Toolstation NCEL Division One
Worsbrough Bridge 0-2 Glasshoughton Welfare
Lucille Rollinson with her devoted sons, Glasshoughton’s Connor and Worsbrough’s Calan after the final whistle
Surprise package Glasshoughton Welfare successfully crashed the play-offs party after winning the ‘Show Your Support for Luce’ Day game at Worsbrough Bridge, with Connor and Calan Rollinson’s “Mam” Lucille watching on from the stands.
James Dyson and Andy Horbury’s goals have booked a tie with Grimsby Borough next week after victory denied Hallam and the Selby Town superheroes who were both vying for a top six spot.
Nearly 150 people turned out on an emotional night for the long-awaited fixture, used as fundraiser and awareness day for acute myeloid leukaemia, the most severe form that Lucille has been fighting since October.
Based on early-estimates, over £1000 has been raised, with funds being spread across three charities – Leukaemia UK, Bloodwise and the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield. The JustGiving page for Leukaemia UK remains open for donations.
Calan led Worsbrough out as captain, while Connor, who was hailed as his side’s man of the match by his team-mates, walked out with five members of his Pontefract Pirates Disability Football Juniors team.
In some respect the game paled into the insignificance, despite the huge implications for Glasshoughton. The fact is that it was their biggest game since their greatest manager Craig Elliott led them to promotion in 2012.
Somewhat fittingly it was Connor, who has run through brick walls in all his appearances for Glasshoughton this season and was Worsbrough’s captain last year, who had the game’s first chance. It was almost like something out of a Disney fairytale movie as his scuffed shot flew past Worsbrough goalkeeper Aiden Tyas and seemed destined for the right-bottom corner. That was until his brother played the scary monster by clearing the ball to safety.
On social media there had been accusations that Worsbrough would go easy on Glasshoughton because they secured safety last week. That was far from the case, Lee Morris’ certainly made the visitors’ work.
Glasshoughton settled their nerves with an early goal. Right-back Alex Marsh crossed and Dyson was there to head home.
Welfare tried to kill off their hosts early in the second half. Connor teed up Conor Glavin on the edge of the penalty area. The midfield goal machine unleashed a bullet destined for the top corner. However, Tyas, who deserves a lot of end of season praise for his displays for Bridge, pulled off a wonderful save.
Destination play-offs would be eventually secured when Horbury broke clear and calmly fired past Tyas.
Worsbrough went close through Calan, whose spectacular 45-yard screamer stung the hands of Glasshoughton stopper Mat Zaniewski.
Glasshoughton had further chances to add the third late-on, but Tyas was on top form.
A lovely moment came right near the end as Glasshoughton brought Connor off and he received a nice round of applause from everyone present.
The final whistle sounded and Glasshoughton celebrated their play-offs position, while Calan and Connor embraced their “Mam” – concluding a night of huge pride for the family.
Calan and Connor posing with the collection buckets before kick off
The Glasshoughton team wearing their ‘Support Your Support for Luce’ tops
The Worsbrough Bridge team wearing their ‘Show Your Support for Luce’ tops
Worsbrough warming up
Connor had a smile on his face during the warm-up
Five members of the Pontefract Pirates Juniors Disability team were mascots for Glasshoughton
The Pontefract Pirates Juniors pose with the officials and captains Calan Rollinson and Gaz Hunter, plus Connor
Connor almost scored inside the opening five minutes, in what would have been like a scene out of a Disney fairytale movie
However, Calan played the scary monster and cleared the ball to safety
James Dyson eventually fired Glasshoughton ahead on the path to the play-offs
The Teams
Worsbrough Bridge: Tyas, Rollinson (captain), Parlett, Wilson, Graham, Dacre (captain), Austin, Howard, Mawson, Dungworth, Hirst. Subs: Hutchinson, Huly, Halford, White.
Glasshoughton Welfare: Zaniewski, Marsh, Oldham, Akeister, Hunter (captain), Walsh, Rollinson (Hullock 86), Glavin, Horbury (Wilshire 81), Dyson, Ferguson. Subs unused: Pashley, Cunliffe, Kay.
Who Was In Charge
Matthew Malton (10/10)
A very respectful young man who appears to be someone who cares about the clubs he referees.
How Many Were There
132
Person of the Match
Lucille Rollinson (Worsbrough Bridge/Glasshoughton Welfare)
An amazing lady who has battled and is still battling a very serious disease. It was fantastic to see her there for the full 90 minutes enjoying herself and watching her two beloved sons Connor and Calan play for their respective sides. You can read her story HERE.