Toolstation NCEL Division One
Glasshoughton Welfare 1-2 Hallam
Kieran Watson’s double edged leaders Hallam to victory in a tempestuous encounter at Glasshoughton Welfare.
Lowly Glasshoughton may have won a paltry five out of their last 19 league games but they put their poor form behind them by giving Hallam a fright after debutant Jack Appleyard equalised on the hour mark.
Jamie Cusworth blew the chance to place the hosts ahead and Welfare paid the price as predator Watson soon hit the winner.
One blow for Hallam was the late dismissal of defender Chris Salt who walked after a confrontation with Welfare midfielder Ash Bell who was also sent off.
The game will be remembered though for the terrible officiating – from Glasshoughton’s point of view up there with the infamous Ossett Town FA Cup clash from the glory-laden Craig Elliott era – which destroyed the occasion for the spectators.
Both teams left everything out on the field and although it was handshakes all round at the end, there were at least four flare-ups during the 90 minutes which could have been prevented along with the red cards had referee Luca Caggiano stamped his authority on the match earlier.
Glasshoughton certainly have an issue with him and his assistant Gary Hubbard as they failed to award them a blatant first half penalty after Callum Robinson was felled by Niall Smith.
Hubbard has some explaining to do as he was ten yards away and had clear and unimpaired sight of the foul.
By this point Glasshoughton had more than matched their visitors.
But against the run of play and five minutes before half-time, Hallam snatched the lead.
Watson headed a cross from the right towards goal and the ball deflected off Aaron Gray’s shoulder and looped over stranded goalkeeper Mark Bower.
Hallam then had a blatant penalty shout themselves when Smith was the ‘victim’ this time.
Iren Wilson also wasted the chance to double the lead after firing wide after breaking clear.
Glasshoughton rode out an early second half surge of pressure before stunning their title-chasing opponents – Appleyard firing home with a low effort inside the penalty area.
Hallam were under the cosh for at least five minutes and Cusworth should have made them pay.
The former Hall Green United striker went one-on-one with goalkeeper Myles Wright – who saved his side’s bacon.
Within minutes, Hallam were back in front.
A long throw was pounced on by Watson who couldn’t miss from six yards.
The only thing left in the game was a red card which had been coming for sometime as by now the referee had no control.
Cusworth was fortunate to escape sanction after he used the quiet Hallam captain Danny Patterson as a human cannonball in direct view of assistant referee Hubbard.
Patterson was like Gonzo from The Muppets when sent head first into the Glasshoughton dugout.
Temperatures levels reached their highest point and Salt and Bell were gone after a tangle by the barriers.
That lowered the heat and finished the game off.
Glasshoughton had run out of ideas and Hallam had enough experience on-the-field to see the game out.
The Teams
Glasshoughton Welfare: Bower, Booth, Cunliffe, Robinson (Simpson 64), Walsh (captain), Gray, Cusworth, Nelson, Appleyard, Bell, Stephens. Sub unused: Murillo, Chippindale.
Hallam: Wright, Brownell, Smith (Blackourn 57), Salt, Wankiewicz, Bradbury (Pemberton 57), D Patterson (captain), R Patterson, Wilson, Royles, Watson. Subs unused: Wood, Morton, Gregory.
Who Was In Charge
Luca Caggiano (assistants: Gary Hubbard, Andrew Farr) (4/10)
The third worst performance from match officials in nine years of Non League Yorkshire.
How Many Were There
101
Man of Match
Richard Patterson (Hallam)
