Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Maltby Main 1-0 Athersley Recreation
- Maltby return to winning ways after two consecutive defeats.
- Steve Hopewell’s goal lifts Maltby above Athersley on goals difference.
Maltby joint managers Mark Askwith (left) and Spencer Fearn (right) guided their side to a 1-0 win over Athersley
It was a cold, frosty Wednesday evening, but three vital points made everything worthwhile for Maltby Main as Steve Hopewell scored a second minute winner to secure the points for Spencer Fearn and Mark Askwith’s men.
Lewis Bemrose made his debut for Maltby and it started brightly after his brilliant link up play with Steve Hopewell which was rewarded with a goal in the opening two minutes. Bemrose flicked the ball on and Hopewell’s pressure caused a massive error which left him one on one which he calmly tucked away past Athersley keeper Lee Dawes.
Maltby almost doubled their lead five minutes later when Luke Gibson had an effort which was easy pickings for Dawes. Mid-way through the first half Athersley grew into game and came close when Jack Briscoe hit the side netting. A drab first half saw one of few talking points when Maltby ball winner Joe Davies was booked for a tough tackle on Danny Cawley.
Athersley did nearly grab an equaliser after a goal mouth scramble fell to Danny Cawley but his effort was well blocked by a sea of Maltby bodies. Minutes before half time Maltby could have added a second after great skill from Bemrose as he squared to Hopewell who put his effort wide from eight yards out.
Josh Nodder then had an effort dragged wide just before the half time whistle.
Athersley started the second half the brighter side as they looked to get an equaliser, but Maltby wouldn’t budge and defended brilliantly.
Maltby came back into the game and missed a golden opportunity when Lewis Bemrose showed great skill in the box and blazed over from close range. Hopewell did have another chance to finish the game off but couldn’t convert as his effort was smothered by Lee Dawes. A battling performance and just the one goal was all that it took for Maltby as they look to push on from this fantastic victory.
Maltby Main joint manager Mark Askwith: “From start to finish the effort levels from the lads were fantastic, we could not have asked anymore of them.
“I was pleased with the two debutants Lewis Bemrose and Conner White who both had excellent games. It was good to keep another clean sheet at home and now we look forward to another tough test this weekend against Armthorpe.”