Evo Stik North
Ossett Albion 2-1 Radcliffe FC
Andy Welsh (left) was the hero for Ossett Albion. Picture: John Hirst
Dave Haley’s and new chairman John Chidlaw’s first home game at Ossett Albion ended in fairytale fashion as Andy Welsh scored a dramatic injury-time penalty to earn their first win of the season.
The late drama lifted Albion off the foot of the table and the Unicorns are surely looking upwards as the club’s ambitious plans begin to be put into action.
Former Huddersfield Town academy coach Haley, who took over from Richard Tracey nearly two weeks ago, could not bear to watch, while Chidlaw stood facing a wall as Welsh calmly slotted home.
The Albion side was much-changed following multiple exits this week, a scenario triggered by the arrival of Chidlaw, his wife Emma and their business partner Lee Summerscales as directors .
The departures meant there were a string of newcomers in the starting line-up – including popular goalkeeper Brett Souter who has returned to Dimple Wells from Sheffield FC. Souter, described as Haley as the best goalkeeper in the league in his interview with NLY, was a rock at the back for Albion, along with centre-backs Dominic Riordan and captain Joe Wilkinson.
Another new arrival was former Doncaster Rovers striker Jason Price, who despite being 40 is still very fit and a threat.
Albion deserved their first half lead. The pressure had been mounting when Darren Torpey turned Declan Dawson’s fine cross from the right past his own goalkeeper in the 15th minute.
Radcliffe applying pressure themselves in the second half and Souter had to deal with a few things. In some respect it was no surprise when James Hooper went through and equalised.
Albion were not satisfied with a point and the penalty came from Haley’s men chasing down a lost cause. As the game ticked into the 92nd minute, an horrendous back-pass sailed towards the Radcliffe goal. Ryan Jones kicked it half-clear, but only as far as the onrushing Welsh who was then felled by the goalkeeper.
Welsh became the hero and even a harsh red card for Josh Robinson-Wilson in the aftermath to the successful spot kick did not take the shine off a memorable afternoon for Albion.
New Ossett Albion chairman John Chidlaw faces a wall as Andy Welsh prepares to take the match-winning penalty in the last minute
New Ossett Albion striker Jason Price remains a threat at the age of 40. Picture: John Hirst
Action from Ossett Albion 2-1 Radcliffe. Picture: John Hirst
Ossett Albion captain Joe Wilkinson was excellent along with Dominic Riordan
Dom Riordan heads clear. Picture: John Hirst
What They Said
Ossett Albion manager Dave Haley
The Teams
Ossett Albion: Souter, Dawson, Kay, Riordan, Wilkinson (captain), Scargill (Hurtley 72), Charlton (Hardaker 81), Kebeye, Price, A Kebeye (Robinson-Wilson 81), Welsh. Subs unused: Curtis, Brooke.
Radcliffe FC: Jones, Williams, O’Leary, Grogan, Torpey, Jago, Zhekov, Peers (captain), Hooper, Ellison, Leonard. Subs: Fallon, Doran, Grier, Tserpes, Haslam.
Who Was In Charge
Leo Howard (7/10)
How Many Were There
121
Man of the Match
Brett Souter (Ossett Albion)
Brett Souter is back at Ossett Albion and he was a rock