Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Maltby Main 1-3 Athersley Rec
Athersley captain Ryan White (left) and Adam White (right) celebrate with Ryan Smith after his goal. Picture: thesaturdayboy.co.uk
Athersley Rec recovered from two Cup defeats to get off to a great start in their league campaign.
It condemned Maltby, a team fancied by many, to defeat in their opening game.
On fire Kai Hancock headed the Rec ahead in the 13 minutes from Liam Owens’ superb cross.
Hancock and strike-partner Ryan Smith combined for the second goal. Smith did the first bit of hard work by outpacing his marker. He threaded the ball through to Hancock, who did brilliantly to hold off the last Maltby defender before scoring past Danny Rusling.
Maltby pulled a goal back as half-time approached as Aiden Tyas diverted a cross into his own net.
The score remained in the balance for most of the second half until Athersley sealed it late-on.
Smith and Hancock caught Maltby out on the counter attack. Hancock’s shot was blocked, but Smith pounced to score from the rebound.