Armthorpe Welfare v Runcorn Town - Pre Season Friendly

A warm, sunny day at Church Street and today’s entertainment was in the shape of Welfare V Runcorn Town of the North West Counties Premier Division. Welfare were looking to bounce back from Tuesday nights nightmare with a strong performance in front of the home crowd.

Welfare set up once again with the favoured 4-2-3-1 formation and the home side started with high intensity, giving nothing away and passing the ball around with ease. After ten minutes Runcorn hadn’t had any possession, then 5 minutes later the ball was picked up in the middle of the park by Jay Rollins, he then saw a flying run from young Kieran Benson down the left side, a pitch perfect pass into the forwards feet allowed him to have a shot on goal from 20 yards which riffled into the top corner, 1-0 Welfare after 15 minutes. A dream start for manager Brian Johnston.

Five minutes later, Welfare went on the attack again down the left hand side. A jinking run was brought down by a Runcorn defender, up stepped Brad Johnston from 20 yards out. The was ball struck tamely, it took a deflection off the wall which took it past Town’s ‘keeper into the bottom corner. 2-0 Welfare after 20 minutes. Church Street felt the optimism with the season rapidly closing in.  

With a two goal lead Welfare went on the defensive and started to play keep ball and played a good brand of passing football. Defensively Welfare looked strong, Craig Morley replaced regular centre half Richard Smith for today’s game and nothing got past him all half, Welfare’s back four looking unbeatable at times.

The referee blew the half time whistle and Welfare went into the break deserving of their two goal lead. Stand out performers were Kieran Benson and Craig Morley.

The whistle blew for the second half to begin and straightaway Welfare were on the back foot, Runcorn not giving Welfare a sniff of possession. Welfare manager, Brian Johnston gave new keeper Richard Watson a run out in the second forty five minutes and what an inspired change it proved to be. Three saves in the space of five minutes kept Welfare’s lead to two. But his luck was bound to run out at some point, then 12 minutes into the half, the ball was picked up in the middle of the park after some sloppy defending from Welfare, it was struck with real venom from 30 yards out, nothing that the ‘keeper do could about it and the ball found itself nestling in the top corner. 2-1 after 52 minutes. Welfare needed to pick up the intensity if they wanted to keep their lead.  

Eight minutes later Welfare conceded another from once again some sloppy defending. From a dead ball situation it took a deflection, and then a goalmouth scramble accrued with the ball being turned in from five yards. 2-2, Runcorn draw level after a poor start to the second half from Welfare.  

What then was foreseen at Church Street wasn’t a shock to the viewing public, the ball was played into the box, out came ‘keeper Richard Watson, he fumbled the ball down and it landed at Runcorn forward’s foot, who then turned the ball into the net to make it 3-2 to Runcorn.

That was the last of the action in the game the contest petered out as both sides became tired and run out of steam. The full time whistle blew and Welfare felt the game slipped out of their hands, loosing a two goal lead and letting slip the high intensity cost Johnston and his men dearly today. A game of two half’s is an understatement.

Welfare haven’t got long to regroup and recover, a trip to Appleby Froderingham mid week see’s Welfare half way through their pre season campaign. With the season only 2 weeks away now, something has to give for Johnston’s men and hopefully Tuesday night is the point where it all changes. 

Armthorpe Welfare v Hemsworth Welfare - Pre Season Friendly

Armthorpe went into the match looking to avenge the defeat suffered last Saturday against an unknown Marske United. Brian Johnston and his side made the short twenty-mile trip down the Doncaster Road to face NCEL Division One side, Hemsworth Welfare.

The first half saw Armthorpe set up in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation; the favoured formation of manager Brian Johnston. Both sides started well with good pressing football. Welfares defence got into a pickle after ten minutes, Hemsworth placed a free kick into the 18 yard area, nodded on by their centre half then it was flicked in at the back post, only to be chalked off to what was the right call on a offside decision from the linesman.

After this neither side could grab hold of the game, costly mistakes in front of goal made sure that the scoreline stayed at 0-0 until the 33^rd minute when Armthorpe broke the deadlock. Welfare had constant possession of the ball, a misplaced pass lead to a back pass from the Hemsworth centre half, the goal keeper misjudged it and it trickled into the net, 1-0 Welfare. Things were looking up for Johnston’s side.

But, as the saying goes ‘you’re most vulnerable after you’ve just scored’, and that just what Armthorpe had ringing in their ears moments later. The ball was played over the top by Hemsworth, and what looked to most people as an offside run, wasn’t seen by the linesman so striker Damien Liddle had all the time in the world to pick his spot and slot his shot past Armthorpe ‘keeper, Richard Watson. 1-1 on the stroke of half time, a kick in the teeth for hard working Armthorpe.

