First clean sheet since November

Miners put the disappointment of exiting the NCEL League Cup behind them, when they bounced back in fine style against Hall Road Rangers at the Welfare Ground on Saturday.

Rangers had unexpectedly overturned Nostell at Dene Park last October when they fell to a Paul Palmer penalty shortly before half time.

And while both sides started brightly enough this time around, it was Miners who quickly gained the upper hand.

The football was certainly not as cultured as that played against Selby midweek.

But the outcome was ultimately more satisfying.
Nostell’s top marksman Craig Stephens was first to get his name on the score-sheet after just 21 minutes with a stunning free kick.

Then strike partner and Man of the Match Fran Johnson sealed victory late in the second half with a fine solo effort in a repeat of the Selby game.

This time around however, Nostell were far more assured at the back.

And while Rangers continued to push forward, the Miners defence was always on its guard, quick to close down the visiting attackers on the edge of the box.

Keeping a clean sheet for the first time since November was a real bonus.

But given that numerous other chances went begging, this was a game where Nostell could quite easily have notched up a far more comprehensive victory.