Maltby edge entertaining clash at Rec

Toolstation NCEL Premier Division

Athersley Rec 2-4 Maltby Main

Action from Athersley Rec 2-4 Maltby Main. Picture: thesaturdayboy.co.uk

Maltby Main got back on the winning trail with a victory at in-form Athersley Rec, who had only suffered one defeat in their last eight fixtures prior to kick off.

Goals from Shawn Mitchell, Ryan Carroll and Cameron Rigby in the last 20 minutes overturned a deficit and secured Maltby only their second win in nine league games.

Both teams were out of the traps quickly in an end to end game and it was Main who took the lead on 11 minutes when Josh Hemmingway curled a superb right footed shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

Maltby’s joy was short lived as star Rec player Kai Hancock levelled terms only 60 seconds later. Athersley then took the lead on 20 minutes with a superb counter attack that was finished again by Hancock. The remainder of the first half was end to end stuff and the spectators were certainly getting value for money.

Athersley started the stronger side in the opening exchanges of the second half and Danny Rusling made a superb save to keep the score at 2-1, but Maltby then began to press and take control of the game. Hopewell came close after a surging run and was inches away from equalising.

Main pegged back Athersley when a Jordan Snodin corner was forced home by Mitchell on 68 minutes. Ryan Carroll then finished an excellent move to put Maltby ahead.

Athersley were then reduced to ten men as Martyn Scully to have kicked out at Snodin. Rigby wrapped up the game with a superb run and finish on 85 minutes and came close again with only a moment to go.

What They Said

Maltby Main manager Spencer Fearn

“The game was a fantastic advert for the NCEL Premier Division with two sides giving their all. I was absolutely delighted with our lads, it was a performance with grit, determination, desire and some real quality in parts.

“It was good to see several of the key players at our club finally back with us after lengthy injuries and for them to come through the game unscathed.

“Three of our lads had been pretty ill in the week, but there was no way they were missing the game today, which shows tremendous commitment to our club. We are now focused on the next game at Hemsworth, which will prove another tough test for us.”