STEVENSON TREBLE SEALS A DREAM START FOR BLUES
Grice also nets historic 200th strike for the club in easy victory
IT was a red letter day for both Tim Grice and Rob Stevenson as Leek Town made a barnstorming start to the Northern Premier League South East Division season with a 5-0 victory over Wisbech Town at Harrison Park.
The Blues could have taken a 19th minute lead from the penalty spot after Stevenson was fouled but Darren Chadwick’s spot kick was saved by James Goff. Four minutes later, though, they did open the scoring.
Matt Bell sent over a cross to the far post where Grice knocked the ball home for his 200th goal for Leek Town – a remarkable achievement.
Two minutes after that and Stevenson burst into the area to steer a shot past Goff and it was 2-0.
Leek continued to pile on the pressure and it was Stevenson who scored again with a low shot into the net in the 55th minute after being set up by Marc Grocott. It was 4-0 in the 70th minute when Bell sent over a pinpoint cross for Jack Wakefield to head home on his league debut for the Blues.
Stevenson’s big moment arrived 15 minutes from time when he completed a superb hat-trick, his first for the club. Will Saxon pulled the ball back from the bye line and Stevenson switched the ball from his right foot to his left before placing the ball past Goff for a good finish.
KIDSGROVE ATHLETIC made a good start to the season with a 1-0 victory at Stocksbridge Park Steels.
The game appeared to be heading to a goalless draw but Grove made the breakthrough in the 81st minute. Kingsley Adu-gyamfi picked the ball up out wide but he cut in and ran at the defenders before hitting a low shot past Ed Hall for the deserved winner.
NEWCASTLE TOWN were held to a goalless draw at home by Sheffield FC.
Former Port Vale youngster Maxwell Chimenes had a shot saved early on and Castle could have taken the lead soon after half-time when they were awarded a penalty.
Ryan Mclean was brought down but Ethan Vale sent his spot kick wide.
Sheffield ‘keeper Jon Hedge made a couple of good saves but Castle couldn’t force a breakthrough.
NANTWICH TOWN began their Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign with a hard fought 1-1 draw at FC United.
The home side almost took the lead in the 10th minute when Michael Flower had a shot saved by debutant Dabbers goalkeeper Tony Mcmillan.
Troy Bourne cleared off the line as FC pressed and they took a 63rd minute lead. Flower set up Paul Ennis for a shot that deflected off Joel Stair and past Mcmillan.
Nantwich levelled five minutes later. Substitute Joe Malkin did well down the right before finding Sean Cooke, who hit a first time shot into the bottom corner giving Dan Lavercombe no chance.