“Terminated”.
So spoke Arnold Schwarzenegger in T2 after destroying his hapless opponent, the T-1000. So too may Garforth utter similar sentiments after the complete and utter annihilation of capable Mancunians Trafford FC at their own Shawe View Stadium, producing another masterclass performance to sweep aside their adversaries in an entertaining UniBond league fixture.
Fast and Furious was another film that sprung to mind, as the title epitomised the start Garforth made in taking the lead in the fourth minute. A throw in caused confusion, and Andy Hayward managed to lay off Jason St Juste, presenting the former Southampton man with the easiest of finishes to earn an early lead for the visiting side.
Trafford appeared vulnerable to balls played into the box, and Garforth nearly exposed this once again when Duncan Williams almost scored from a header, forcing a corner. The youngster’s resulting curled effort was almost converted by midfielder Wayne Harratt, and the home side were undoubtedly on the ropes.
Shortly thereafter, Oliver Hotchkiss would flick the ball over the head of his marker and feed St Juste, whose subsequent burst through the centre led to Hayward being granted a free shot at goal, though his placed effort was saved.
Many players performed well today, but in the latter stages of the first half none caught the eye more than Carl Fox and Ross Wilkinson, both of whom defended brilliantly with well-timed challenges breaking up Trafford attacks.
On the brink of half time, the Miner’s claimed a deserved second through a Hotchkiss free kick that was met toweringly by Lee Connor. His pin point header again gifted St Juste the easiest of close range finishes, and Town now had a strong lead to hold going into the second period.
Williams caused the first of many problems for Trafford in the second, teasing a full back with trickery before cutting inside and firing a shot towards goal. Though the effort was blocked, Duncan reclaimed possession and elected to cross for Greg Kelly, who suffered the same fate though there were scattered shouts for handball in this incident.
Mere minutes later, a passing interchange between Kelly and Hotchkiss saw the Mackem man curl a cross towards Andy Hayward, whose flicked header was almost met by the onrushing Williams before the Trafford shot stopper claimed the ball.
Williams almost claimed an individual goal of the season award on the hour mark, unleashing a series of kick ups on the edge of the box before attempting an audacious overhead lobbed finish that nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard.
Ten minutes later Duncan would claim his goal, when a throw in yet again caused problems and he was able to capitalise on a ricochet to fire home for the third.
Williams would nearly add to his tally when latching onto a Hotchkiss lifted pass he blazed over from 18 yards. Needless to say, by this stage the chances of a mauling were looking increasingly likely.
Hotchkiss tried his luck with a shot preceded by a mazy run through several Trafford players, and narrowly missed. Then on 90 minutes, a Wilkinson ball up field fell kindly for late substitute Dom Blair to latch onto, and the Town man rounded the goalkeeper. Despite the ball straying a tad wide, Blair composed himself and unselfishly lifted a delicate curl over the Trafford no.1 for Hayward to volley home in the net for Town’s fourth.
The icing on the cake occurred in stoppage time, when a Hotchkiss ball was steered into the bottom right corner via the head of Captain Renshaw, who must be proud of his privat… erm, teammates, after such a dominant, ruthless display.
Garforth are next in action on Tuesday night away at Frickley, and given the recent performances in the Challenge Cup, not to mention today, no one will want to miss it. I know that… I’ll be back.
Saturday 22 November 2008
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Curzon Ashton 0 - Garforth Town 1 - Challenge Cup
A dominant, excellent performance saw Garforth return to winning ways in Greater Manchester, thoroughly outclassing the capable Curzon Ashton in an entertaining Monday night cup-tie.
The nature of the Town victory was all the more pleasing in that it was in such overwhelming fashion in a game littered with chances, most of which were for the visitors, though both sides played attractive football. Garforth threatened from the off, unleashing an immediate incisive attack when the industrious Jason St Juste beat his marker for pace – an omen of how the rest of the game would pan out – and fed Hotchkiss, whose through ball to the equally brilliant Dominic Blair almost led to a first minute goal. Soon after, St Juste would cause more problems, finding space to shoot though shot stopper David Carnell would prove equal to the effort. The first quarter of an hour would close out with five further minutes of Garforth pressure, most of which stemmed from Blair and St Juste from both wings and channels.
Andy Rowan tried his luck with a well-saved shot, and the subsequent Curzon attack was dealt with by a last ditch Brett Renshaw tackle. On the half hour mark, St Juste outmanoeuvred Curzon’s Michael Russell twice on the left, exchanging passes with Rowan en route to shooting at goal. Then, the proverbial moment of Garforth controversy when Dom Blair – through on goal – committed the wicked crime of diving, the sinner. Actually no, he was clipped en route to a mano e mano with Carnell, though no penalty, red card, yellow card, pink green polka dot card, trump card, student id card, screen actors guild SAG card nor any alternate form of card was awarded to the offender.
The fact that Michael Norton almost scored for Curzon immediately after this incident did not help matters.
Another period of pressure followed, with crosses being rained in at the Curzon rear guard, Blair St Juste et al basically having their way with their markers. One play saw Dom released into space, electing to lay off Hotchkiss who unselfishly laid off St Juste in turn who was unlucky to hit the post with his fiercely struck effort, Carnell well beaten. The ball was recovered, and a Jason cross was flicked by Rowan to Blair, whose volley would have earned Town the lead had it been placed anywhere else in the goal but at the keeper. Needless to say Garforth ended the half in the ascendancy.
So, to the second. Hotchkiss played a neat 1-2 with Blair (who was taken out in the process) and fired in a low shot that once more struck the post. Garforth are now all too familiar with UniBond woodwork. Jason skinned his man (again) and cut a low cross across goal, though some good covering allowed Curzon to clear. Now, Curzon upped the ante and produced some clear chances to score, though Renshaw, Lee Connor, Ross Wilkinson and Carl Fox all defended aggressively and effectively.
