NCEL: Armthorpe's mini revival halted by Bridlington

Welfare, playing with renewed confidence following back-to-back wins against Brigg Town and Pontefract Collieries, restricted an in-form Bridlington side to long range efforts in the first half.

Armthorpe might well have gone in ahead at the break had Craig Aspinall put away a decent chance after getting in on goal.

However, Bridlington started to look more threatening after half time and edged in front on 57 minutes when Andy Norfolk got in behind the Welfare defence to put the visitors in front.

The points were sealed with the second on 73 minutes. Joel Sutton’s weak shot went through the legs of Welfare goalkeeper Lee Overton who otherwise had a faultless performance.

Had Brian Johnston’s side came away with a result it would have been seen as a bonus against a team in top form.

But that will not be the case with Armthorpe’s next two games when they will be targeting maximum points against two of their relegation rivals.

This weekend Welfare make the trip to bottom of the table Liversedge.

The hosts are seven points adrift at the foot of the table and eight away from safety, having won just one of their last 17 league outings. It is a game that Armthorpe must at the least avoid defeat but one they will be confident of coming away with a victory.

And then next up is a short journey to neighbours Parkgate on Tuesday.

The Steelmen currently sit three places but just a couple of points above Johnston’s side having also played a game more.