Andy Dawson and Lee Whitehead had more selection headaches for a cold Wednesday night away game as several members of the first team squad were missing; including Bruno Holden, Mack Collinson, Alex Rippon, Luke Hodgkinson, Tom Staniland, Elliott Simpson and former Nostell midfielder Tom Almond.

Nostell got the game underway on a very dark and cold evening in Wakefield, and it could had been much worse early on as goalkeeper Zac Walker attempted to clear the ball but the Nostell attacker managed to block his clearance to the scare of the Parkgate dug-out.

On 19 minutes, the hosts took the lead after crossing from the right, all the way to the back post where Berchil could tap home with ease.

Before the restart of play, Parkgate’s Zak Khalifa was sent to the sin-bin leaving his side with only 10-men for 10 minutes just after conceding.

Nostell managed to take advantage of the extra man by doubling their lead to 2-0 after left-back Hughes-Miller found the back of the net from distance.

Things were only going to get worse for the visitors as captain for the day and influential defender Brad Kilburn was forced off with an recurring hamstring injury. Matt Crookes replaced him midway through the first half.

Minutes after Kilburn picked up his injury, Jamie Austin was also substituted with a heavy knock on the half-an-hour mark. Freddie Russell replaced Austin, meaning a change in shape for the Steelmen.

With Parkgate still trying to find their feet in the game, the best tackle they managed of the first half came as Haydn Ward slide tackled the lineswoman, who was later replaced by another official due to injury from the tackle.

Nostell could had added a third just before half time but an excellent save by Walker and a goal-line clearance from Ward kept the score at 2-0.

HT | Nostell MW 2-0 Parkgate

The Steelmen came out with a bit more fight early on in the second half, Freddy Tracey having a shot saved with the rebound falling to the feet of Zak Khalifa who fired over from close-range.

With around 20 minutes to go, the hosts added a third when a mistake and misunderstanding at the back put through Berchil for his second of the evening.

Khalifa nearly got a goal back after beating his marker but hitting his effort wide of the post.

Ackroyd did the same but on the opposite side, this time he attempted to chip the goalkeeper but he was untroubled between the sticks.

Nostell got a fourth goal late on. Appeals for a clear handball in the build-up waved away by the officials before substitute Ashley Austin finished well.

FT | Nostell MW 4-0 Parkgate

Parkgate: Walker, Yates, Whittaker, Kilburn (Crookes 28’), Ward, Bagley, Ackroyd, Holland, Austin (Russell 31’), Tracey, Khalifa.

With fixtures suspended until December. The Steelmen are next to play on the 5th of December at home to Rossington Main.
However, please follow us and the NCEL on Twitter for information on changes to any fixtures including the five already postponed.

BY GEORGE MORRIS