Hadleigh fightback in vain against Stanway
Ridgeons League Premier Division Hadleigh United 3 Stanway 4 A THRILLING fight back from two goals down by Hadleigh, just failed to bring any reward at the Millfield on Saturday.
A close range volley by Sam Newson put the Essex side in front after five minutes. Aaron Benstead then tipped efforts from Newson and McCluskey over the bar.
Hadleigh threatened after 35 minutes when Ronaldo Wright got through but fired straight at the keeper.
Sixty seconds later Stanway scored as a 35-yard free kick from Liam Bailey beat Benstead.
After 52 minutes Hadleigh scored as Craig Payne converted a penalty kick after Wright had been fouled. Two minutes later, a left-wing corner from new signing Michael Fitzgibbon was headed home by Chris Leys to equalise.
It was now "game on" and Hadleigh took the lead as the ball rebounded from Stanway keeper Michael Church and Payne headed into the empty net after 59 minutes.
But Stanway are near the top of the league and McCluskey converted from close range after 65 minutes, as the Essex side raised their game.
Benstead and Daniel Oakes made vital blocks on the goal-line in a later attack by the determined visitors.
Sam Newson fired in Stanway's fourth after 86 minutes but Hadleigh fought hard.
In the final seconds Church twice made great saves from headers by Payne as Stanway held on.
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Weather for Sudbury
Friday 25 May 2012
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