By Jack Danby
Carl Dickinson netted his fourth goal for Hanley Town as they came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Lichfield City on Saturday.
Player-manager Dickinson scored Hanley’s equaliser in the 57th minute when he met a Louis Dodds corner to head into the far corner.
Hanley found themselves 2-1 down at the break after Jack Edwards scored two quick-fire goals at the end of the first half for the visitors.
Kyle Stubbs had opened the scoring for Hanley on 31 minutes, he fired in a low free kick from inside the d that the ‘keeper could not keep out.
In what was an entertaining game, Hanley created plenty of chances in the second half to take all three points, including a trio of efforts in as many minutes.
Substitute Lucas Green-Birch tried his luck from the edge of the area in the 66th minute, but it was dragged the wrong side of the post.
Moments later, Tim Sanders clipped in a free kick which was again met by Dickinson, only this time his header was glanced just wide.
Reece Jones then found himself one on one with the ‘keeper, with the Lichfield man coming out on top against Jones’ weaker foot.
Hanley left themselves thanking ‘keeper Tommy Simkin in the final moments, after the Stoke City loanee pulled off an outstanding one-handed save to keep the scores level.
Dickinson expressed his frustration to the Club’s media as the points were shared, particularly in the manner they fell behind just before half time.
He said: “I thought we were sloppy. It is something that needs to get nipped in the bud because this has happened too many times already, particularly at home.
“We seem to wait for ourselves to get punched in the face to react, those two goals we conceded were our own doing.
“We are still undefeated so I will take that, but it needs to be a lot better.”
Despite his frustrations, Dickinson was also full of praise for Simkin, who has been a great addition to the side since his arrival last month.
“He has been fantastic; he is an absolute credit to his family and to Stoke City. A good lad who works his socks off, he has got a great chance of having a fantastic career” Dickinson said.
Hanley are next in action on Saturday, as they make the trip to Walsall Wood in the Midland Premier League.