Glasshoughton Welfare v Armthorpe Welfare - FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round Match Report

After Welfare’s excellent victory over AFC Liverpool in the 1^st preliminary round they set up a tie with today’s opponents from the NCEL Premiership, Glasshoughton Welfare. With Armthorpe making the short trip down the M62, it was time for Brian Johnston’s side to carry on the brilliant form they’ve hit in the recent weeks.

Welfare set up in a 4-4-2 formation with a starting eleven that looked like this. William Biggs (GK), John Tunney, Craig Morley (C), Richard Smith, Steve Garner, Danny Taylor, Brad Johnston, Jonathan Mirfin, David Buck, Jay Rollins and Stuart Preston.

The tie started slowly and both sides took their time to assess each other and see how they could be broken down. Armthorpe did have an early chance through Jay Rollins but his shot was blasted well wide of the target. Glasshoughton then started to come at Welfare but with the strong back four Armthorpe have at their disposal both forwards in blue and white shirts found it tough to break through. Then on 18 minutes, what people in Football call route one, happened. Keeper’ Will Biggs with a goal kick hoofed the ball down field to Jay Rollins who tussled with the centre half to win the ball, he then found himself with a one on one chance which he dually took to put Welfare one up after 18 minutes.

Then from the kick off, Glasshoughton were caught in possession in their own half and Welfare took advantage of some sloppy play and there was Jay Rollins once again to slot it home to make it 2-0 after 19 minutes. Two goals in the space of one minute really took the stuffing out of Glasshoughton. Welfare then began to put pressure on Glasshoughton, pressing the play and forcing the midfield to give the ball away. Armthorpe then switched off and let Glasshoughton back into the game, but once again Craig Morley and Richard Smith were on hand the keep the score line at 2-0.

Then a massive blow and an add to Welfare’s growing injury list as Stuart Preston pulled up after running into the box. On came young Kieran Benson to replace him just as the half time whistle blew. Welfare went into the break dissevered leaders after a fantastic first half time display. 2-0.  

As the sun started to break through the clouds out come both sides to restart the game. And as it was expected Glasshoughton came out fighting and pushing for a goal to put the pressure on Armthorpe. Chances started to come for the home side but two world-class saves from William Biggs kept out Glasshoughton and this started to frustrate the hosts. Welfare were staying switched on to keep Glasshoughton out, but then, Welfare gave away a silly freekick in a dangerous position on the right hand side. The ball was put into a horrid area, Keeper’ Will Biggs came for the ball, flapped at it but it was met by the head of Joel Freestone to make it 2-1 with 14 minutes left to play.

Welfare had to respond, and respond they did. Four minutes after Glasshoughton halved Armthorpe’s lead, a run down the left hand side from David Buck allowed him to get across into the box and the head of Kieran Benson met it to put Welfare 3-1 up and restore their two-goal advantage. Welfare looked comfortable after that. Glasshoughton heads were down, under pressure, they knew nothing they could do would be good enough. Welfare were just too good for the home side.

And then, when Glasshoughton thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did. The ball was in the 18 yard area, both defender and keeper came out to collect it, they both clashed and there was Jay Rollins to pick the ball up and slot it into and empty net. Welfare 4-1 up with 10 minutes left to play and Rollins had his hat trick. Well earned after the shift he put in today. Welfare then saw the game out by holding the ball up in the corners and running the clock down.

A great performance saw Welfare come out on top and keep the great run of form going, 5 wins from 6 matches in all competitions. Brian’s men will now head into the first round draw on Monday morning with an away tie in the balance. Stay tuned to our twitter page to find out our fate for the draw, which will take place at 11am.