NCEL: Stansfield left disappointed as Knaresborough Town’s streak comes to an end

Knaresborough Town couldn’t continue their winning streak on Tuesday evening as they fell to a home defeat to Hall Road Rangers.
Knaresborough's Toby Lees waits to make a tackle (Craig Dinsale)Knaresborough's Toby Lees waits to make a tackle (Craig Dinsale)
Knaresborough's Toby Lees waits to make a tackle (Craig Dinsale)

After wins over Westella VIP, Dronfield Town and Winterton Rangers, ‘Boro had started the season in a rich vein of form and were full of confidence going into Tuesday night.

Manager Paul Stansfield was less than impressed with his side’s showing, however, as Knaresborough were beaten 1-0 at Manse Lane.

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Daniel Walker’s 57th minute goal was the only score of the game as ‘Boro lost for the first time at home this season.

George Eustance attacking for Knaresborough (Craig Dinsdale)George Eustance attacking for Knaresborough (Craig Dinsdale)
George Eustance attacking for Knaresborough (Craig Dinsdale)

Stansfield said: “We didn’t start very well at all and just weren’t at the races.

“We just couldn’t get going, although that wasn’t through lack of effort.

“Our team shape wasn’t as good as it was on Saturday and it was disappointing to lose after such a good performance.

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“We were not at the races for 60 minutes but hopefully we can put that right on Saturday.”

Yorkshire Amateur visit Manse Lane on Saturday afternoon with Knaresborough hoping to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.

“Yorkshire Amateur are a good side with good players and they can certainly score goals.

“I think every game is tough, if we allow it to be, but we’ve got to go out there and dominate the first 20-30 minutes.”

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Football aside, Stansfield offered updates on goalkeeper Steve Weatherill and captain Matt Duerden’s serious injuries.

“Steve is much better now, he took a knee around the spleen but somehow managed to play the whole game!

“We got a call the next day about the severity of the injury and he won’t be able to play football for around three months.

“Matt will have an X-ray on Friday to assess the extent of the injury and an operation date will be set from there.

“He came to watch the reserves on Saturday and was here on Tuesday night so is in good spirits and hopefully his operation is a success.”

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