Stocksbridge finish sixth after nine games unbeaten - Sheffield FC also end on a high note

Stocksbridge Park Steels and Sheffield FC ended the season on a positive note.
Adam Hinchliffe (7) sees his shot saved in Stocksbridge's 2-1 win against Belper Town. Photo: Gillian HandisidesAdam Hinchliffe (7) sees his shot saved in Stocksbridge's 2-1 win against Belper Town. Photo: Gillian Handisides
Adam Hinchliffe (7) sees his shot saved in Stocksbridge's 2-1 win against Belper Town. Photo: Gillian Handisides

But Shaw Lane Aquaforce have to settle for the play-offs after narrowly missing out on the Division One South title despite a 2-1 win at Rugby Town.

Stocksbridge finished undefeated in nine games as a a 2-1 win over Belper Town at Bracken Moor sealed sixth place.

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Steels were in front on six minutes when Rory Coleman finished well from a tight angle after the Belper keeper Danny Haystead had done well to block Scott Ruthven’s initial effort after a Corey Gregory pass.

Ruthven was again thwarted by Haystead who made a good save with his legs. Then the keeper denied Ruthven again with a fingertip save from an angled drive.

Stocksbridge almost gifted Belper an equaliserwhen Matt Reay’s back header fell short leaving Ben Watkiss in on goal but brother David Reay rushed out to avert the danger with a block.

Matt Reay had an effort cleared off the line then Haystead made another g.ood save from Adam Hinchliffe.

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Just before the hour Steels were pegged back when Belper’s Alex Steadman converted a penalty for David Reay’s follow-through challenge on Eric Graves.

Stocksbridge regained the lead with a penalty on 72 minutes. Substitute Keegan Burton was upended as he went past full-back Louis Keenan. Leaving Coleman to convert for his 21st goal of the season.

Belper threatened an equaliser when Jonathan Williams sent a diving header over while Steels had a late chance only for Harrison Biggins to slice his effort wide.

Sheffield FC finished with two wins from the last three games following a 2-0 victory at relegated Tividale ahead of what is likely to be a busy summer of rebuilding for manager James Colliver.

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Club looked sharp in the opening exchanges and it took an excellent double save from the home keeper to deny both Brian Cusworth and Alec Denton.

Sheffield deservedly edged in front on 32 minutesas Cusworth got his head to a cross that left the home keeper rooted to the spot.

Sheffield had a let off in the second half second half when Shaq Whittington’s came back off the post with Jamie Green beaten with Lee Cooksey clearing the follow up.

Club wrapped up the points as Denton burst into the area to score with a good low finish, and they came close to a third when substitute Jordan Turner’s header struck the post

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Goals from Jonathan Wafula and Gavin Allott just before the hour saw Shaw Lane Aquaforce run out 2-1 winners at Rugby Town. But Stafford Rangers lifted the championship by a point with a 1-1 draw at Coalville.

Tuesday - Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Final: Frickley Athletic v Shaw Lane Aquaforce. (at Sheffield United FC) 7pm.

Wednesday - Division One South play-off Semi-Final: Shaw Lane Aquaforce v Lincoln United.