Stamford 4-3 Sheffield FC

Friday 17th February 2012

This playoff contender was settled by a stunning free kick 6 minutes into injury time from Danny Brooks.

In a feisty first half there was plenty of good play from both sides and a number of chances apiece. 

Sheffield took the lead on 19 minutes some good work down the left from Steve Woolley saw the left back cut inside and send a shot down low to Ross Whalins right.

Sheffield then were denied by a last ditch block by Luke Garton after danger man Connor Higginson played a one two with Nathan Modest and crossed in low to Jason Bradley only for Garton to throw his body in the way.

Stamford equalised in the 42nd minute Kieren Watson bursting down the left rode a couple of challenges his initial shot was blocked but he followed up to power home.

The second half started all Stamford and they deservedly took the lead on 67 minutes a Brooks corner was cleared out to the edge of the area only to Joe Pheasant who placed a cushioned volley back over the keeper and into the net.

Bruno Holden then had a great chance when Nathan Watson played in his brother Kieren his cross was met by Holden but the striker could only head over on the stretch.

Holden got the goal he deserved in the 72nd minute with a run from wide and shot that hammered past the keeper who had no chance. It could have been 4 with a great passing move that involved 5 Daniels players and saw Kieren play David Staff in but his shot was well saved by the keeper.

Sheffield were handed a lifeline when a cross by Woolley was turned into his own net by debutant Dean Whiley. This didn't seem to deter the Daniels as Holden had a great shot on the run well saved by the keeper.

With a few minutes to go Sheffield rallied and Stamford were given a warning when a Higginson cross was headed wide by Dan Williams and moments later a Higginson back heel again saw Williams miscue his shot over.

93 minutes had past and referee Sian Massey gave a harshly awarded corner which was taken quickly to Higginson his cross found Matt Varley and he volleyed in to jubilant celebrations by the Sheffield players and management.

After some arguing the game was restarted and Stamford went straight for the Sheffield goal, Brooks was crudely hacked down on the edge of the area and the midfielder dusted himself down and calmly placed the ball took a few steps back and hammered the ball through the wall and through the keeper to win it with the last kick in the 96th minute to ensuing wild celebrations from players, management and fans.

Special mention must go to Joe Pheasant who man marked Sheffields Connor Higginson out of the game and man of the match Kieren Watson who was lively throughout.

Sponsor Jolly Brewer

MOM Kieren Watson

Att 244

STAMFORD:- Ross Whalin, Luke Garton, Joe Pheasant, Wayne Diuk, Dean Whiley, David Staff, Nathan Watson, Kieren Watson (Nicholas Ghislanzoni 78), Bruno Holden, Scott Mooney (Jared Holmes 67), Danny Brooks

Subs:- Adam Hewitt, Jake Gibson, Mark Harvey