After Souleymane Coulibaly registered his third goal in four matches, Pickering enjoyed a bright start in South Yorkshire only for Hallam to strike the Pikes for three in the second half. It was Gregg Smith’s equaliser for Hallam, paired by goals from Danny South and Cadman, that claimed the three points for the hosts, despite a valiant effort from Town - and in particular goalkeeper Alfie Burnett. The match was also the third-highest at step five, with a crowd of 921 at Sandygate.
It was Pickering who started the contest the stronger of the two teams, as a shot skidded narrowly wide of Hugo Warhurst’s goal, only for the linesman to have adjudged the Town man to be offside. But minutes later, it was the visiting Pikes who had the advantage. A low cross from the left was rushed upon by Coulibaly, who expertly diverted the ball past Warhurst to gain the lead for Pickering.
Souleymane Coulibaly fired Pickering in front early on. (Image: Ellen Thornton) Hallam responded as Leon Howarth found Danny Buttle, whose cross for Smith was kept out by Burnett. Brodie Litchfield for Hallam soon rattled the woodwork with a half-volley, with the action soon fizzling out for a lot of the first half.
There would be one final opportunity that fell the Countrymen’s way, as Smith headed the ball into the path of Rio Allen, who was thwarted by a brave Burnett. The second half sadly started in a disappointing fashion for Pickering, as their crumble began with Hallam’s equaliser and a deserv.
