NCEL round-up: Armthorpe Welfare and Rossington Main boost survival hopes

Improving Armthorpe Welfare boosted their Premier Division survival hopes with a point at home to Rainworth Miners Welfare.
Armthorpe boss Brian JohnstonArmthorpe boss Brian Johnston
Armthorpe boss Brian Johnston

Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Church Street made it just one defeat in five games for Brian Johnston’s side.

Welfare are now two points clear of the drop zone with games in hand on three of the five teams below them.

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While that may not be a big cushion, Armthorpe at least have picked up some momentum as they look to secure their Premier Division status.

Welfare certainly look up for the fight if the draw against Rainworth is anything to go by.

Tom McLaughlin put Welfare in front on the half hour mark, finishing neatly a move he started in his own half for a superb counter attacking goal.

The visitors hit back to level in the 57th minute through Liam Morris after the number nine had played a one-two on the edge of the box.

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Armthorpe almost went back in front immediately but Handley’s shot rattled the upright.

However, Welfare found themselves behind on 61 minutes when Liam Nelthorpe’s shot went through the legs of defender Richard Smith and nestled in the bottom corner.

Armthorpe though were in no mood to throw the towel in and just two minutes later were back on level terms.

Darren Mansaram was sent tumbling in the area for a nailed-on penalty, which Josh Schofield coolly converted.

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Both sides could have snatched all three points in the last ten minutes with Schofield seeing his volley tipped over the bar, while Overton made a superb stop to keep out a close range header.

Armthorpe travel to to Barton Town Old Boys on Saturday.

Maltby Main bounced back from a surprise 4-0 humbling at Division One promotion hopefuls Penistone Church in the League Cup with a solid 1-0 victory at Thackley.

Ryan Carroll scored the only goal of the game.

Maltby’s fine form will come under scrutiny this weekend when they host third-placed Bridlington Town.

Division One strugglers Rossington Main picked up their first point in four games from a 1-1 draw at Westella VIP.

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The home side had gone ahead through Andy Coverdale nine minutes into the second half.

That goal had looked like sending Rossington to a fourth defeat on the spin until Jake Outram popped up nine minutes from time to salvage a point with his first goal for the club following his recent switch from Premier Division side Retford United.

With the bottom two, Lincoln Moorlands Railway and Worsbrough Bridge Athletic, both losing it saw Main edge closer to safety. They now have a seven-point cushion over the drop zone.

This Saturday they entertain an improving Winterton Rangers who have pulled 12 points clear of the bottom two following a run that has included four wins and just one defeat in their last seven matches.

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