Lancaster Updates

[juanillo]

Yes, should never got as close as it was and whilst conditions were tricky, same for both and probably helped to provide an entertaining game.

Also Sutton continued to concede a hatful and Rushall lost as well, so it's 5 points off the relegation place.

[DJ]

Halesowen Town 4 Lancaster City 3

John McAtee struck twice in a seven-goal thriller as a third victory in four league games eased improving Halesowen further away from the base of the table.

The Yeltz team-sheet showed the surprise inclusion of late signing Matthew Barnes-Homer in a game played in blustery conditions. Lancaster’s Ryan Winder nodded a long 7th minute cross wide and the visitors were forced to replace Robert Henry after he suffered a 10th minute jaw injury. But there were very few chances in a low-key opening, although Asa Charlton blasted high over the visiting bar in the 19th minute and a 24th minute cross from Kyle Morrison was cut out by goalkeeper Joshua Powell. Home goalkeeper Dan Platt then clutched a low shot from Scott Harries after half an hour.

Halesowen snatched a 38th minute lead when Jack Kelly’s corner sailed along the penalty area and was scrambled home with the final touch awarded to captain Asa CHARLTON near the far post – although in reality the ball was most likely turned into the net by a stray Lancaster leg for an own goal. Lancaster’s Paul Dugdale netted just before the interval but Charlton had already been impeded in the area.

The below-par first half, made difficult by the windy conditions, gave little sign of the six-goal second period that lay ahead. Right at the start of the second half, man of the match McATEE provided the final touch to prod past goalkeeper Powell and double the lead in the 48th minute from Kelly’s right-wing wind-assisted free-kick. Steve Williams headed straight into the arms of Platt from a 51st minute corner and a minute later Kelly crossed for Oliver Finney to blast a good chance wide of the mark at the other end.

McATEE then smashed home his second goal of the game with a great strike from a tight angle in the 57th minute to give Halesowen a three-goal cushion after Barnes-Homer flicked the ball on, leaving goalkeeper Powell in two minds.

But Lancaster had other ideas and regrouped to launch a recovery with three late goals. The visitors made it 3-1 in the 77th minute as WILLIAMS latched onto substitute Billy Akrigg’s left-wing corner and his close range shot was deflected into the net. Enock Luc Ekongo then cleared off the Yeltz line after substitute Thomas Kilifin was put through on goal and shot from a wide angle two minutes later. Dan Platt made a great save from substitute Thomas Kilifin in the 80th minute but Melle MEULENSTEEN was on hand to turn home the rebound and reduce the arrears further at 3-2.

Home substitute Mo DIOP seemed to have soothed any late Yeltz nerves when he calmly slotted Halesowen’s fourth goal - and his first - past Powell from McAtee’s final-minute defence-splitting pass. But there was still time for MEULENSTEEN to head home Akrigg’s cross to make it 4-3 in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Halesowen Town: Dan Platt; Enock Luc Ekongo, Jack Kelly, Marcus Poscha, Kyle Morrison, Asa Charlton (c), Jordan Goddard, Oliver Finney, Matthew Barnes-Homer (Mo Diop 76), John McAtee (Yasin Al-Massry 90), Alexander Woodhouse. Subs Not Used: Jordon George Richards, Bradley Lewis, Tom Parsons.

Lancaster City: Joshua Powell; Robert Henry (Benjamin Hudson 10), Paul Dugdale, Samuel Hibbert, Steven Williams, Richard Mercer (c), Ryan Winder (Billy Akrigg 72), Melle Meulensteen, Oliver Wood, Craig Carney, Scott Harries (Thomas Kilifin 58). Subs Not Used: Charlie Bailey, Samuel Bailey.

Referee: Richard Gardner Attendance: 612
Booked: Wood (48)
‘Tulleys Print’ HTFC Man of the Match selected by Spencer Signs: John McAtee

[Poll]

Attendance: 612

Is that really true? Seems a massive jump from previous games. Did Lancaster bring hundreds?

Looking forward to seeing the terraces packed again on Yeltz TV

[offmehead]

Judging by the lack of noise when Lancaster slotted in their 3 goals I shouldn`t think there were many of their fans present.

However the number from Halas Hawks under age teams seemed to be 50-100 and there were moms and dads, grandparents etc

which must have boosted the numbers. The children created a great atmosphere.

[Poll]

Great to see the kids being encouraged to come along - hopefully they’ll be back again after what sounded like an exciting game.

[andy]

Judging by the lack of noise when Lancaster slotted in their 3 goals I shouldn`t think there were many of their fans present.

However the number from Halas Hawks under age teams seemed to be 50-100 and there were moms and dads, grandparents etc

which must have boosted the numbers. The children created a great atmosphere.

Too be fair I think there were more than 100 of them. With parents, Hawks officials etc, I reckon a couple of hundred. Good to see all enjoying themselves though. Hope if they return they don't expect 7 goals every week!!!

[Poll]

Details of the linkup with Halas Hawks at https://www.ht-fc.co.uk/halashawks

All good news - I hope it works out in the long term