Dronfield Town inflicted only the second defeat of the season on near-neighbours Parkgate in an exciting clash at the HE Barnes Stadium. Sam Bebbington’s 50th minute goal was the difference between the two sides, who put up a terrific display for an appreciative crowd of 175. Dronfield, who climb to 9th in the Northern Counties East League Division One table as a result, will need a similarly hard-working display for their next encounter when they head to league leaders Wombwell Town at the weekend.
The game was marked by total commitment on the part of both sides and despite the low scoreline, was full of entertainment for the watching crowd. Dronfield had the first opportunity of the game when Sam Bebbington’s ball in from the right found Arran Bovill, who unfortunately mis-kicked when free in the area.
Dronfield had a huge escape on 7 minutes. Brandon Potts’ cross from the left hand side was sidefooted on to the post by Jamie Austin and out of play.
The action came thick and fast. Callum Mawbey’s low strike just evaded the post on 9 minutes and a fiercely hit Mark Fereday free kick was beaten away to his left hand side by Parkgate stopper Jordan Greaves.
Parkgate suffered a blow when their influential midfielder Dan Patterson had to leave the game midway through the first half but reorganised to remain competitive in the fixture. Indeed, Dronfield had their captain and goalkeeper Lewis Naylor to thank as his low stop to the left from a Jamie Austin shot saw the sides go in at half time level at 0-0.
The second half saw Dronfield take the lead. On 50 minutes, Callum Riley demonstrated his persistence in making a run down the left flank. His first time left footed cross was met by Sam Bebbington, who showed great industry to force the ball home and make it 1-0.
Town skipper Naylor put in an outstanding performance to ensure his side took all three points. Firstly he saved from the lively Silas Valladolid-Collins and pulled off an outrageous wrong-footed stop to maintain the hosts lead. In between, Parkgate were left to rue Austin heading over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Dronfield tried desperately to extend their lead. The 70th minute saw Mark Fereday free down the right hand side but he was tackled before being able to square to an unmarked Max Rhodes.
Rhodes almost got Town’s second when a ball across the area from Callum Mawbey just evaded the young striker’s outstretched leg.
The latter stages were typified by a non-stop hardworking performance from the home side. A crucial defensive block in the area by Bebbington summed up the Dronfield spirit and the lead almost became two when substitute Nick Benson’s half volley was tipped out of play by Greaves.
The drama didn’t end there. Town central defender Dan White was sent to the sin bin with four minutes remaining in the game.
The Dronfield rearguard dug deep however and there were jubilant scenes at the end of a lengthy period of added time when the victory was confirmed.
The win sees Dronfield climb to ninth in the NCEL Division One table having played 20 of their 44 scheduled fixtures. A tough run of games continues next Saturday when the North Derbyshire side head to newcomers and league leaders Wombwell Town for a 3pm kick off.
Dronfield Town: Naylor, Mike Fereday, Mawbey, Lester, Riley, White, Chapell, Bovill, Rhodes, Mark Fereday, Bebbington. Subs: Knight, Staniland, James Thorpe, Matt Thorpe, Benson.
Parkgate: Greaves, Hart, Smith, Guest, Morton, Tomlinson, Potts, Patterson, Austin, Valladolid-Collins, Whitfield. Subs: Austin, Ludlam, Royles, Haslam, Williamson.
Attendance: 175
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