Josh Prudhoe scored for Glasshoughton in the win over ambitious Shelley
Glasshoughton Welfare scraped to a narrow 2-1 home victory over ambitious West Yorkshire League Premier Division side Shelley last night.
All the goals came in the first half with Welfare’s Josh Prudhoe, and Steve Palfrey cancelling out a Matt Jackson’s opener.
Manager Mick Norbury saw a better performance from his side but will be disappointed with the good chances that went begging.
On a positive not he was delighted with the performance of 18-year-old goalkeeper Ben Morton who belied his young years with his ball handling, confidence, and overall talking to his defenders.
Welfare started brightly and an early cross saw Palfrey cushion a header to set Josh Barratt up but the visiting keeper was quick to grab the ball.
Morton made his first notable save after ten minutes when he blocked a goal-bound effort on the six yard line with his legs.
He made a brave save a few minutes later to thwart another effort creeping in at the post. He managed to palm the ball away from many flying boots.
Barratt then had a drive parried by the Shelley keeper and after the visitors had a header which looped onto the bar cleared, they took the lead on 21 minutes when Matt Jackson took advantage of hesitation in the home defence and he was able to slot past Morton.
The lead was short lived however as welfare attacked straight from the restart. Prudhoe drove forwards into the left side of the penalty area and tucked the ball under the keeper.
Welfare had another chance shortly after when Danny Middleton lobbed the goalkeeper, but also the crossbar.
Welfare took the lead on 40 minutes when a poor midfield header looped up to Palfrey and from 25 yards he volleyed over the keeper into the roof of the net.
An early second half Palfrey shot was charged down for a corner and then Prudhoe wasted a good chance for the home team when he bore down on goal but his weak shot was saved.
Substitute Del Pollock entered the fray and almost immediately he wasted a gilt edged chance to score. The ball was at his feet on the penalty spot but his hurried shot drifted past the far post. Dan Cawley then had a shot saved by the keeper..
Shelley came back and a firm header just missed a home upright.
Morton then saved a direct free kick low to his right and then seconds later he managed to block a fierce shot resulting in a corner. From the resulting kick the keeper acrobatically tipped another goal-bound effort onto the bar
Welfare survived the onslaught and Pollock then had another effort saved. Further efforts came from the welfare attack but they could not force the ball home.
Glasshoughton Welfare: Morton, Williams, Lindley, JForsyth, Haywood, Fish, Snaith, Middleton, Palfrey, Prudhoe, Barratt, Cawley, Pollock, Morley, Woodger, Kamara, Luyindula.
Referee: Mick Connell
Attendance: 48
Thanks to Garry Mollon from Glasshoughton Welfare for this report. You can get your club’s match reports published on Non League Yorkshire by emailing info@nonleagueyorkshire.com