Delta sting but Classics bite back........
The first ten minutes was an evenly balanced game with the first chance falling to the Stigers after 10 minutes. It came from a slip by Gene Crowley which let in a striker on a one-on-one chance but keeper Jason Clegg was able to clear the resulting shot with his leg. Brian Griffiths released Gordie Macklin down the right in the 21st minute. The keeper came to the edge of the box and Macklin was able to centre into an open goalmouth; unfortunately nobody was able to take advantage of the unguarded net and the ball was cleared. Good interplay by Jerry Szakun and Jeff Dickson made an opportunity for Jimmy Butler to have a shot but when it came it was way too high over the goals. The home side took the lead in a bizarre way in the 23rd minute after a high bouncing ball fell at G. Crowley's feet. In an attempt to clear, he swung his leg but the spinning ball was sliced and it crept into the net with Clegg unable to do anything about it. Szakun was getting a physical battering from the Stingers defenders but he stood strong; in the 36th minute he won a free kick just outside the box after being hacked down once again. Macklin took it upon himself to deliver the resulting direct free kick but he could only watch as his effort hit the top of the crossbar and bounce to safety.

With two minutes of the half remaining Macklin was chopped down in the six yard box and the referee awarded a justified penalty. Pat O'Krane stepped up to the spot and despatched the ball hard and low to the bottom left of the goalmouth - another first on his was to getting a line on the big bingo card. The keeper went the right way but couldn't reach the ball so the teams went in level at half time. Special mention should be made of the goal saving intervention made by David Breen, who stuck a toe in at just at the right time to thwart a good goalscoring opportunity for the home team. Early action in the second half witnessed Dickson hit a shot but it was deflected and fell nicely for the keeper. The Classics upped their game in the second half but it was still end to end stuff although the visitors looked more comfortable with taking the majority of the possession. With 10 minutes remaining Macklin centred for O'Krane who tried his luck but a lack of power meant that he didn't test the keeper sufficiently. In the end a draw was a fair result from two teams who gave their all in an entertaining encounter.

Stats
OG: Gene Crowley
Crap Award: Gene Crowley