he becomes drawn into the dark side of the crime, gang and drug scene in the city.
The author was born in Leeds and so the language used (and which he explains in a preface, Accents, Dialects and Pronunciation) has an entirely authentic feel, as do his descriptions of the various pubs, bars and landmarks in the city from the 1990s. This extends to his description of the football casuals scene as fashion shifted from denim clad skinheads to flick-haired Stone Island wearing gangs, all giving the novel a ‘real’ feel.
What also helps provide an authenticity is the short headlines at the beginning of some chapters that gives readers context to events of the time, whether that be describing the nervous form the Elland Road team were going through as the season reached its conclusion or events in Britain in a year that saw Margaret Thatcher eventually stand down as Prime Minister.
This is undoubtedly a fast paced unflinching read, with the 48 short-sharp chapters keeping readers engaged and driving them on through to its conclusion, with the final chapter six months on after the events in Bournemouth providing one final twist.
(Publisher: Independent. August 2021. Paperback: 191 pages)
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Match Report: OUFC 1 - 3 Marske United
There’s nothing like a crisp winter’s day for watching football. And, yes, this was nothing like that at all. The weather forecast hadn’t looked good, but the rainstorm that preceded Saturday’s kick-off against table-topping seasiders, Marske United, can only be described as biblical proportions.
Genesis, Chapter 1
In the beginning there was light. Not much light. A darkness festered around Ingfield, the pitch edges at the popular side puddled in a quagmire of mud, John’s beautifully manicured turf cutting up already in the warm-up.
Exodus, Chapter 3
As 3 o’clock approached, the chosen people had already upped sticks, vacating their home on the open terrace for pastures new. The Ossett United ultras huddled in the covered stand in front of the dressing rooms, the windows of the Supporters’ Club Can Bar steamed up with the breath of fans taking refuge and the Marske fans made the covered stand on the opposite side their home for the afternoon.
Numbers, Chapter 8
With so much mud flying around Ingfield, added to the dismal dusk and my 50-year old eyes, I couldn’t always work out the numbers on the backs of the visitors from the Cleveland coast. As early as 5 minutes into the game an unidentified Marskedmarauder was felled by Ossett’s young keeper, Jake Teale, thankfully judged to be just outside the box. Craig Gott’s resulting free kick just crept wide of Teale’s post.
Marske forced the first corner on 11 minutes, whereas Haswell instigated Ossett’s first real attack a minute later, his cross from the left evading the homesters’ front line. Despite the terrible conditions Marske showed why they topped this division on the back of four straight wins, pressing forward. Ossett, on the other hand, showed resilience and fight across the park after a couple of disappointing performances.
On 15 minutes a break from Marske brought a one-on-one for Jake Teale. The young keeper had made a nervous start, but double point-blank saves will have done him the world of good.
Kings, Chapter 9
The sodden Ingfield pitch would remind you of grainy tv footage from a mudbath at Burnden Park or Leeds Road in the 1950s or 60s, when no-nonsense centre-forwards were the order of the day. And Roy Fogerty sounds like the name of a no-nonsense centre-forward from that era. On 18 minutes regal Roy accepted a ball from Valentine and tucked it inside the Marske keeper’s right post from 20 yards out. 1-0 to Ossett, slightly against the run of play, but we’ll take it! Tumbleweed rolled across the popular terrace, roars rocked the little stand in front of the changing rooms and the Supporters’ Club Can Bar visibly rocked with delight.
Judges, Chapter ‘Man in Black’
On 23 minutes a lively Nash Connolly broke in from the right, finding James Walshaw in a great position. As Wally pulled the trigger he went down in the box. When the ref blew we could only assume it would be a penalty from the other end of the pitch. Instead the ref judged Wally to have dived and produced Ossett’s second yellow card of the half.
Marske still slightly the dominant side, you began to look at the clock, hoping we would get to half-time, unlike the Liversedge game, when a late first half goal was a killer blow. This time round Ossett finished the first half strongly. A Haswell shot from the left was blocked by Marske keeper Catterick, then Valentine headed into Catterick’s hands from a hopeful cross.
Lamentations Chapter 1
With the first half petering out, a dangerous run down towards the Ossett six-yard box was nullified by a strong Ross Hardaker challenge. As the Marske attacker went down you feared the worst. The ref kept his whistle in his pocket and, with no penalty awarded, to add insult to injury the Marske lad sled into the biggest, wettest, muddiest puddle in Yorkshire. If his number was indecipherable before that, what chance would I have now?!
The cold now taking over from the wet, the half-time warm in Kelly’s Bar approaching, almost immediately a last gasp ball to the left beat the Ossett offside trap. A pinpoint cross met Kevin Burgess, who rose above everyone to equalise. It would be 1-1 at half-time after all.
Lamentations, Chapter 2
Much credit has to go to the ground staff for making this game happen, more so for their efforts at half-time, generously aided by supporters and volunteers from both clubs. Without great people like this we wouldn’t have a game at all.
