Athersley Rec won a league game for the first time in eight attempts. Photo: WhiteRosePhotos.co.uk
The odds were stacked against them after captain Ryan White may have been sent off after just five minutes, but Athersley Rec responded by ending their Toolstation NCEL Premier Division seven-game winless run.
In a match billed as a “must win for both sides” by Paul Lines, ten man Athersley won 3-1 at Nostell Miners Welfare to move out of the relegation zone.
The game started at a fast and furious manner. Jack Briscoe gave Athersley a third minute lead with a drilled finish, but Nostell hit back straight away through Sam Pashley.
Jack Briscoe put Athersley ahead. Photo: WhiteRosePhotos.co.uk
Nostell equalised and then Athersley captain Ryan White was controversially sent off. Photo: WhiteRosePhotos.co.uk
Adam Podmore turns away after putting Athersley in front again. Photo: WhiteRosePhotos.co.uk
Athersley celebrate’s Podmore’s goal. Photo: WhiteRosePhotos.co.uk
Game over: Scott Turner wheels away after scoring Athersley’s third. Photo: WhiteRosePhotos.co.uk
Athersley must have then feared the worst when captain White was incredibly sent off by heavy-handed referee David Benton.
Rec joint manager Jason Dodsworth was also given his marching orders at half-time after an exchange with Benton.
Despite the blows, Athersley kept believing and former Worsbrough striker Adam Podmore put them in front again with a close range.
Nostell tried their best to retrieve at least a point, but Athersley refused to give in and substitute Scott Turner was able to seal a memorable victory for the visitors in the closing stages.
Nostell Miners Welfare: Hall, Beaston, Allsop, Elliott (captain), Morris, Donoghue, Pashley, Judson, Judson, Poole, Billington, Whiteley. Subs: Lee, Kitson, Johnson, Ball, Tonkinson.
Athersley Recreation: Penn, Scully, Blackburn, McManus, Hodgson, R White (captain), Scargill, A White, Joynes, Podmore, Briscoe. Subs: Hancock, Turner, Copping, Shillito, Brettoner.
Referee: David Benton
Attendance: 74
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