Layton Swaine was Hemsworth Miners Welfare’s hero as Luke Danville and Luke Potter’s troops made a fantastic start to the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division season.
Hemsworth won 1-0 against Staveley Miners Welfare who were ones of the sides expected to win promotion last season until the lockdown.
Considering the summer turbulence with the departure of several key players, Hemsworth could not have asked for a better start.
Swaine’s moment of glory came on the halfway mark when he fired home at the back-post from Jay Davis’ free kick.
The dismissal of the tenacious Jack Wilson late-on put more pressure on Hemsworth, but they withstood the Staveley onslaught to claim the three points.
Knaresborough Town also beat one of the fancied sides as they won 2-1 at home against Bridlington Town.
Dan Thirkell’s second half penalty was the difference after Billy Logan had cancelled out Jack Carr’s opener for Knaresborough Town.
Joe Walton’s late winner ensured a perfect start to the league campaign for Liversedge who won 2-1 at Maltby Main.
A Johnathan Williams penalty gave Maltby the lead, but Joe Gaughan equalised.
Late goals from Nathan Keightley and Anees Younis earned Goole AFC a 2-0 victory at Eccleshill United.
Thackley and Albion Sports finished goal-less.
East Hull were the toast of Division One following their unbelievable 1-0 win over Armthorpe Welfare – their first competitive victory as a club since April 13th 2019.
Hull literally recorded just one point last season and by lockdown they were regularly on the receiving end of almost double-figure hammerings. However, Sam Scott’s 12th minute winner has put the past behind them.
Emley AFC arrived back in the NCEL with a bang with their headline-grabbing 4-1 victory at Selby Town. James Eyles’ double plus goals from Aiden Savory and Kane Reece secured Richard Tracey’s men their victory. Josh Street did level it at one stage for Selby.
Campion romped to victory by the same scoreline at Worsbrough Bridge and their marquee signing Sean Hunter scored two. Paddy Sykes and colossal captain Graham Hall also hit the target. Louis Shaw scored for Bridge.
Harrogate Railway picked up an impressive point after Kieran Greenway’s leveller secured a 1-1 draw with promotion favourites North Ferriby who had Danny East sent off. Jamie Forrester had given Ferriby an early lead.
Swallownest are off to a flyer following their 3-0 victory at Dronfield Town – Josh Statham, Alfie Smith and Tyler Bradley scored.
Hall Road Rangers and Parkgate shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Bruno Holden fired Parkgate ahead and Richard Medcalf’s penalty levelled it up for Hall Road. Parkgate’s Brandon Bagley was sent off.
Kieran Watson’s double almost guided Hallam to victory, but Retford FC scored late to rescue a 2-2 draw.