Handsworth striker Danny Critchlow broke the deadlock in the 5-2 win over his former side Nostell
Handsworth Parramore comfortably progressed into the third round of the Toolstation NCEL League Cup with a 5-2 win at new-look Nostell Miners Welfare.
The scores were level at the break, but Handsworth took control in the second half and rattled home goals to book a tie at Armthorpe Welfare next week.
The match gave new Nostell manager Paul Lines a perfect chance to assess his inherited team ahead of Saturday’s six-pointer with fellow strugglers Armthorpe.
Lines almost got a dream start with his player/assistant Rob Bordman racing through and finding the side-netting with a cute chip in the opening exchanges.
Handsworth began to apply severe pressure and Nostell’s goalkeeper Scott Bennett made some good saves to keep them at bay.
Danny Critchlow, on his first return to Crofton since his exit from Nostell two months ago, was one of four players to test Bennett.
New Handsworth striker Nathan Joynes arguably pulled the best stop of Bennett with a seemingly goal-bound header.
Critchlow was the man who broke the deadlock late in the first half. The striker latched onto Joynes’ flick-on and knocked aside the Nostell defender before coolly scoring with a low finish.
Poor defending from Parramore allowed Nostell back into the game. The visitors failed to clear the ball away from danger and Jermaine Moyce was able to score from close range.
Handsworth killed the home side off with two quick-fire goals at the start of the second half.
Danny Buttle, signed from Brigg Town, crossed for Luke Fletcher to score and then substitute Regan Edridge found the net with his first touch on his debut.
The defender headed home from a corner from inside the six-yard to cap a remarkable start to his Parramore career.
The goal of the game came from fellow debutant Buttle. On the left-wing, Buttle cut inside and from the edge of the box, the midfielder fired a superb thunderous drive into the top corner.
Nostell pulled a goal back through Semley before Handsworth completed the win during injury-time – Lee Whittington the goal-scorer with a close range finish.
Nostell Miners Welfare: Bennett, Dawley, W Hayton, A Hayton (captain), Brook, Walton (Allsop 57), Kane (Dewing HT), Johnson, Bordman, Moyce (Simpson 55), Semley.
Handsworth Parramore: Lindley, Thompson, Tootle, Davies (Burrell 59), Cotterill (Edridge 50), Griffiths, Ward, Fletcher, Joynes, Critchlow (Whttington 78), Buttle. Subs unused: Maxfield, Godber.
Referee: Duncan Carratt (Rotherham)
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 51
Man of the match: Danny Buttle (Handsworth Parramore)
Look out for the latest views of Paul Lines and Handsworth manager Peter Duffield on Friday.