Ugly and scrappy gets three points

The Lions headed for a functional but soulless Steel Park looking to get back on track after Saturday’s home defeat by Brackley and eventually came away with the three points courtesy of a James Walshaw brace and another from Josh Wilson. But having played Corby off the park in the opening quarter of an hour, the lack of creativity in midfield saw too many long balls and careless passes come to nought.

A goal up after just three minutes, when Phil Marsh fed Aaron Hardy down the right flank and his cross into the six yard box was tucked home by Walshaw, the visitors nearly doubled their lead shortly afterwards when Andy Holdsworth went close with an audacious lob that went just the wrong side of the post after keeper Paul Walker had sent a clearance straight to the versatile midfielder.

Having held off Paul Malone, Walshaw also brought a good save from the young stopper, whilst at the other end Steve Drench made two good stops but was powerless to deny Ryan Semple when Mark Bower slipped just inside his own penalty area on the stroke of half-time, leaving the Corby man the easiest of chances. However, the Lions’ reply was immediate as they were awarded a free kick twenty yards out straight from the restart, with Walshaw once again finding the back of the net via a wicked deflection off the wall.

The second half saw the Steelmen working hard to level matters and Josh Moreman should have restored parity. His initial jinking run and shot brought a good parry from Drench and the striker scooped the loose ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Drench again made another fine save from Semple’s free kick before substitute Jordan Ivey-Ward levelled with twelve minutes remaining. As with the earlier equaliser the Lions’ response was almost immediate, and again came from a set piece. This time the free kick was flicked on by the irrepressible Walshaw for Josh Wilson to head beyond Walker for what proved to be the winner.

So after Saturday’s setback it’s back to winning ways, albeit in an ugly and scrappy encounter, but against classier opposition the outcome might not be as productive.

Hear Steve Kittrick’s thoughts here

1 – Steve Drench

2 – Aaron Hardy

3 – Rhys Meynell

4 – Jack Rea (Lawlor)

5 – Danny Ellis

6 – Mark Bower (Captain)

7 – Andy McWilliams

8 – Andy Holdsworth

9 – Josh Wilson  (81)

10 – James Walshaw (3, 45)

11 – Phil Marsh (Matt Wilson)

12 – Matt Wilson

14 – Andy Pearson

15 – Jake Lawlor

16 – Zack Dale

18 – Jacob Giles

 

Next Up:

3:00 pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Guiseley vs Lancaster City