Back in Black for Grant as Ossett United host Belper Town

His Belper Town side pay a visit to Ossett to take on recently-formed Ossett United.

Black managed Ossett Town for two years before resigning at the beginning of 2018, following a poor run of form.

Black almost guided Town into the Evo-Stik Northern Premier during the 2016/17 campaign.

After a memorable season, Town reached the play-off final and were just minutes from promotion until opponents Farsley Celtic grabbed an equaliser deep into stoppage time.

Celtic went on to win in extra time and claim promotion.

Last season, Black was at the helm when Ossett came within a whisker of the first round of the FA Cup.

After four gruelling qualifying rounds, Town forced a replay against National League outfit Solihull Moors.

Despite a heroic performance Ossett lost 2-1 at a packed-out Ingfield.

The feat was Ossett’s best-ever run in the FA Cup.

Belper Town also have a number of players who appeared for both Ossett Albion and Ossett Town last year, as well as some players who were part of United’s pre-season campaign.

Former players Marcus Day, Piteu Crouz, Marcus Edwards, Danny South, Craig Nelthorpe, Alex Peterson are all expected to feature in tomorrow afternoon’s game.

Current United boss Andy Welsh is keen to focus on Ossett’s dealings on the pitch.

“This game is like all the others, we need to focus on our job and the way in which we intend to execute it,” said Welsh.

“Belper are coming here with a strong side and they won’t be anything other than determined and ready for the challenge, so we must be prepared for it.”

Ossett are unbeaten in their opening three games in the Evo-Stik League this season.

They beat Loughborough Dynamo on the opening day before a home win against Cleethorpes four days later.

On Monday afternoon, Ossett were held to a 2-2 draw at neighbours Brighouse Town.

In an ill-tempered bank holiday clash, the referee brandished three red cards and four yellows as Brighouse ended the game with nine men.

Ossett had led through the prolific Aidan Chippendale after the ball was cut back towards the forward who finished high into the goal.

Shiraz Khan started the move when he fed Chris Chantler who drilled a low cross to the feet of Chippendale.

On the stroke of half time, the home side levelled matters through Marley Grant. The ball was worked wide before being crossed into the area, Leigh Overton made a smart save from the initial header but couldn’t prevent Grant’s rebound from hitting the back of the net.

Brighouse turned the game on its head just after the hour mark as they benefitted from a defensive mix up from United.

James Knowles sent a backwards header toward Overton but was left with his head in his hands as the ball flew over the despairing United ‘keeper and bounced over the line.

Twelve minutes from time, Adam Jones was sent off for a second bookable offence for a foul on the edge of the Brighouse area.

From the resulting free kick George Grayson equalised when his cross evaded everyone and found the far corner.

Brighouse were reduced to nine men soon after when Gabriel Johnson received a straight red in the 80th minute for throwing the ball at Adam Porritt, who was laying injured on the turf.

The referee then sent Porritt off.

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 3pm, tickets can be purchased at the ground.