The second half kicked off with five changes to the Armthorpe line up, manager Brian Johnston still trying to find his best eleven. After three minutes of the restart Armthorpe switched off at the back and let Hemsworth in, luckily the shot was pulled wide. But then just eight minutes later a mistake from young shot stopper, Will Biggs, let Hemsworth in to take the lead. A poor, heavy touch was picked up by Harry Viggars, he took it round the keeper and side footed it into the empty net. 2-1 after 58 minutes, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Welfare responded well, putting Hemsworth under lots of pressure with attacks from both wings but the final ball wasn’t up to scratch. Hemsworth then got a foot back into the contest and from nothing, the ball was picked up in the middle of the park, with no Armthorpe defender around the forward, he took it round a stranded Biggs, and slotted it into the open net once again. The game slipping away from Armthorpe. 3-1 after 75 minutes.

Welfare had to withstand viscous pressure from Hemsworth, forcing Biggs into a brilliant diving save. Then a way back for Armthorpe, a jinking run from ‘Bucko’ the left full back, he dragged a ball back to edge of the 18 yard area, Craig Morley met it with his right boot, it cannoned off the post and bounced off the Hemsworth keepers back to make it 3-2. But then from the kick off, the ball went down the Armthorpe end, once again a bad touch from Biggs, let in Hemsworth for there 4^th of the evening. Silly errors from the young man, better off now then in a league match if you ask me.

Full time blew at the Fitzwilliam Stadium with Hemsworth coming out on top. Armthorpe played some decent football during the match, it will take time for the lads to start gelling, remember its only our 3^rd friendly, there is still more to come from Johnston’s men. The next match is at Church Street on Saturday against Runcorn Town. Get down and support the lads. 

Armthorpe Welfare v Athletico Tap - Pre Season Friendly Report

A warm summers night, a perfect night for Armthopre Welfare to kick off their pre season campaign against unknown Sunday league opposition in the form of, Athletico Tap. This is manager Brian Johnston’s first look at his players in full match action.

Welfare set up the first half with a 4-2-3-1 formation, hopefully a sight fans will see more often, straight away from the kick off Welfare started brightly and attacked Athletico’s defence, with balls from the left and right causing horrors to the red and white’s defence. Slow and steady build up play was the order of the day from Armthorpe as they made their way forward once again. Then on 12 minutes a cross came in from the left into the uncertain area for centre half’s and the keeper which led to Welfare’s first goal, a goal mouth scramble followed, the ball popped up and was then nodded in to put Welfare one up in the contest. 1-0 Welfare after 12 minutes

Welly started to find their feet in the game, not letting Tap have any possession. Every man in a blue shirt looking comfortable on the ball, not making any silly errors. Once again Welfare make the most of the possession they have, a quick one two in the 18 yard area gave Welfare the opportunity to double their lead, which they dually took, a toe poke past Tap’s keeper into the bottom left corner. 2-0 Welfare after 22 minutes.

Athletico then started to get a foothold into the match, moving forward with some fluidity. But a rigid Welfare defence, lead by Welly legend, Richard Smith cut out every attack with much ease. Then on 37 minutes, Tap played a ball to the left, which found their galloping full back, who took a touch inside the 18-yard area and hit a low shot past Will Biggs in the Welfare goal. 2-1, 37 minutes played.

Three minutes later, Welfare then went on the attack, a shot from 20 yards out, was flicked in by Welfare’s forward but found its self chalked off due to a dubious offside call from the linesman. Welfare had responded well to the conceded goal. The referee then called half time with Welfare heading into the break at 2-1 up.

The second half got under way and straight away Welfare broke, the ball was held up outside the 18-yard box and it was struck with real venom into the top right corner, only to be met with the woodwork. Then Tap broke away, a cross came in from the right and another goalmouth scramble developed and Tap hit the bar twice! Both sides unlucky in the minute of madness.  

Welfare then increased their one goal advantage to two, through a well worked goal from the right hand side. From then on in both sides started to tire, with silly mistakes creeping in.

Full time blew and Welfare came out deserved winners from what was a winnable game. Pay Athletico Tap their due’s they came and gave it good crack of the whip, but in the end Welfare were just too strong.

With the start of the season just three weeks away, Armthorpe look in a good position to be fighting for a mid table finish. Johnston’s men look in good physical shape and seem to be moulding together like a topside should. But time will tell as to how this new look Welfare side will fair in the NCEL Premiership this season. The next test in pre season for Brian and his side will be on Saturday against Marske United at Church Street. 

An Interview With David Poppleton

During the off season, Armthopre Welfare have had some major rebuilding to do. With a new manager at the helm a new assistant had to be found. Manager Brian Johnston had a search on his hands. He had only one man in his sights, former Everton and England Schoolboy midfielder, David Poppleton.

David started his career at Everton as a schoolboy, impressing every coach along the way. Representing England at under 17’s level, playing alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard, Wes Brown and one of England’s greatest goalscorers Michael Owen. But David has said these aren’t the greatest players he’s come across in his career. “The best players I’ve ever come across are Pablo Aimar, Esteban Cambiasso and Riquelme, which were the three across the midfield that beat England in 2006 World Cup in Germany.”

