Nostell far from brilliant in 4-0 derby win

Kai Hancock (2), Adam Hayton and Jack Owen got the goals as off-colour Nostell Miners Welfare defeated local rivals Hemsworth Miners Welfare 4-0 at Crofton Community Centre.

The result may look headline grabbing, but Nostell were far from brilliant and they clearly have a lot of work to do if they want to be talked about in the same bracket as Toolstation NCEL Division One title favourites Grimsby Borough and others.

Hemsworth had several key players missing, but they still caused Nostell problems and the home side had to rely on the heroics of goalkeeper Gary Stevens on a few occasions.

Although the performance was sluggish, all of their goals were top quality. 

Midfield genius Adam Hayton, who played for Hemsworth last season, broke the deadlock with a fantastic lob from a difficult angle after spotting the Hemsworth goalkeeper off-his-line.

Hemsworth then had several great chances, but somehow did not score.

Nostell put themselves in a controlling position on the stroke of half-time. A rip-roaring piece of attacking play saw The Entertainer Owen pick the ball up on the halfway line before setting off like an express train. Danny Critchlow and Hancock then linked up before the ball was back with Owen who scored at the second attempt after his initial effort was saved.

There was not much to talk about apart from young starlet Hancock’s goals late in the second half. 

Billy Mole’s superb marauding run from deep set up the third. He slipped in Hancock who smartly went past one defender before firing into the bottom corner.

Owen then returned the favour to Hancock for the fourth with the assist as the former Athersley Rec cooly found the net with an effort from the edge of the penalty area.