Ollerton's Last Home Game Ends in Hallam Defeat

Ollerton Town were unable to complete an unlikely double against play-off candidates Hallam FC as they were defeated 3-0 on Saturday in their final home game of the season.
Ollerton's 3-2 win away at Hallam has been one of the stand-out moments of The Town's debut season in the Northern Counties East League but they were unable to repeat that feat, as an understrength side were no match for Hallam's promotion hopefuls.
Missing several key players, Ollerton Manager Dave Winter would have been happy with his side's start to the game, as it was an even opening half hour with Ben Bowring and Ashley Shannon both firing shots just over the bar.
Hallam did have a great chance to take the lead on the twenty-five minutes. Kieran Watson broke through and after he rounded Scott Gretton, he teed the ball up for Scott Bates but the Hallam attacker made a pig's ear of the chance and Ollerton were able to clear.
Unfortunately, just after the half hour mark, Hallam broke the deadlock. A cross in from the right wasn't dealt with by the Ollerton defence and Scott Bates was on hand to make amends for his earlier chance, tapping into the net.
The score remained the same until half time but shortly after the restart, Hallam doubled their lead to all but seal the game. A cross in found Michael Blythen and he did well to direct the ball past Gretton and into the net.
With a quarter of an hour to go, Hallam added a third to seal an emphatic victory. Callum Greaves was on hand to fire home from the edge of the area.
Ollerton huffed and puffed but were unable to really test Hallam, who nearly added a fourth late on but were denied by a superb double save by Gretton