After time out from the game, David felt it was time to give something back, when the call from Brian came David took the chance with both hands. We wanted to know what David is going to gain from his new role at Welfare. “Experience at coaching, I’m currently embarking on my UEFA B course and mainly improving this side we have here at Welfare, we have some great lads here and I can’t wait to get started.”

David is a very enthusiastic man who wants the best for Welfare after the troubles of last season. Dave is a highly qualified man, and his new role is a major stepping stone in his coaching career. I asked David if he was looking forward to working with Brian and his current squad of players. “Yeah of course, the lads have really responded well to the sessions we have conducted, because I don’t think they had any proper sessions in the past. I can’t wait to see how they react over the season and mould together.”

From David’s past experience with all the different coaches he’s played under, we wanted to know what skills he picked up from them, and what qualities he has to bring to Welfare. “I’m not a person that dwells on the negatives and I focus on the positives. I have experience from playing at a high level and I have taken a lot on board from the different coaches I have played under and I want to pass that on to the lads we here at Welfare.”

This season is a big one for Welfare. After the horrors of last year a major rebuild has happened at Church Street, new, fresh faces have been introduced into the side with some experienced old guard kept on. We wanted to know what David’s plans were for this coming season. “Its difficult for me because I haven’t been around this level for 10 or 12 years so I’m still learning, but from what I’ve heard about last year and the sides in and around us then I think top eight would be brilliant.” Manager Brian Johnston still believes that Dave can cut at this level; we popped this question to him. “Possibly 15 minutes, but who knows.” As he laughs.

As we all know, last season was horrific for everyone at Church Street. But what I’ve seen and what the management has told me, this season is going to be a great one. We’ve heard what the manager wants from this season, but what about David? “If we’re organized and well drilled then I can’t see why we can’t be mid table if not even higher.”

The season is only 3 weeks away, the team is coming together nicely and it could be a special season for Welfare. So get down to Church Street and support a strong Welfare side that has a point to prove. 

Brian Johnston Interview

A new season is upon us and a new look Welfare side is on the horizon. After the horrors and disappointment of last year, it’s down to new manager Brian Johnston and his assistant David Poppleton to change the fortunes of the club around.

Last season, Brian took over from resigning manager Leo Fortune West and his task became keeping Welfare in the top division. There were many issues inside the camp and instantly Brian noticed these issues and changed the team mentality. “I could see major things in the team moral and team bonding, making them all play for each other, happiness and discipline.’ Brian soon made the choice to improve all of these problems because as we saw last season, it all leads to bad results and poor performances.

Last season Brian saved the club from relegation on the last day with a 2-1 home win against Glasshoughton Welfare. After all the nerves and tension, we wanted to know if the full time job interested Brian. “We have a great set of lads at Armthorpe and when I got to know everyone at the club and how passionate they were, it inspired me to want the job full time.” Brian was then interviewed for the job and took official charge of the side on the 24^th of May.

The interview process was a long and difficult period for all involved. The committee left nothing to chance due to the problems found with the last managerial regime. Brian was the front-runner throughout the process, we asked his feelings about this. “I wasn’t too sure about it, I did hear little rumours around. It take time and the suspense became a killer, but of course I wanted the job.”

So a new season is just around the corner for Armthorpe. We all hope this season is much better than the last. From being around the team as much as he has, I wanted to know if Brian had seen anything that encouraged him to believe that this new season is going to be better than the last. “The heart of the team is here, we are bringing new players into the squad, the quality of the 4 or 5 that we have signed if we can get them fit and work on them is something that’s exciting me, I’m certainly encouraged by what I have seen.”  

During the summer break Brian was on the search for an assistant manager and he set his sights on one man, former Everton and Lincoln City star David Poppleton. David has played with the likes of Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Wes Brown at England schoolboy level. Hopefully he has taken his experience as a player into his new coaching role with Welfare; I wanted to know from Brian what David brings to the table. “I’ve known Dave for a lots of years, I remember seeing him a young lad at 15 and 16, he was struck down with injuries at an early age and retired. Recently he’s taken his coaching badges and is extremely knowledgeable on set plays and dead ball tactics. Also I believe that he can still pull a shirt on at this level and make a difference. He’s a likeable character and he can offer a lot to us.”

The new season starts in three weeks and we wanted to know Brian’s expectations for his new look Welfare side. “I know where I’d like to finish and that’s with everyone below us, but with our tight budget we know we can’t compete with the top teams on that, but I do have a realistic goal and that’s mid table, if we can finish mid table, I’ll be very happy.”

Everyone at the club is making a short wait until the fixtures are released and the season begins. From what I have seen the squad is moulding very nicely together. We all hope that this year will be better than the last. So get down this season as much as you can and support Brian and the team, and cheer them onto a successful season.