Heanor Town 3 - Armthorpe Welfare 1

Welfare walked away from The Town Ground disheartened after what was a battling performance became in vein as Welfare’s poor defending cost them the three points.

Welfare welcomed back into their squad a returning James Walker after a back injury, which has kept him out for more than 6 months. Armthorpe were without Captain Craig Morley due a suspension.

From the kick off Welfare started the brighter forcing Town back to defend well with their two banks of four.

Then on six minutes Welfare conceded a freekick on the edge of the box. Nathan Benger stepped up and curled it over the wall, the ball bounced in front of Biggs and bounced over his head into the goal.

Three goals in the space of nine minutes proved that this game was going to be a lively one.

Heanor doubled their advantage through Nick Hall, who’s shot was deflected in by Welfare’s Steve Garner.

Welfare’s efforts then rewarded them, David Buck crossed the ball, a shot hit Heanor’s keeper and the ball fell to Darren Mansaram who slotted home to cut Town’s advantage to one.

A piece of Heanor brilliance then availed, as Keiran Debrouwer slotted home his 26^th of the season, from five yards after short, sharp passes cut through Welfare’s back line to increase their lead back to two.

The second half whistle sounded and Welfare attacked Town from the off with a shot from Jay Rollins just skimming the post.

Welfare can take one positive from the result as on 60 minutes, on came James Walker for his first appearance in an Armthorpe shirt for more than six months, a sight that will please everyone involved at Church Street.

Chaos then occurred as Josh Gibbons went flying into a tackle to win the ball, unfortunately he caught the Heanor forward and a mass brawl took place. After the situation calmed down, Gibbons was then sent for an early shower.

Welfare were still creating chances with 10 men but nothing came off for the men in blue.

The full time whistle blew, and saw a scrappy win for Heanor Town after some questionable referring decisions helped them to their tenth win of the season.

Manager Brian Johnston must rally his troops once again and move on to Tuesday where Welfare will travel to Glasshoughton for a mid table league clash.