Ashley Scothern also got on the score sheet as Welfare raced into a three goal lead inside 19 minutes. They were pegged back by a first half Joe Pettit effort and a second half Matthew Crane effort set up a nervy finish for the home side.

Welfare made changes from the midweek defeat at Grimsby. Captain Adam Hayton made a welcome return after illness and big Adam Walsh came back into the back four. Matt Cunliffe replaced Mike Brearley at left back and Gareth Hunter moved to right back in place of Sam Varley.

Winterton were also forced into a number of changes.

Welfare had an early chance when visiting keeper Rob Zano flapped at a high ball and Nathan Keightley fired the loose ball over the bar.
Welfare took the lead on seven minutes when Keightley’s shot was half saved by Zano and Poskitt pounced to hit the loose ball home.

Winterton came back immediately and home keeper Jordan Bradshaw did well to push a stinging Matthew Crane shot away for a corner.

Welfare went two goals up on 12 minutes after great work between Poskitt and Keightley. Poskitt headed the ball over the defence to Keightley who beat a defender before pulling the ball back to Poskitt who fired under Zano. for his 11th goal of the season.

Seven minutes later it was three when a Gareth Hunter free kick was headed across goal by Andy McManus and Scothern showed great composure as he clipped the ball home.

The visitors pulled a goal back on 27 minutes when a lack of communication in the Welfare area allowed Pettit to run on and he shot under Bradshaw.

Just before half-time Welfare were unlucky not to increase their lead with Keightley driving a ball against the cross bar and then Connor Glavin struck the post with the follow up being hit wide by Keightley.

Early in the second half Welfare had a lucky escape when a shot from the right flew across the face of goal. Bradshaw then pulled off a great save to tip over a deflected shot.

At the other end free-kick expert Glavin clipped the visitors bar with his effort.
As Welfare went for a fourth goal Glavin shot wide and Zano got down quickly at the feet of man of the match Keightley as he looked to pounce.
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The visitors got their second on 71 minutes when a strong 25 yard shot from Crane caught Bradshaw out and the keeper could only parry the ball into his net.

It was nervy last 15 minutes for Welfare as a header went just wide. McManus then headed an effort off the line.

As the game came to an end, Crane saw his strong shot cannon onto, and over the home bar.

What They Said
Glasshoughton Welfare joint manager Lee Vigars
“The boys all dug deep today. We took advantage of a slow start by Winterton and raced into a commanding 3-0 lead. The game should have been put to bed by half-time but again missed chances didn’t help our cause.
“Two more from Poz (Poskitt) and Ash (Scothern) with a controlled finish set the game up for us. We were holding on in the end but the boys showed great character to see the game out and claim another important three points.”

The Teams
Glasshoughton Welfare: Bradshaw, Hunter, Cunliffe, Hayton, Walsh, McManus, Scothern (Horbury), Glavin, Poskitt, Morley. Subs unused: Akeister, Horn.

Winterton Rangers: Zano, Harrison, Start, Shortland, McDonagh (Silburn), Cooper, Richardson(Vazquez. R), Douglas, Crane, Pettit (Vazquez. B). Edwards. Subs unused: Grimes, Harris.

Referee> M. Lenhegan

Attendance: 80