Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Athersley Rec 4-1 Rainworth Miners Welfare
Joe Thornton, pictured during his first spell with Athersley, scored a hat-trick for the Rec in the 4-1 win over Rainworth
Joe Thornton’s treble helped increase the gap between Athersley Rec and the bottom three and push them further along the road to safety.
An early second half penalty brought the game alive after Thornton was taken down by Matt Plant. The defender saw red for the challenge and Thornton stepped up to score from the spot.
Rainworth were then awarded a penalty of their own. Fortunately Rec goalkeeper Neal May made himself a hero by saving Liam Morris’ spot kick.
May’s heroics spurred Athersley on and Thornton supplied the pass for the second goal – scored by Danny Cawley, his first since arriving from Glasshoughton Welfare.
Thornton got his second of the afternoon before Connor Smythe pulled a goal back for Rainworth.
Thornton ensured the match-ball was his in the dying minutes with a strike that was destined for the top corner from the moment it left his boot.
Battle at the bottom
Only Armthorpe Welfare took maximum points from games involving the bottom four.
Armthorpe gave survival hopes a real shot in the arm after Stuart Preston’s late goal secured a 1-0 win over Brigg Town.
Parkgate will be disappointed after drawing 2-2 with basement side Liversedge. Jordan Turner gave ‘gate a early 2-0 lead before a second half comeback from Liversedge – led by Vaughan Redford and Tom Jackson.
Ben Beckles provided a devastating finish for Nostell Miners Welfare as he earned Thackley a 2-1 win with the 90th minute winner. An own goal from Jerome White had appeared to have earned Nostell a point.
Garforth Town remain without a win in 2016 after losing 4-1 to Retford United. Spencer Lund scored for Garforth.