The second half began open and evenly matched. On 56 minutes a Marske attack down the left found Adam Boyes, who clinically glanced the ball beyond Teal to put Marske ahead. 1-2. Would you Adam and Eve it?
A third goal for Marske two minutes later was ruled out by an offside flag, as the visitors looked to kill the game. Ossett, on the other hand, had a great chance to pull level on 68 minutes, Haswell playing in Walshaw, whose shot across the face of the goal sneaked agonisingly wide.
Lamentations, Chapter 3
It had been a spirited fight from the Blues, but league leaders Marske put the game beyond doubt on 74 minutes. Tymon won the ball and played in Adam Boyes. The Marske marksman slotted the ball home to Teale’s right. 1-3.
Revelation, Final Chapter
Ossett United 1 Marske United 3. All credit to everyone involved, the ground staff, the volunteers and the players for making this game happen. To the fans too, those 339 hardy souls who braved the biblical rain and shivering cold. Marske were worthy of their win. Ossett United also should take positives away from a battling performance. Thank heavens for a warm fireside.
Match Report: Stocksbridge Park Steels 1 - 0 OUFC
The penultimate game before Christmas was settled in favour of Stocksbridge Park Steels thanks to a 30th minute strike by Josh Nodder in a game that saw Wayne Benn make two changes from the previous week with Mat Zaniewski and Dec McGivern replacing Jake Teale and Ross Hardaker.
Ossett United started the game quickly putting pressure on their hosts with Stocksbridge struggling to get a hold of the ball, as early as the sixth minute United created a half chance with Hogg firing wide from 20 minutes with a packed penalty area giving him little to aime for.
The home side worked their way into the game which was being played at a fast pace and very much end to end as the half reached mid-way, Zaniewski was first called into action in the 22nd minute as he expertly turned away a header from Luke Mangham.
Good football from Ossett as the ball was worked from Gagen at right back through Hogg and Valentine in midfield to Haswell down the left saw his cross defended out for a corner, quick sharp play from Ossett created the opportunity but there was not enough of it seen during this game.
Matt Zaniewski again came to Ossett’s rescue as a short back pass was picked up by Mangham, Zaniewskie was quick off his line and was able to block the shot outside his area.
Benn was then forced to make a change as Cameron Clark, caught heavily in the early minutes of the game was forced to limp off in the 28th minutes, Ross Hardaker the man to take his place.
Mangham again was wasteful for the home side striking wide after a cross had been deflected across the area before, in the 30th minute, Michael Trench send over a deep cross, Nodder brought the ball down well, his touch opening up his body to fire a curling left foot effort across Zaniewski and into the far post for the opening goal of the game.
Ossett had a half chance as Valentine was found by Fogarty, his effort saved by Ed Hall in the home goal before the referee signalled the end of a frenetic first half.
Stocksbridge started the second half as quickly as Ossett started the first with Turner’s effort saved once again by Zaniewski. A scramble in the Stocksbrige saw a couple of shots blocked as United players looked to find that vital space before the referee’s whistle brought an end to the scramble and the home side were able to clear.
Wayne Benn replaced Connolly with Potts and it was his cross that created United’s best chance of the game as Fogarty found space but was unable to get his header on target. Stocksbridge continued to create the better of the chances and once again Zaniewski was on hand with an impressive double save.
But with only one goal in it Ossett continued to press and probe looking for an equaliser. A final change saw Josh Haigh replace Fogarty as Benn changed formation to try and get the breakthrough but as Ossett pushed men forward it created space that Stocksbridge looked to exploit.
Hogg stopped one chance with an excellent covering challenge and Zaniewski, rightly awarded man of the match, was on hand to keep the deficit at only one.
At the other end Walshaw struck a freekick well from 25 yards, Hall managing to keep hold of the low effort as Potts closed in.
As the game reached the end of the final of four additional minutes Haswell had the last kick of the game with a free-kick from distance, the ball clearing the bar as the match official ended the game.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: 1. Ed Hall, 2. Jordan Lemon (16. Jack Tinkler), 3. Mickael Trench, 4. Sam Finlaw, 5. Lee Cooksey, 6. Reece Fielding, 7. Kurtis Turner, 8. Ross Goodwin, 9. Luke Mangham (c), 10. Nathaniel Crofts, 11. Josh Nodder (Goal, 30) (12. Scott Ruthven). 14. Alex O’Connor, 15. Andy Ring, 17. Liam NcFadyen.
Ossett United: 1. Mat Zaniewski, 2. Harry Gagen, 3. Cameron Clark (15. Ross Hardaker), 4. Luke Hogg, 5. Dec McGivern, 6. Jack Cowgill (c), 7. Nash Connolly (12. Reon Potts), 8. Nathan Valentine, 9. Roy Fogarty (16. Josh Haigh), 10. James Walshaw, 11. Aaron Haswell. 14. Archie Whitfield, 17. Marcel Chipamaunga.
Man of the Match: Mat Zaniewski
Attendance: 244
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Credits:
JonHuntPhotography Keith Wood