Report by Will Lavelle, photo by DC Photography Retford
A resurgent second half performance saw Ollerton Town come back from a goal down and defeat Glasshoughton Welfare 3-1 on Saturday with goals from Aaron Sennett-Neilson, his cousin Alex Sennett and another strike from star striker Gav King helping Dave Winter's men extend their unbeaten run to five games.
Glasshoughton looked the stronger team from the opening minute of the first half and looked the far more likely to score in the opening exchanges. The visitors came close to opening the scoring but Brandon Shaw was forced into making a superb goal saving interception.
Glasshoughton threatened again with Gracyan Klimczak coming close but he was denied by James Leverton who pushed Klimczak’s effort wide as the visitors continued to build momentum.
The visitors finally reaped the rewards for a strong start to the game as Nathan Perks was clipped by the onrushing James Leverton to provide the chance for the breakthrough from the penalty spot. Just like in the reverse fixture, 'keeper Leverton managed to save the penalty but unfortunately this time, Perks was able to head in the rebound to put Glasshoughton ahead.
Ollerton had truly endured one of their poorest halves of the season and had struggled to gain any possession in the oppositions final third. Captain Sam Stretton had their best opportunity with a glancing header from a corner in the final few minutes but it was nothing more than a half chance and was indicative of a poor half from Ollerton.
One could only wonder what happened in the home dressing room at half time but the difference in levels of performance between Ollerton in the first half and in the second half was astounding. Winter’s men came out with renewed intent and were pushing hard for an equaliser.
They got their reward within ten minutes of the restart as Aaron Sennett-Neilson jinked past three defenders before rifling a brilliant effort into the top right corner.
Five minutes later and it was Aaron's cousin, Alex Sennett, who got on the scoresheet as Glasshoughton's hard work in the first half was completely undone . A long throw in from Tom Moody was flicked on towards Sennett who rose highest to head home, in spite of appeals for a foul on Glasshoughton goalkeeper Jacob Collier.
A hectic five minute spell soon became an outrageous nine minute spell as Gav King fired in his customary goal to send Ollerton into a 3-1 lead. Sennett-Neilson was once again involved as he slid the ball across to the league's top scorer who was never going to pass up on an open goal, scoring his 25th of the campaign.
Ollerton looked assured once going 3-1 up but unfortunately saw midfielder Lewis Price controversially sent off for a second bookable offence, penalised by the referee for what was a full-blooded challenge by both players.
Thankfully for Ollerton there was not enough time for Glasshoughton to stage any sort of comeback and the Town comfortably saw out the game to secure their first win at home since late October.
# | Team | Pl | Pts |
14. | Rossington Main | 38 | 42 |
15. | Skegness Town | 38 | 40 |
16. | Ollerton Town | 38 | 37 |
17. | Armthorpe Welfare | 38 | 37 |
18. | Shirebrook Town | 38 | 34 |
19. | FC Bolsover | 38 | 31 |
20. | Harworth Colliery | 38 | 29 |