Toolstation NCEL Division One
Nostell Miners Welfare 2-2 Worsbrough Bridge
Ossett Albion chairman Dom Riordan regularly scores long range screamers, but this week it was a straight-forward tap-in which earned Worsbrough a point at fellow strugglers Nostell
Dom Riordan broke the hearts of Nostell Miners Welfare after scoring the injury-time equaliser for Worsbrough Bridge in the crunch bottom of the table clash in Crofton.
Missed chances came back to haunt basement side Nostell were just two minutes away from placing themselves within touching distance of Westella & Willerby and Worsbrough.
Nijke Nswana hit the net in the first half and Nostell deservedly held their lead until Mark Stuart equalised from the penalty spot for Bridge. Then with five minutes left, luck appeared to change for Nostell as Luke Robinson seemingly scored the priceless winner.
But the cruel ending came and Nostell now face a mountain to climb in their bid to avoid relegation.
As Terry Bates, Nostell’s third manager of an awful season, said in his post-match interview, it was a cup final for Welfare.
The youthful side, whose back four comprised of two 17-year-olds, a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old, understood the message from their manager as they set out to hurt Bridge from the off.
The home side had got in several good positions before Nswana shot past goalkeeper Aiden Tyas for the opener. Worsbrough continued to live on the edge as further chances for Nostell followed.
The best opportunity to double the lead came after the hour. Nswana found himself in acres of space on the left-side of the penalty area, but instead of showing composure, the attacker blazed over.
Inevitably Worsbrough hit back. Red Bates fouled Bridge’s super substitute Ricky Popplewell in the penalty area and Stuart confidently converted the spot kick.
Both teams went for broke and Nostell’s Matty Thompson almost scored the goal of the season. His 30-yard volley was destined for the top corner until Tyas somehow leaped through the air to push the ball out for a corner. Bridge though failed to reward their goalkeeper’s heroics as they feel asleep during the corner. The initial cross was cleared, but only back to Christian Soda, who sent the ball back into a dangerous area where Robinson was waiting to stroke the ball past Tyas.
The jubilation lasted a matter of a few minutes as Riordan pounced on the loose ball in the Nostell six-yard-box to inflict a cruel finish on Worsbrough’s relegation rivals.
Nostell left-back Twadzwa Mumbanya controls the ball
Worsbrough Bridge defender Joe Singleton launches a long ball
Worsbrough captain Connor Rollinson holds off Nostell’s Matty Thompson
Action from Nostell 2-2 Worsbrough
Action from Nostell 2-2 Worsbrough
Mark Stuart was a bright spark for Worsbrough after coming off the bench and scoring the first equaliser. Picture: alexdanielphotos.co.uk
What They Said
Nostell Miners Welfare manager Terry Bates
Worsbrough Bridge manager Josh Wright
The Teams
Nostell Miners Welfare: Dearnley, Bates, Mumbanya, Kilner (captain) (Soda 52), Kendal, Boyd, Fell, Thompson, Robinson, Terrell (Ellis 86), Nswana. Subs unused: Fenton, Youel.
Worsbrough Bridge: Tyas, Connor Rollinson (captain), Thompson, Hunter, Singleton, Riordan, Wright (Popplewell HT), Walker, Portman, Wiltshere, Mellor (Stuart HT). Subs unused: Bingley, Gill, Calan Rollinson.
Who Was In Charge
Glen Whitehead (8/10)
Referee Glen Whitehead
Solid display from the official.