Toolstation NCEL Division One Round (3)
Ian Walker’s Nostell Miners Welfare gave promotion contenders Hallam a major fright in the pulsating 3-3 opening day draw at Crofton Community Centre.
Two quick-fire goals after the hour mark rescued Hallam who were losing 3-1 at the break in a clash which was a perfect advertisement for NCEL football.
Chris Wood’s early header placed Hallam in front, but Nostell, whose manager Walker is backing to do well this season, hit back with vengeance.
Wing wizard Joe Wood showed quick-feet to pull away from several Hallam defenders and he buried the ball in the net from the edge of the penalty after a one-two with Harvey Walker.
Former Glasshoughton Welfare striker Nathan Perks then spectacularly lobbed Hallam’s goalkeeper for the second goal.
An extremely quick-moving counter attack set the third goal up.
Goalkeeper Chris Barrow set Wood away. He passed to Anees Younis and with Hallam stretched, the ex-Goole attacker crossed for Perks who had a simple close range finish.
Quite predictably, Hallam laid siege to Nostell’s goal in the second half and were duly rewarded.
Ex-Frickley Athletic forward Wood smashed in their second goal before Iren Wilson capitalised on a defensive mix-up to equalise.
Hallam captain Danny Patterson almost won it for Hallam in the final few minutes when his thunderbolt came down off the underside of the crossbar – with the officials ruling the whole ball had not crossed the line.
North Ferriby set off in the perfect fashion with a comfortable 3-0 victory at Shirebrook Town.
Matty Plummer, Jamie Forrester and Danny East scored.