Lee Swift struck the winner for Hemsworth against Nostell
Lee Swift pulled out a stunning strike from his locker to score a late winner for Hemsworth Miners Welfare in the 1-0 win over Nostell Miners Welfare.
The extremely competitive pre-season friendly looked to be heading for a goal-less draw until Swift rolled back the years to hit the winner.
It was a lively encounter right from a start as an auntie’s bloomer from Hemsworth’s highly-rated centre-half Jack Steers nearly gave Nostell a great start to their pre-season campaign.
Steers ended up on his backside after misjudging the flight of the ball and it sent Josh Craig scuttling away.
The forward still had a lot to do, but he produced a terrific long range strike that seemed destined for the top corner until Hemsworth goalkeeper Matthew Lees magnificently tipped the ball onto the crossbar.
Jack Steers looks to latch onto a Hemsworth free kick
Rob Tonks takes on a Nostell midfielder
Dom Blair holds onto the ball for Hemsworth
Action from Hemsworth 1-0 Nostell Miners Welfare
Nostell stopper Ben Saynor was kept busy too and he was needed to deny Dom Blair at point-blank range.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 72nd minute when Swift was in the right place at the right time to blast home powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area.
Returning forward Ryan Pleasants probably should have put the game to bed for Hemsworth, but he wasted a great chance after being put through on goal.
Hemsworth Miners Welfare: Lees, Wilson, Clark, Dixon, Tonks, Steers, Crapper, Yates (captain), Connolly, Blair, Kemp. Subs: Swift, Ringsell, Roberts, Pleasants, Huly, Snaith.
Nostell Miners Welfare: Saynor, Zivanai, Ball, Elliott, Fisher, Huswit, Mhlolo, Smith, Turner, Wales, Mole. Subs: Zalo, Parkin, Lee, Allsop, Davies, Freeman, Craig, Douglas.
Referee: Gareth Thomas
Attendance: 92