Match Reviews for
NCEL Match Review 2024/25 #71
27th April, 2025
A place in the NCEL Premier Division for the first time in their history was the prize on offer for both sides in Saturday's Division One Play-Off Final and it is Wombwell Town who make the move up to Step 5 after an enthralling match.
In their second season in the NCEL, Karl Rose's side ended the league campaign in second spot, one point away from the title, and they joined champions Horbury Town in promotion by winning 3-2 at home to Dearne & District.
Only five miles separate the two sides and that local rivalry was very much in evidence as a record crowd at Wombwell of 1,498 watched the game, more than doubling their previous best that had been set in their Semi-Final against Ilkley Town seven days earlier.
The hosts roared into a two goal lead by the 24th minute, Jordan Kershaw opening the scoring before Oliver Fearon doubled their advantage.
But, Dearne, who have had a fantastic first year in the NCEL, finishing fourth in the table, fought back with Bayley Lowe's strike on the half-hour making it 2-1 to Wombwell by the interval.
Fearon's second added just after the break restored the home side's grip on the tie but Dearne continued to battle and Jamie Austin found the net in the 81st minute to make it a nervy end for both sets of supporters.
However, Wombwell held on to their lead and, at the final whistle, were guaranteed of their much-deserved move up a division whilst Dearne can reflect on an excellent campaign for them that will certainly spur them on to greater things next season.
There was one game played in midweek, meanwhile, with Golcar United involved in the Final of the West Riding County Cup against North West Counties League side Route One Rovers.
In another thriller, they came from behind to take the lead with two quick goals in the second half from Alfie Wilkinson and George Doyle.
But, Rovers pounced in stoppage time to take the game to penalties after a 2-2 draw and it was they who took the trophy, winning 4-3 on spot kicks, to thwart Golcar's hopes of silverware.
Two games remain this season that involve NCEL sides with Beverley Town taking on Knaresborough Town in the Final of the JCP Construction League Cup Final in memory of James Hitchcock.
That is being held at Scunthorpe United's Attis Arena on Tuesday 6th May, 2025.
Following that, two days later, Hallam go to Hillsborough to face Worksop Town in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Final.
They promise to be two more exciting games to end what has been another thrilling season in the NCEL.
Photo: Congratulations to Wombwell Town who have gained promotion to the NCEL Premier Division by beating Dearne & District 3-2 in Saturday afternoon's Division One Play-Off Final.
In their second season in the NCEL, Karl Rose's side ended the league campaign in second spot, one point away from the title, and they joined champions Horbury Town in promotion by winning 3-2 at home to Dearne & District.
Only five miles separate the two sides and that local rivalry was very much in evidence as a record crowd at Wombwell of 1,498 watched the game, more than doubling their previous best that had been set in their Semi-Final against Ilkley Town seven days earlier.
The hosts roared into a two goal lead by the 24th minute, Jordan Kershaw opening the scoring before Oliver Fearon doubled their advantage.
But, Dearne, who have had a fantastic first year in the NCEL, finishing fourth in the table, fought back with Bayley Lowe's strike on the half-hour making it 2-1 to Wombwell by the interval.
Fearon's second added just after the break restored the home side's grip on the tie but Dearne continued to battle and Jamie Austin found the net in the 81st minute to make it a nervy end for both sets of supporters.
However, Wombwell held on to their lead and, at the final whistle, were guaranteed of their much-deserved move up a division whilst Dearne can reflect on an excellent campaign for them that will certainly spur them on to greater things next season.
There was one game played in midweek, meanwhile, with Golcar United involved in the Final of the West Riding County Cup against North West Counties League side Route One Rovers.
In another thriller, they came from behind to take the lead with two quick goals in the second half from Alfie Wilkinson and George Doyle.
But, Rovers pounced in stoppage time to take the game to penalties after a 2-2 draw and it was they who took the trophy, winning 4-3 on spot kicks, to thwart Golcar's hopes of silverware.
Two games remain this season that involve NCEL sides with Beverley Town taking on Knaresborough Town in the Final of the JCP Construction League Cup Final in memory of James Hitchcock.
That is being held at Scunthorpe United's Attis Arena on Tuesday 6th May, 2025.
Following that, two days later, Hallam go to Hillsborough to face Worksop Town in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Final.
They promise to be two more exciting games to end what has been another thrilling season in the NCEL.
Photo: Congratulations to Wombwell Town who have gained promotion to the NCEL Premier Division by beating Dearne & District 3-2 in Saturday afternoon's Division One Play-Off Final.
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