Armthorpe Welfare 2-2 Hall Road

Hall Road Rangers extended their unbeaten away run to seven league games as they drew 2-2 against Armthorpe Welfare on Wednesday night. The perfect start was made by Hall Road as they took the lead in the 4th minute. A great attacking move resulted in Chris Spinks laying the ball off to Joe McFadyen who slotted it home to get his 2nd goal for the club.

However, Armthorpe produced an immediate response and equalised in the 10th minute thanks to a Joe Pugh header. For the remainder of the first half, the hosts took control and carved out a few chances. The pressure from the hosts eventually paid off in the 38th minute when Joe Pugh got his 2nd goal of the game to put Armthorpe in front.

In the 47th minute, the hosts spurned a golden opportunity to extend their lead as an effort was put over the bar from very close range. Minutes later, it was Hall Road’s turn to be frustrated when Alex Knaggs sent a header over the bar.

On the hour mark, Rangers were awarded a penalty after Reece Moody was brought down by Armthorpe keeper Sam Ogden. Chris Spinks stepped up to take the subsequent spot kick which was saved by Sam Ogden. Chris Spinks tested Sam Ogden again in the 64th minute with an effort which was tipped behind for a corner.

There was more penalty drama to come with Rangers being awarded their 2nd penalty of the night when Reece Moody was fouled inside the Armthorpe box. In the aftermath, Steve Garner was shown a straight red and the hosts were reduced to ten men. Joe McFadyen dispatched the penalty to secure his 2nd goal of the game and get Hall Road back on level terms.

From then on, Rangers looked to make the most of their man advantage and get a winning goal. Alex Knaggs saw another header go over the bar whilst James Piercy also put a header off target.

Right before the final whistle, Hall Road had the chance to take all three points. One effort was saved by Sam Ogden, a rebounded effort came off the crossbar and then another shot went wide. Ultimately, both sides had to settle for a point each and Rangers move up to 9th place in the NCEL Division One table.

Hall Road joint-manager Leon Sewell was pleased with how his side responded in the second half.

“Frustrated is a good word for this evening. We were poor in the first half and very good in the second half. At half-time, we were saying get a goal and we’re right back in it which we did and unfortunately, we’ve not taken one of three or four chances in the last ten minutes.

But, you know what, it’s midweek and Armthorpe is a tough place to come and some players were unavailable through other commitments. The 14/15 lads that’ve come here tonight have pretty much been with us all season.

We’re now seven unbeaten away from home, but it’d have been nice to nick that last minute winner at the end” he said.

Oliver Harsley