SHEPSHED DYNAMO 2 NEW MILLS 2
Shepshed Dynamo were looking for their third successive home Evo-Stik NPL Division One South victory when they entertained high flying New Mills, and came within a whisker of achieving their target.
The Dynamo welcomed back Jay-Lee Hodgson. The striker who was with us at the end of last season originally signed for Hinckley Utd before moving to Belper Town. Hodgson also played in World Cup qualifiers for Montserrat.
New Mills started the stronger and were soon testing goalkeeper Ayden Duffy. The Dynamo were soon on the attack though and Ben Proctor did well to save a shot by Steve Chaplin after he was fed by Iain Screaton.
As the half progressed Shepshed began to get on top with Hodgson and Chaplin combining well. It came as no surprise therefore when Shepshed took the lead in the 21st minute. Good work by Ryan North down the left wing ended with Chaplin being given the ball which he fired into the left hand corner of the net.
The visitors were back level in the 31st minute when a long ball over the top saw Screaton appear to have his shirt tugged by Leon Grandison who ran on to slot the ball past Duffy.
Shepshed hit back and Ricky Law put a Paul Gamble free kick just wide and the minutes later did the same again. A goal had to come and it did a minute before half time. Jay-Lee Hodgson lobbed the ball from fully 40 yards over keeper Ben Proctor into the corner of the net.
Just after the break Law latched onto what appeared to be a back header by a defender, lobbed over Proctor only to be deemed offside. Hodgson had an effort well saved by the keeper and Gamble had an effort deflected wide.
New Mills came back into the game and pressed for an equalizer. Mark Innes, Kristian Cox and Luke Horrocks all had chances for the visitors but Shepshed looked to be hanging on for all three points. Then, in the dying seconds, Duffy failed to punch the ball clear from a corner and Daniel Dougles-Pringle pounced to equalize.
There was still just enough time for the highly impressive Hodgson to be given his marching orders after being given a second yellow card. Yet again though this was a match where the officials should take a long hard look at their overall performance.
Shepshed: - Duffy, Rennalls, Gamble, Hines (Carter 80), Screaton, Hore, North, White, Chaplin, Hodgson, Law (Whymark 61). Subs not used Lever, Elliott. Att 113.