Another Clean Sheet Helps Ollerton to Second Successive Win

Report by William Lavelle.

Ollerton Town started off what is expected to be a relentless late season schedule with a crucial one goal win over Armthorpe, courtesy of the 22nd goal of the season by the ever-consistent Gav King. This secured back-to-back wins as well as back-to-back clean sheets for Dave Winter's men as they head into a hectic period of four games in a week.
Both teams struggled to take control of the game early on with very few attempted shots for the opening 20 minutes. Armthorpe found success with long balls in to the channels and over the top of the Ollerton defence but 'keeper Joey McCormack, who appeared to be building on an assured performance against Nostell was quick off his line to deal with the danger on multiple occasions.
The opening 20 minutes were ultimately a stalemate but Gav King, who had been starved of service early on, was able to show why he’s one of the more prolific strikers in the league as he added his 22nd of the season from close range. Lewis Bingham pounced upon a loose ball and slipped in King who remained composed and calmly slotted past Adam Stevens to break the deadlock.
In spite of King’s opener, Ollerton had by no means eased through the first half and Luke Williams, who had look to be the main danger man for Armthorpe, was central to their best move of the half. Williams lofted a ball up towards the back post but Klimczak wasn’t able to keep his close range effort below the bar.
The second half turned out to be a far more entertaining affair than the first and produced far more quality chances from both sides. Ollerton lacked the cutting edge to play the final ball early on in the second half and Darren Mansarah almost made Ollerton pay the price but his volley from just inside the box was always rising just over the bar.
Ollerton proceeded to try and build on their one goal lead and should’ve doubled their advantage through creative midfielder Lewis Bingham. The aerially dominant Kyle Ludlow flicked on a long ball towards midfielder Sean Dickinson who pulled the ball back to the edge of the box where Bingham guided his low effort just wide of the post in what was undoubtedly the move of the match.
King then went close to scoring his second of the game as he jinked past a few defenders in the Armthorpe box but saw his left footed effort across goal slide just wide of the right post as Ollerton couldn’t quite put the game beyond any doubt.
Winter’s men were able to manage the game very sensibly and looked comfortable defensively for most of the half but had to endure a late onslaught.
Armthorpe built up pressure late on which eventually culminated in Mansarah beating McCormack in a one on one situation before being denied by Ben Bowring’s clearance off the line, which rounded off an exceptional game defensive game for Bowring.
Ollerton were able to effectively see out the game with their one goal advantage intact and secure a crucial three points which saw Ollerton better last seasons points total with a further five league games left to play, a big positive showcasing just how much the team have improved up on last season.
Attention now turns quickly to Monday night's home game against Glasshoughton Welfare with a cup tie on Thursday to come followed by Saturday's derby visit to Shirebrook Town.