By DAVID COULTER

Published at 09:10, Monday, 20 August 2012

Percy Main Amateurs 3Stocksfield 3

AFTER overturning a two goal deficit, Stocksfield conceded a late equaliser to deny them picking up maximum points on day one of the new campaign.

Seemingly out of sight after conceding twice in the first 17 minutes, the Griffins dug deep and produced some excellent football to hit three goals and put themselves in the driving seat.

But a third Percy Main Amateurs goal in the 85th minute put an end to any plans the away side of celebrating a comeback.

Stocksfield endured a topsy turvy campaign last time out, and it was one of those days again as the team showed both their good and bad sides.

They took the game to their hosts in the early stages of the game but found themselves behind on 15 minutes when Dean Morgan finished well from a free kick wide on the left flank.

Good work by Tony Abladey down the right hand side saw Percy Main break through for their second in double quick time, his cross into the box being met by Kevin Westphal who slotted home.

Stocksfield were now rattled and nearly conceded a third only for Mark Clark to deftly tip a shot onto the post.

As the first half drew to a close, Stocksfield pulled one back when Chris Hall reacted quickest to force the ball home from close range after Tom Finnerty’s shot struck the post.

The goal, and a half time rallying cry from manager Col Stromsoy, rejuvenated Stocksfield and the scores were tied soon after the break when 17-year-old Ben Dibb-Fuller put an earlier miss behind him to make it 2-2.

The tables had completely turned and it was the visitors celebrating the lead on 60 minutes when Hall got his second.

Referee Derek Thompson pointed to the spot after Steven Spence was brought down in the area, and the striker did what he failed to do in the Clayton Charity Cup semi-final against Ryton and Crawcrook Albion as he found the net.

Stocksfield kept pressing but could not force another goal. However, Percy found an equaliser with five minutes left on the clock, Morgan doubling his tally by striking a powerful shot from distance past Andrew Fowler, a replacement for the injured Clark.

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