Something must give tomorrow when unbeaten Northern Counties East League Division One newcomers Hemsworth MW host fellow high-fliers Worsbrough Bridge, writes LEON WOBSCHALL.
It's been a dream start for early leaders Welfare, who were plying their trade in the West Riding County Amateur League last term. Paul Crapper's troops have won both of their league matches so far and they claimed a penalty shootout win over Tadcast
er Albion in the first round of the League Cup.
But no-one is getting carried away at the exemplary start and Crapper fully expects their sternest examination so far tomorrow.
Crapper said: "We never envisaged this sort of start, although we were confident of doing well. In eight games in pre-season, we won seven and only lost one.
"But without being disrespectful, we've beaten Rossington, who were second-bottom last season, and Grimsby Borough, who are a new team who are finding their feet.
"Tadcaster also struggled last year, so we haven't played the stronger teams yet. Worsbrough are also unbeaten, with two wins so far, so this will be the biggest test so far for us.
"I said before the start of the season that making the top six would be a great achievement and that still counts. We're keeping our feet on the ground.
"But we've been delighted at our start. Lee Swift, who has come in from Hemsworth Alpha in the Doncaster Senior League, has been exceptional in midfield and covered every blade of grass against Tadcaster. Defensively, we're also looking a solid unit and John Leach has been outstanding."
Elsewhere in Division One tomorrow, AFC Emley face a stiff test at Rainworth – who boast a 100 per cent record along with Hemsworth and Worsbrough.
Newboys Brighouse Town, unbeaten this term, go to rock-bottom Pontefract Collieries, while Leeds Carnegie – seeking their first victory – are at Rossington.
Scarborough Athletic entertain Grimsby, while win-less Glasshoughton go to Teversal. Yorkshire Amateur host Tadcaster.
In the top-flight Liversedge, one of six clubs who have won their first two games, travel to Lincoln Moorlands while another two with perfect records – Pickering and Bridlington Town – visit Long Eaton and Shirebrook respectively.
Eccleshill entertain Maltby, while Selby Town are at home to unbeaten Hallam.
Parkgate are the visitors for Nostell MW.
The full article contains 386 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
