Wellington 0:1 Fairbank United
Bywell Playing Fields - Leeds Road, Dewsbury

After the trials and tribulations of the summer, and the disastrous start to the season last week, Fairbank had to dig deep to pull off a deserved victory today in the depths of darkest Dewsbury.

In appalling conditions Fairbank opted to defend into the wind and absorb the early Wellington pressure. After a dodgy start the midfield engine room began to click into gear with Immy and Nav combining well.

The first clear cut chance of the game fell to Maz, who reacted first to loose ball in the area before smashing the shot into the side netting. Immy and Maz combined well again shortly after releasing Akif on the left who was bought crashing to the ground in the penalty area. Unfortunately the ref thought otherwise and opted to give a free kick.

A similar foul on Quaid on the right shortly after though saw Wellington punished, as Bobby whipped in a wonderful free kick which Immy poked home at the far post.

Quaid should have doubled the lead just before half time, as he was sent through by a brilliant throughball from Maz. Having done all the hard work of rounding the goalkeeper Quaid then went and put the ball wide with an open goal at his mercy.

The second half saw a gritted and determined performance from the Fairbank back line as Wellington piled on the pressure in the second half. Half way through the second half Wellington should have equalised, as the Wellington forward saw his shot beat Harris, but come off the upright before slotting the rebound wide when it was easier to score. Usman came on the for last 15 minutes to help steady the ship but it was Harris who kept Fairbank in the game with a wonderful double save near the end which saw Fairbank hold out for the points

Man of the Match: Bilal Saleem