Report

Match One:  Stanley 0  Pontefract Sports 1

A penalty in the dying seconds of the game denied Stanley a point in the 1-0 defeat at home to Pontefract Sports. The Stanley boys more than held their own against a strong Pontefract team who had won their league the previous season. Stanley Utd had given the refereeing job to the opposition coach - something which is unlikely to happen again!

The game was hard fought with no quarter given or asked for and there was little to separate the teams, until the first of two penalties was awarded just before half time for a push in the penalty area. The Pontefract Sports striker lined up his shot but scooped it over the cross bar. The imposing figure of Josh Tarves in goal surely having an effect. The second half saw the boys from Stanley string together some good passes from defence and midfield but they couldn't make the advantage pay. Later in the second half, Pontefract Sports pushed forward but they couldn't break down the defensive power of Jordan Callaghan and Nathan Barett.  Any shots that did get through were easily handled by Tarves who had a terrific game in goal – only being beaten by the second penalty, given on the stroke of full time, in what most spectators thought were dubious circumstances. However, given the lack of video replay facilities at the Lofthouse Gate ground, this will now have to be consigned to the history books.

Man of the match went to vice-captain Jordan Callaghan for an impressive display in defence, Nathen Barret and Josh Tarves picking up well deserved runner up spots.

Match Two: Stanley 2  Pontefract Sports 1

In the follow up match, Stanley United were well deserved 2-1 winners against Pontefract Sports. The boys from Stanley always looked in control with a strong defensive display again, this time with Daniel Godward showing a masterful display in goal, with Jason Woollin and Sam Featherston providing great support in defence.  A wonderful strike from Jacob Harte put the United boys ahead and a second goal from another United player (sorry I can’t remember who this was – please tell me so I can update this) sealed the victory, but not before a heart wrenching moment when Pontefract Sports broke through and nearly levelled the score, were it not for Cameron Blackburn running all the way from midfield through to his own goal line to skilfully deny the Pontefract player a sure fire goal.

Man of the match went to Daniel Godward in goal, with Jason Woollin and Joe Foster picking up the runner up spots for their solid performances.  

A big well done to all the boys who played.