The Countrymen were 2-1 up going into added time, but a late goal apiece gave the home side a deserved three points.

Craig Denton made two changes from the side’s 4-0 loss midweek, with Stephen Brogan making his first start since returning from injury, and Danny Burns coming in for Mason Warren and Alfie Smith respectively.

And after just four minutes, Hallam took an early lead. Kiyani Clayton got on the end of Danny South’s flick-on, and tapped home to get his second in three games since rejoining the club.

The Countrymen proceeded to keep up the pressure at the start of the game, with Clayton continuing to be involved, and Paulo Aguas proving to be dangerous on the left.

But Ossett equalised with a magnificent free kick from Jack Crook on 25 minutes, after Burns took a heavy touch and took down his man 30-35 yards out. This goal was one of two from the game to be nominated for the NPL’s Goal of the Month award.

Just before an hour was on the clock, Hallam retook the lead. Aguas took on his man on the left in the box, originally losing but fought to win it back. He got to the byline and cut it back to South in the middle, who had to slide to smash it into the top left corner!

Second-half substitutes Leon Howarth and Ollie Russon linked up to provide a brilliant chance for a third, with the former making an exceptional cross-field pass to find the latter, who took his time but couldn’t get past Alexsandar Petrovic in goal.

Going into added time, Hallam were cruising to a win, with the home side having plenty of chances to add a third. But, in the 92nd minute, Sandygate deflated after Crook got his second of the game, getting on the end of an attempted shot by a free Ben Tweed on the edge and prodding home.

But less than 60 seconds later, Hallam had a moment that they’ll remember for years to come. Warren dispossessed an attacker and put in an inch perfect to Howarth, who, going away from goal, flicked over the goalkeeper to send the home side into a frenzy.

This late winner was the second goal nominated for the Goal of the Month award, and you can vote for it here!

Photo Credits – Jacob Flannery