A dramatic late winner from Josh Baxter ensured Dinnington Town maintained their four-point lead at the top of the Black Dragon Premier Division North, overcoming a spirited Blidworth Welfare side in a thrilling 3-2 encounter on Saturday.
Dinnington Town, missing several key players, showed resilience and determination to twice claw their way back into the match before snatching all three points in the dying moments.
Before the action got underway, both teams and supporters observed a poignant minute’s silence in memory of Central Midlands Alliance committee member Bob Swan, who sadly passed away last week.
The match burst into life within the opening minutes.
Blidworth Welfare took a shock lead in the 7th minute, with Kyle Bacon showcasing his precision from a set-piece. His low free kick evaded everyone, nestling in the bottom corner to put the visitors ahead.
However, Dinnington Town wasted no time responding. Just two minutes later, a well-delivered corner caused chaos in the Blidworth Welfare penalty area. Amidst the bobbles and deflections, Jed Phillips was on hand to turn the ball home, leveling the scores at 1-1.
Blidworth Welfare reclaimed their advantage in spectacular fashion in the 20th minute. Triston Burrell unleashed a thunderous strike from distance, leaving Dinnington goalkeeper Steven Booth scrambling. Booth managed to get fingertips to it, but the power and placement were too much, as the ball crashed into the top corner.
Despite falling behind again, Dinnington Town remained undeterred.
Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when another dangerous ball into the box wasn't dealt with by the Blidworth defense. Liam Royles reacted quickest, controlling the loose ball and calmly rolling it into the net to restore parity at 2-2.
The first half concluded with both sides having shown attacking intent and a determination to take control, setting the stage for an intense second half.
The second period proved less frenetic but no less compelling, as both teams battled to find the decisive breakthrough.
Dinnington Town pushed forward with intent, despite their depleted squad, while Blidworth Welfare remained a constant threat on the counterattack.
As the clock ticked down, it seemed as though the teams might share the spoils. But Dinnington Town had other ideas.
In the 89th minute, Cam Evans delivered a pinpoint corner to the far post, where Josh Baxter rose highest to nod the ball into the net.
The Blackout13.com Arena erupted as the home side claimed a vital 3-2 lead with just moments left on the clock.
Blidworth Welfare pressed for an equaliser during stoppage time, but Dinnington Town defence held firm, sealing a hard-fought victory that underlined their title credentials.
The result keeps Dinnington Town at the summit of the Black Dragon Premier Division North, four points clear of their nearest rivals.
Dinnington Town are next in action on Saturday 23rd November, away to AFC Eilte in the Black Dragon Premier Division North. Kick-off is at 2:00pm.
Winning goal video credit to Mat " The Alpcha" Cox