Hosts Run Out Of Wellie In Second Half - Armthorpe Welfare vs. Campion

Armthorpe's last chance goes begging

This weekend I was up north for family reasons and this meant that I would be making the customary visit to a North East Counties League match. The closest one to Scunthorpe that we were yet to visit was Armthorpe Welfare and fortunately they were at home to Campion in Division One. I don't believe I've seen either side play before but I did know that Campion are a relativity new side at this level and played on the edge of Bradford. Biggest thing I know about Armthorpe is that it is the home town of Kevin Keegan. So far this season Armthorpe were in mid table while the visitors were in third place.

Awaiting kick off at The Welfare Ground

Armthorpe get close to being in on goal early on but the chance is put wide under pressure. Campion's first half chance is stopped by a vital header following a great cross into the box. Armthorpe should then take the lead when a cross from the right finds the man in tonnes of space but he fails to make proper contact and the keeper is able to collect. They come close again and it takes a brilliant last ditch tackle to stop the shot on goal. Then when a Campion move breaks down, Armthorpe quickly break and the Campion keeper pulls off a stunning double save from close range to ensure the scores are level at half time.

Armthorpe come close early on

Campion have an early flurry at the start of the second half and despite two goes, they can't make the most of an early site of goal. The visitors take the lead mid way through a much quieter second half as the forward shows good close control to get through the Armthorpe defence and slot home from close range to make it one nil. Armthorpe try to get back level but the Campion keeper does well to claim the ball from the byline. Things get more difficult when Armthorpe are reduced to ten men and their last chance is headed over the bar when the attacker is found from a free kick.

The Campion keeper claims the ball in the second half

To get to Armthorpe from London, the first step is to take a train from Kings Cross to Doncaster with the quicker trains taking ninety minutes. Then from the bus station adjoining the railway station you can catch either the 81 or 82 bus to just outside the ground and this takes a mere twenty minutes. If you plan to drive there is no car park at the ground and you have to park at The Morrisons next door. Across the road from the ground is the welcoming The Wheatsheaf which had up to three ales on. The bar at the ground had cans and bottles on offer and did tasty looking food. Another great afternoon in the NCEL.

Really need to learn how to crop these photos....

Another view of the stand at The Welfare Ground