Toolstation NCEL Division One
Glasshoughton Welfare 1-2 Hemsworth Miners Welfare
- New signing Luke Danville scores the late winner for leaders Hemsworth, who are now eight points clear of second-placed AFC Mansfield.
- Glasshoughton thought they had claimed a point after Adam Walsh’s 80th minute equaliser cancelled out the opener from Wells skipper Jason Yates.
- Hemsworth chief Wayne Benn described the result as a “big win” as his promotion-chasing side went eight points clear at the top.
- Disappointed Welfare joint boss Craig Wilkinson admitted that the narrow loss shows the progress that has been made in two months at Leeds Road since he and Simon Houghton took over.
Luke Danville scored the winner during his second appearance for Hemsworth
Luke Danville, chasing his third promotion in three seasons from Division One and in only his second match with Hemsworth, headed the winner and stretched his new team’s lead at the top of the tree to eight points.
Just like the still-incredible victory over Grimsby Borough three weeks ago, the last-gasp victory at Leeds Road could be of huge importance. With a game-in-hand as well, the Wells have eight points on second-placed AFC Mansfield and eleven on third-placed Bottesford Town. Pulling off the club’s greatest achievement in 35-years of history is definitely in their hands with just 14 matches remaining.
They have the expertise to get over the finish line with players like Shane Kelsey, Danville and captain Jason Yates in their ranks as their experience counts double, especially on midweek nights when visiting difficult places like Glasshoughton. Welfare, a side completely reborn by Simon Houghton and Craig Wilkinson, were always going to be a tough nut to crack after four straight league wins.
Although Hemsworth had most of the possession and chances, Glasshoughton had their moments without really forcing Wells goalkeeper Chris Snaith into a save in the first half. Hemsworth made the opposing stopper Jordan Watson work several times alongside a Harry Viggars effort that flashed past the far post. Danville also had the ball in the net from a perfectly-flighted Kelsey free kick, but that was ruled out because of the strangest offside decisions of the season.
Glasshoughton defended well as a unit, but Hemsworth increased the pressure on the home side as the second half began. Billy Law wasted a tremendous opening inside the opening 60 seconds. It took a deep cross from Nash Connolly on the hour to break Glasshoughton’s resolve. Welfare let the ball drop at the back-post and captain Yates struck the deadly blow.
Hemsworth were comfortable, but a double substitution that saw Luke Durham and Ricky Popplewell thrown-on gave Welfare more life upfront and that helped to force a few throw-ins and free kicks in high areas. Hemsworth were unfortunate to concede as Adam Walsh’s tame effort from the edge of the penalty took a deflection and bobble as Snaith reached out, but failed to stop the ball nestling into the right-hand bottom corner in the 80th minute.
A point against the front-runners would have been a huge benchmark for Welfare. Unfortunately a mistake cost them. Kelsey had left the building at 1-0 so his replacement Dom Blair took over the corner taking duties and he sent the ball in at the right height into the six-yard-box. Watson failed to command his box and Danville got the last touch. Whilst there was not quite the pandemonium that greeted Nick Guest’s equaliser and winner against Grimsby, it was near enough.
Considering that the unbeaten run came to an end at Bottesford Town two weeks ago, it has turned out not to matter, for the moment. Mansfield have dropped points since and Hemsworth have responded brilliantly with wins at Selby Town and now Glasshoughton to put themselves back on course.
What they said
Glasshoughton Welfare manager Craig Wilkinson:
Hemsworth Miners Welfare manager Wayne Benn:
Line-Ups
Glasshoughton Welfare: Watson, Rollinson, Brearley, Williams (captain), Walsh, Hunter, Poskitt, Seed, Owen, Pollock (Popplewell 65), Morley (Durham 65). Subs unused: Romaniw, Connolly, Myers.
Hemsworth Miners Welfare: Snaith, Wilson, Clark, Jones (Swift 79), Viggars, Danville, Connolly (Tonks 86), Yates (captain), Law, Critchlow, Kelsey (Blair 79). Subs unused: Hayward, Crapper.
Referee: Neil Munday
Ref Rating: 6/10
Attendance: 110
Man of the match: Jason Yates (Hemsworth Miners Welfare)