By James Briscoe
Nantwich Town produced a five-star performance to end a run of poor results in the Evo-Stik Premier League.
The Dabbers swept aside Stocksbridge Park Steels to move to 16th place thanks to a brace by Aaron Burns (pictured)
Aaron Burns’ lob and a Max Harrop half-volley were just two highlights from an action-packed non-league day victory.
Loyal travelling fans were pleased to discover Danny South wasn’t starting for Stocksbridge this time. South terrorised the Dabbers’ defence last season.
The hosts began well, Matthew Hamshaw rattling Terry Smith’s left-hand post with a powerful effort from the edge of the area on eight minutes.
Harrop had a long range shot on 12 minutes which bent well wide of Jack Ward’s post.
Matthew Telling then put Steels in the lead with a brilliant half-volley on 13 minutes as the Nantwich defence stood off.
But the visitors soon kicked into action. Thomas Moore and Oliver Devenney went close, before Burns levelled with a quality finish on 43 minutes after Andy White’s lifted ball beat the defence.
Ten minutes after the break came Harrop’s gem.
He slammed in a left-footed half volley at the Steels back post after good wing play from Stephen Johnson on 57 minutes
Devenney the crashed a lob against the bar on 64 minutes, before Lewis Akeister cleared off the Steels’ line on 68 minutes after a Harry Clayton shot.
Burns scored his second on 70 minutes with a chipped shot from the outer right corner of the Steels’ area, leaving Ward flapping.
Akeister was cautioned on 79 minutes for a lunge on Harrop but it could easily have been a red.
Johnson got the ball up and over the wall from the resultant freekick but Ward held well.
Clayton scuffed a shot wide on 89 minutes after good play from substitute Ross Davidson.
Clayton then turned provider on 90+1 minutes crossing from the left for debutant Ben Deegan (pictured, right) to head confidently past Ward’s reach, making it 1-4.
Johnson was brilliant on Nantwich’s left providing an outlet and great crosses throughout the second half.
And on 90+3 minutes Deegan caused more problems with his strength and was pushed over for a penalty.
Devenney converted with the last kick of the match.
Nantwich: Smith, Frost (c), White, Devenney, Davis, Courtney, Harrop (Ross Davidson 81), Jones, Burns (Ben Deegan 73), Moore (Clayton 61), Johnson. Subs: Carden, Wilson.
(Pic by Simon J Newbury Photography)
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