Match Report

Hetton Lyons 4 v 2 Steelers

Steelers FC are still without a win, still without a point and most alarmingly, still without a goalkeeper!! There was a ray of sunshine earlier in the week when we made our 24th signing of the season in the form of goal keeper – Liam Lowe. It was the ideal tonic and uplift in preparation for facing one of the best teams in the North East, if not the country. Alas, Liam Lowe broke down in mid week whilst training with Aycliffe and suffered a relapse of last seasons dislocated shoulder without him playing one minute for the lads. All the best Liam.

With only 12 to select from I asked Michael Nichol if he would go in the net for a second time this season to prevent exceeding our total of 8 players between the sticks (7 of them outfield players). He performed a heroic duty and looked much at ease for the whole game.

We started ever so brightly and young, premier league debutant Ryan Grayson put the lads in front as early as the 3rd minute. He powered home a superb header from an Adam Malekpour right wing cross. He also capped a great performance by hitting the bar in the second half as he lobbed the home keeper but luck went against him as the ball fell onto the keepers back and failed to cross the line. He did walk away with Hettons man of the match award and the 16 year old was on cloud nine as he finished his sausage and chips with a celebratory piece of iced cake in their club house.

Within 20 minutes the lads went 2 up as a forced back pass was misjudged by the Hetton keeper. The ball ran into the empty net to bring joyous scenes from the Steelers team, mainly because the lads have suffered great misfortune and some hefty defeats in the games to date. Heads were up and for once the belief was back in their game.

For 38 minutes we held Hetton and absorbed all they could through at us and fully deserved to be in front. We actually had another couple of chances during this period and could have increased this lead but the home side took advantage of our misses and pulled one back themselves just before the break.



The lads were working extremely hard to protect the lead they had quite rightly gained but the first of Hetton’s come back goals looked to be very much offside. Decisions and bad luck always seems to kick you in the teeth just when you least need it.

The second half got underway and within no time at all we forfeited a second goal to bring the scores level. In what was his only error of the game, Michael Nichol allowed a shot to pass though his hands but this did not blot what was an incredible performance from a central midfielder in goal.

Hetton did score a third to push their noses in front of this pulsating game but the Steelers kept coming back, looking for their own little piece of this play.

It was a harsh end to the match when the home side scored a fourth goal with 3 minutes to go but a lot can be taken from this performance alone.

Without trying to gloss over the cracks or paint a picture that could be a cheap version of Rembrandt, we did put a lot into this game and it was pleasing to see the lads resurrect a little bit confidence in their own performance. It was great to see their pride after such a horrendous start to 2011 and this result, albeit another defeat can only help them regain some sort of self-assurance for the games that lie ahead.

Our only substitute was Stuart (Show me the Funny) Dawson after being out the game for 8 months following what would have been a career finishing injury to most and he came on for the injured Bowes to complete a marvellous comeback in such a short space of time. Welcome home Stu.

Today’s match gave the lads a timely lift ahead of this weeks derby game. You boys did tremendous under the circumstances today. Thanks

Goals:
Ryan Grayson

MOM from Manager:
Chris Welch

MOM from Opposition:
Ryan Grayson

3 Stars:
Chris Welch
Ryan Grayson

2 Stars:
Iain Race

1 Star:
Marty Merren

Yellow Cards:
None

Red Cards:
None

Achievements:
Chris Welch travels a 100 mile round trip to make this game.
Ryan Grayson scores his first competitive goal.