Action from Nostell Miners Welfare 4-0 Maltby Main
Nostell Miners Welfare recorded their biggest win of the season after gaining revenge for Maltby Main in a deserved 4-0 victory in Crofton.
First half goals from Andrew Davis and Matthew Johnson laid the platform and man of the match Dev Morton completed the rout late-on.
It is an important win for Paul Lines and his side as it opens up a seven point gap between them and the relegation zone.
The Toolstation NCEL Premier Division clash was just one of three matches in the top flight played – mainly down to the major investment in the pitch last season.
Both teams were provided with a carpet of a surface, but only Nostell used it to their benefit.
The home side hit the front foot straightaway with midfielder Davis hitting a sweet long range strike into the bottom corner within the opening 90 seconds.
Nostell wasted further chances, which may have cost them in previous weeks, but Maltby were second best to everything and rarely threatened Welfare goalkeeper Ed Hall.
Maltby contributed to their own downfall for the second goal on the half-hour mark. The visitors tried to pass the ball out from the back – only for quick Nostell forward Simon Poole to close them down and force an error. Poole then sent midfielder Johnson through and he scored with a low and hard effort.
Action from Nostell Miners Welfare 4-0 Maltby Main
Action from Nostell Miners Welfare 4-0 Maltby Main
The second half contained little moments of note until the later stages when Nostell put the result beyond doubt.
Lines has recently gained assistance from National League outfit Guiseley, who have lent him three academy players.
Two of them linked up for the third goal. Winger Steve Smith’s excellent vision sent him ping a ball from distance into the feet of star man Morton. The striker composed himself and finished easily.
Morton rounded off a superb first start for Nostell a few minutes later. Maltby’s back four lost the ball between them again and Morton capitalised – taking the ball off them and then going past goalkeeper Danny Rusling before scoring into the empty net.
More performances like this and Nostell will comfortably move away from the lower reaches of the Division.
Nostell Miners Welfare manager Paul Lines: “It was a fantastic display from everyone, one to eleven and from those who came on.
“We played some nice football, we had plenty of chances and we took our chances.
“It was a complete performance and I enjoyed it. It was by far our best performance since we played Cleethorpes (on the opening day).
“What topped it off was Steve Wales coming off the bench and getting some fitness so there are a lot of positives.”
Nostell Miners Welfare: Hall, Donoghue, Tolley (Allsop 89), Davis, Beaston, Wells, Smith, Johnson, Morton, Poole (Kitson 71), Mhlolo (Wales 60). Subs unused: Zalo, Bennet.
Maltby Main: Rusling, Davies, Fawcus, Swales, Austin (captain), Hemmingway, Nodder, A Poole (J Poole 57), Hopewell (Hvitt 57), Hill, Forster (Greg 71). Subs unused: Hibbert, Cuckson.
Referee: Craig Hainsworth
Ref Rating: 10/10
Attendance: 59
Man of the match: Dev Morton (Nostell Miners Welfare)