Kellingley Welfare FC

 Back to West Yorkshire League action for a tasty fixture, Kellingley vs Brighouse. The visitors have just volunteered to drop into West Yorkshire League Division One, due to financial constraints following their rise to Northern Premier East, which couldn't be sustained with rising wages and travelling expenses. It's a shame as I watched their rise and thought they seemed very well run but I suppose if the money isn't there then it isn't there, people need to come and back their local teams or this is what happens, with many others on the brink and several others also following Brighouses example in recent times, especially in the North East, Boro Rangers, Sunderland West End and West Allotment Celtic to name a few.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the ground with old pictures showing a very good stand and social club, but as had been alluded to in another article I was just greeted with two piles of rubble where they both once stood when parking up. It's a shame but I believe they have plans to put something else back up in its place, how quickly that happens remains to be seen and there is no sign of work starting yet.

The game was an excellent advert for the league with both sides playing some excellent football, Kellingley dominated the early stages but didn't back it up with a goal, there were probably 45 people in attendance, the visitors bringing a small band of stalwarts. I expected more home supporters as I saw Kellingley at Whitkirk a couple of seasons ago and they must have brought 100 that day, albeit it was their title winning season. Approaching the half hour and Brighouse seemed to take a stranglehold of the game, I seemed to recognise a couple of their players and would guess they still have a couple with them from a much higher level, which will no doubt help their cause. In the 24th minute a cross from the right left the 9 with a simple tap in. They wasted countless chances that just needed a tap in at the far post and really could have been out of sight. Two minutes later Brighouse got a corner and the big number 5 rose highest to head into the net. 2-0. Kellingley number 7, their best player took on a 30 yard free kick and drew an excellent save from Brighouse captain and goalkeeper. Then just before half time a clumsy challenge gave Kellingley a way back in with a penalty, number 7 stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way before the whistle blew.

In the 52 minute Brighouse were showing no let up, an unorthodox save from the keeper where he side footed it away across goal, the ball ended up with a Brighouse player who made no mistake, Kellingley number 5 should have done better as he just let the attacker run past him. Kellingley had a good shot minutes later which the Brighouse keeper spilled but after that they rarely threatened as Brighouse saw the game out comfortably. They nearly added another minutes before full time but Kellingley did well to clear off the line.

There is a big Morrisons superstore opposite the ground if you are in need of refreshments and also a chip shop on the High Street if it is open.