A late goal from Matty Hayton with minutes to spare wrapped up a 3-1 win at Palmersville for West Allotment Celtic against bottom of the table Northallerton Town.
The strong winds in the first half limited both sides as neither team were able to create too many opportunities. The winds dropped slightly in the second half which allowed for a much more open and expansive game.
Northallerton took the lead just two minutes after the restart in spectacular fashion as Tom Marron connected with an overhead kick which plummeted into the bottom corner.
Allotment fought back and were rewarded for their intent going forwards as second half substitute, Scott McCarthy pulled Allotment level on 76 minutes. An own goal from Shaun Hudson five minutes later and a strike in the dying minutes from Matty Hayton secured Allotment's first victory since January 15th.
With the gale-force winds swirling around Palmersville from the opening whistle, it wasn't a game where the two teams could dictate the play.
The visitors arguably started the brighter as Joey Hope dragged an effort wide from the edge of the box with 4 minutes on the clock.
On 16 minutes, Hayton drove into the box and looked to be brought down by a Northallerton defender. Despite the penalty appeals, nothing was given with play resuming.
Northallerton won a corner after 21 minutes which caused Allotment some problems. The ball was whipped into the box where Graham connected at the front post however, the headed shot went wide.
The last 10 minutes of the second half saw Allotment begin to turn the screw as they looked for the opening goal. Gee Baltazar took aim on 36 minutes from distance but his shot was saved comfortably by Thomas Dawson.
A minute later, Hayton was played through on goal but once again, Dawson made the save at the near post. Mikel Thompson also tried his luck on 41 minutes with a curling effort on the edge of the box but it sailed well over the bar.
It was the perfect start to the second half for the visitors as they grabbed the opening on 48 minutes. A free kick was launched into the box where Tom Marron was able to connect with an overhead kick which beat Finn Hodgson and went into the bottom corner.
Allotment looked to instantly hit back and nearly equalised just a minute later with 49 minutes played. The ball fell to Gee Baltazar in the box however, his effort on goal was steered wide.
On 51 minutes, Northallerton could have doubled their advantage. Dan Chapman was the man who could have done it as he looked to capitalise on a mix up at the back but his shot looped over the bar.
With 18 minutes left to play, West Allotment began to dominate the play. A brilliant whipped cross from Parkinson found Thompson at the back post but he couldn't hit the target.
On 76 minutes, the hosts finally found the goal they were looking for as Scott McCarthy came off the bench to make a huge impact. Town failed to deal with a corner delivery and the ball fell to McCarthy who fired the ball into the back of the net on the half volley.
The relentless attacking from Allotment did not ease up as McCarthy almost found the net for a second time in a matter of minutes. It was another attempt on the volley but it just missed the target.
With 81 minutes played, Allotment took the lead for the first time courtesy of a Shaun Hudson own goal. Guy Bates beat his man down the left before playing the ball into the box where it cannoned off Hudson and into the back of the net. A very unfortunate own goal however, a deserved lead for Allotment.
On 88 minutes, the win was well and truly sealed as Matty Hayton continued his goal scoring form. A mix up at the back for Northallerton gifted Hayton with the opportunity and he made no mistake slamming the ball into the roof of the net from close range.
A much-needed 3 points for Allotment after three consecutive defeats. We now sit in 12th position just 3 points off the top half of the league table.
Allotment: Hodgson, Martins, Parkinson, G. Bates, Scott (c) (McCarthy 55'), Errington, Baltazar, Forster (Pearson 59'), Hayton, Thompson, Higgins
Goals: McCarthy (76'), Hudson OG (81'), Hayton (88')
Images | Graeme Jackson
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