Armthorpe Welfare FC

Welfare backed up their excellent 2-0 win last weekend at Tadcaster Albion with another win on Saturday. And although they will consider themselves much luckier to grab all 3 points this time, it was certainly deserved.

The first half never really got going with both teams struggling to hold any possession or create any clear cut chances. The second half started much the same until 10 minutes in when Craig Morley hit the underside of the bar on the half volley. The ball bounced down on the line and was cleared, but it did seem to spark the game into life.

On the 70th minute, Chris Davies had a decent strike go just the wrong side of the post into the side netting, and then Welfare had a goal chalked off for a foul on the keeper only minutes later.

Too often you see too much protection for goalkeepers and this seemed to be the case again. Joe Lumsden crossed the ball from the right onto the near post. Debutant Tom Hyde jumped to try and head, but the 'keeper got both hands onto the ball. As the 'keeper landed, he dropped the ball and Hyde took the gift and slide the ball into the net.

A big error on the 'keepers part, and the referee agreed as he strongly waved away Long Eaton's protests and allowed the goal to stand. The assistant referee waved his flag though and the referee changed his mind and ruled the goal out.

Welfare then had a good penalty shout turned down when substitute Stuart Preston was clearly kicked on the ankle inside the box as he tried to burst through. He lost his stride and was talked at the second attempt. Had he gone to ground he may well have got the penalty!

With the game seemingly heading for a 0-0, Welfare got the goal they deserved. Four minutes into injury time Sam Colbear crossed after good work from Hyde. Morley was unmarked on the penalty spot and he directed a good header into the corner of the net.

Riding their luck... maybe. Deserved the win.... definitely.