By Alexander Fynn
Ossett United 1 v 0 Bridlington Town
The Seasiders were looking to bounce back from a 3-2 defeat last time out at Dunston. However, their run of away games ended with a 1-0 defeat to Ossett United at the Ingfield Stadium.
New loan signing Jack Hall from Sheffield Wednesday made his debut in between the sticks replacing Ben Voase, and it wasn’t long till the new shot stopper was called into action.
Unfortunately for the visitors Ossett scored with just two minutes on the clock, as Conor Qualter scored from a throw in and with a scramble in the box the ball fell to Qualter and headed his shot leaving Hall with no chance.
Ossett dominated the early passages of play, Dan Hartley appeared to push an Ossett player in the box the home side appealed for a penalty, but the referee waived away the appeal.
The next half hour was fairly even between the two sides, and became a midfield battle.
It wasn’t until till stoppage time when the Seasiders had their first chances.
Sam Leverett swung in a free kick to the middle, but Ossett cleared the threat with relative ease.
Moments later Cam Connelly played a neat back pass to Simon Heslop, but the captain miscued his shot well over the bar.
As the second half was about to commence, Ahmed Salam came off with a tight thigh, with Sam Kay, replacing him.
Ossett United struggled to get a grip of the second half.
Sem Leverett put a long throw in to Charlie Winfield who was at the back post and with an attempted header his shot was inches wide.
Michael Coulson was replaced by Josh Barratt in the 65th minute with what looked to be an injury to the Bridlington striker.
Sam Kay had a shot from the edge of the box, but his right footed effort went wide.
Cam Connelly made a powerful run forward but the Ossett defence were equal to the challenge and closed the number 9 down, however Connelly managed to get his shot away to hit the side netting for a goal kick.
Bridlington had dominated the second- half throwing everything they could at the Ossett defence.
With the clock ticking away it was not until the 76th minute Ossett had their first shot on target in the second period as Alfie Proctor was one on one with Hall, but the Bridlington keeper comfortably dealt with.
Town were to pile on more pressure as Sam Leverett swung in a corner which was met by Benn Lewis, but his header was wide of the post.
As the game entered the closing stages there was some late drama in the 8-yard box as it appeared as though Benn Lewis was pulled down by Eddie Church. Just as referee Jake Burton was going to blow his whistle the linesman’s flag was up to deem Benn Lewis was offside.
Seasiders assistant manager Andy Norfolk spoke after the match to replacing manager Mike Thompson.
“It was a poor game of football which it was always going to be, it was never going to be a pretty game to watch. It was always going to be something like their goal was going to win it. I thought Jack Hall played brilliantly I thought what he had to do was brilliant – that should be a bit positive for us. Ahmed has been carrying a hamstring or a bit of tightness for a while now.”
The defeat leaves the Seasiders second to bottom, sitting 21st in the table as other results did not go the way for Bridlington with Sherwood Colliery picking up a much needed 3 points away to Bishop Auckland.
Liversedge who sit just outside the drop zone have 2 games in hand.
The Seasiders welcome Ashington to the Mounting Systems stadium this Saturday where a victory is now a must as they head into the last 10 fixtures looking to secure their NPL East status next season.
