Park Steels hit four in dream start to season

Kidsgrove Athletic 0-4 Stocksbridge Park Steels

IT CAN be difficult to predict the first competitive game of the season. But a young Steels side took to the well prepared Autonet Stadium in the new all red kit, against a very good home side and produced a classy performance to run out 4-0 winners.

The game started at a frenetic pace and playing 4-3-3 The Steels pushed high and closed down so quickly Kidsgrove were under pressure from the start, and it only took five minutes for Scott Ruthven to finish a well worked move in style smashing past the home keeper.

The relentless pressure continued and Luke Mangham and his two front runners Josh Hodder and Declan Slater, made life difficult for the home defence.

On loan Manchester United keeper Jacob Carney had little to do until the 25th minute when he was beaten by a fierce shot, which Jordan Lemmon cleared off the line. Pressure from the home side put the Steels to the test through to half time, but the very composed back four led by Liam McFadyen kept them at bay.

The second half started as the first ended with the home side now kicking down the slope. They piled pressure on the Steels defence and the hard grafting midfield trio held firm to weather the storm.

An hour in and changes were required. The impressive Nodder, who had picked up an injury, and one to watch for the future Declan Slater, were replaced by Lewis Whitham and Clark Greaves, both promising young talents.

Steels were back on top with fresh legs on both flanks pushing forward and keeping the home defence very busy.

It was man of the match Luke Mangham who finally put daylight between the sides with a great finish after impressive approach play.

With the home crowd silenced it was Mangham again a minute later, coolly slotting past the keeper to make it 3-0 on 81 minutes, his last contribution to the game as he was replaced by Robert Ludlam.

Steels were not finished and as the home side suffered the young lads shone. Lewis Whitham turned an on loan Stoke City defender inside out before planting a well hit drive into the net. A great team effort with spirit, determination and discipline.