Non-league: Hilton looking for Steel in his defence at Stocksbridge

Stocksbridge Park Steels boss Chris Hilton has defensive solidity on his mind as he looks to guide his side to a first away win of the season.
Pacy winger Tyler Williams has returned from suspension for Stocksbridge. Picture: Gillian HandisidesPacy winger Tyler Williams has returned from suspension for Stocksbridge. Picture: Gillian Handisides
Pacy winger Tyler Williams has returned from suspension for Stocksbridge. Picture: Gillian Handisides

Steels have picked up four points from their opening four games but Hilton feels they should have more points on the board as they head to newly promoted Pontefract Collieries on Saturday.

'We seem to be getting punished for every mistake, but that's football,' said Hilton.

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'We're creating chances and scoring goals but we need to rectify things at the other end.

'We've generally defender okay as a team but there has been far too many mistakes which are costing us.

'We switch off or lose concentration and get punish. It's very frustrating.

'We knew from the outset that we'd need to patient. We've got young lads in there who are still learning but at this level you have to learn quickly.'

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Hilton felt the 2-1 defeat at Lincoln was typical of how things have gone for his side this season.

'We've given away a sloppy goal inside the first couple of minutes," he said.

"After that I thought we edged it in the first half.

'We were camped in their half after the break and created three or four good chances but only stuck one away.

'Then they get a dubious late penalty. Brad Beatson was adamant he'd won the ball.

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'It's one of those you've seen them given and you've seen them not given

'We've gone away to a team third in the table and their goalkeeper won man of the match.

'I thought we were well worth a point.'

Hilton expects a tough game against Pontefract, who had won two and drawn two of their opening four games.

He said: 'It's a poor pitch and they are direct so it's not going to be easy.

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'But we've got Tyler Williams back which is a bonus. It will give us that extra pace so hopefully we can get at them.'

Hilton is hoping to sign at least one player before Saturday's game. Jack Poulton, Brad Beatson, Luke Mangham, Tom Charlesworth and Todd Jordan are all injury doubts.

After registering their first win of the season last weekend, Sheffield FC are aiming to double up against Marske United at the Coach and Horses.

Club lost 4-0 at Marske on the opening day of the season, a result boss Gavin Smith is keen to put right.

 

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The visitors arrive having made a good start following promotions as champions of the Northern League.

They also possess the best defensive record in the division, having conceded just two goals in four league outings.

Sheffield on the other hand have shipped 14 goals in four league games but on a positive note. Smith's side have scored ten goals with only leaders Stamford, Lincoln United and Ossett United having scored more.

In the FA Cup, Frickley Athletic boss Spencer Fearn takes his side to former club Maltby Main in a tie that will be streamed live by the BBC.

Matlock Town are looking for their first win since the opening day of the season when they host Southern League Premier Division side Halesowen Town.

Buxton travel to Barwell.