Sorry Steels lose 'six-pointer' to plucky Pickering

Stocksbridge PS 0-2 Pickering Town

Report by Dave Rhodes

PICKERING Town provided the opposition at Look Local Stadium and with both teams too near the bottom for comfort the game took on a sixpointer feel to it.

Steels came out of the blocks strongly and created good chances for Wiles, Ruthven and Williams, all blocked by Pickering defenders packing the six yard box.

Another shot by Williams was straight at Charlie Andrew the away goalkeeper and Mangham’s header from Coleman’s outswinging corner was just over.

It was a positive first 20 minutes for Steels with some good approach play and passing phases. Great work down the right by Rhodes, Wiles and Mangham gave Williams the opportunity to fire a low cross across the face of the goal only to see the ball, frustratingly, zip past all.

Encouraging signs for Steels, who never really looked in danger, and were largely in control of the game at this point.

But how goals change the course of games. A sloppy ball across the Steels midfield lines was picked up by a Pickering forward who immediately sent Josh Greening scurrying in on goal, Amissah was quick to react but only half blocked the effort from 16 yards out as the ball rolled over the line.

Steels really never recovered from this setback as Pickering seized the opportunity by forcing corners and pressing forward but without testing Amissah to any degree.

The second half was a largely uneventful affair. Confidence is such a big requirement that when it’s low individuals start to over play, over do things and take the easy options.

The game was littered with offsides from both sides which impacted on any sort of attractive passages of play from each team.

On 75 minutes Pickering went further in front with a poor goal conceded by Steels. Amissah may be disappointed as he was slow to react, down to his right, after the lively Josh Greening scuffed a left footed effort from 20 yards past him low into the corner of the net.

Steels great efforts to achieve something were largely disappointing as they just couldn’t find an end product.

McFadyen’s free header from Coleman’s corner just missing was a highlight and typical of how things were going for Steels as the ball went the wrong side of the post.

Pickering saw out the second half with ease and the away keeper having a quiet day at the office is becoming all too familiar for the Steels’ loyal supporters.

Next up at the Look Local is Spalding United on December 1 with a 3pm kick off.