On 70’, a good passing interchange saw play spread wide right by Wayne Harratt, back left by Connor and culminated with St Juste unleashing a swerving shot from 25 yards that Carnell managed to catch.
Soon after Wayne attempted what could kindly be referred to as a ‘dipping shot from distance’.
With ten minutes to go, Rowan – who worked tirelessly with St Juste and Blair in harrying defenders – chased down one such Ashton player and tackled him, before haring after the loose ball and keeping possession to cross for Jason, whose shot was blocked, in a move that pleased fans and staff for its persistence and endeavour.
They saved the best ‘till last. Curzon worked some clear chances that were snuffed out, before Garforth broke down the right with Dom. The youngster did not heed the contingent of away fans – six men – screaming at him to run towards goal, instead electing to cross high over the stranded Carnell brilliantly for his partner in crime, Jason St Juste, to nod home.
This claimed entry to the next round of the Challenge Cup, and marked a second emphatic, victorious performance in this competition. Curzon played some attractive football and were worthy foes, but Town on this night were excellent throughout, and deservedly won.
The nature of the Town victory was all the more pleasing in that it was in such overwhelming fashion in a game littered with chances, most of which were for the visitors, though both sides played attractive football. Garforth threatened from the off, unleashing an immediate incisive attack when the industrious Jason St Juste beat his marker for pace – an omen of how the rest of the game would pan out – and fed Hotchkiss, whose through ball to the equally brilliant Dominic Blair almost led to a first minute goal. Soon after, St Juste would cause more problems, finding space to shoot though shot stopper David Carnell would prove equal to the effort. The first quarter of an hour would close out with five further minutes of Garforth pressure, most of which stemmed from Blair and St Juste from both wings and channels.
Andy Rowan tried his luck with a well-saved shot, and the subsequent Curzon attack was dealt with by a last ditch Brett Renshaw tackle. On the half hour mark, St Juste outmanoeuvred Curzon’s Michael Russell twice on the left, exchanging passes with Rowan en route to shooting at goal. Then, the proverbial moment of Garforth controversy when Dom Blair – through on goal – committed the wicked crime of diving, the sinner. Actually no, he was clipped en route to a mano e mano with Carnell, though no penalty, red card, yellow card, pink green polka dot card, trump card, student id card, screen actors guild SAG card nor any alternate form of card was awarded to the offender.
The fact that Michael Norton almost scored for Curzon immediately after this incident did not help matters.
Another period of pressure followed, with crosses being rained in at the Curzon rear guard, Blair St Juste et al basically having their way with their markers. One play saw Dom released into space, electing to lay off Hotchkiss who unselfishly laid off St Juste in turn who was unlucky to hit the post with his fiercely struck effort, Carnell well beaten. The ball was recovered, and a Jason cross was flicked by Rowan to Blair, whose volley would have earned Town the lead had it been placed anywhere else in the goal but at the keeper. Needless to say Garforth ended the half in the ascendancy.
So, to the second. Hotchkiss played a neat 1-2 with Blair (who was taken out in the process) and fired in a low shot that once more struck the post. Garforth are now all too familiar with UniBond woodwork. Jason skinned his man (again) and cut a low cross across goal, though some good covering allowed Curzon to clear. Now, Curzon upped the ante and produced some clear chances to score, though Renshaw, Lee Connor, Ross Wilkinson and Carl Fox all defended aggressively and effectively.
On 70’, a good passing interchange saw play spread wide right by Wayne Harratt, back left by Connor and culminated with St Juste unleashing a swerving shot from 25 yards that Carnell managed to catch.
Soon after Wayne attempted what could kindly be referred to as a ‘dipping shot from distance’.
With ten minutes to go, Rowan – who worked tirelessly with St Juste and Blair in harrying defenders – chased down one such Ashton player and tackled him, before haring after the loose ball and keeping possession to cross for Jason, whose shot was blocked, in a move that pleased fans and staff for its persistence and endeavour.
They saved the best ‘till last. Curzon worked some clear chances that were snuffed out, before Garforth broke down the right with Dom. The youngster did not heed the contingent of away fans – six men – screaming at him to run towards goal, instead electing to cross high over the stranded Carnell brilliantly for his partner in crime, Jason St Juste, to nod home.
This claimed entry to the next round of the Challenge Cup, and marked a second emphatic, victorious performance in this competition. Curzon played some attractive football and were worthy foes, but Town on this night were excellent throughout, and deservedly won.
Sunday 16 November 2008
Garforth Town 1 - Warrington Town 1
A scruffy stoppage time equaliser robbed Garforth of the win they have long deserved, and with it two points as visiting Warrington snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat and cost the Miner’s an overdue victory in front of their home fans at the Genix.
The home Town enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early doors, and most of the chances throughout. Garforth first came close when a lofted cross was lifted an inch too high for Andy Hayward to convert at the far post. Shortly thereafter Jason St Juste latched onto a through ball down the wing, and cut inside before unleashing a shot that was blocked. Most outlandishly of all, Oliver Hotchkiss tried making his tenure at Town that bit more memorable with an attempt to recreate the goal against Wimbledon that launched David Beckham to superstardom. Sadly, he couldn’t quite Bend It Like Beckham, and though the goalkeeper would have been bested by his fifty-yard effort, the shot sailed wide.
Controversy reared its head when a Warrington miscreant clearly kicked Duncan Williams after the Garforth youngster had been bundled to the ground right in front of his own bench, and the linesman. No official punishment was meted out.
St Juste almost scored with another penalty box effort, and el capitano Brett Renshaw proved the there is life in the old legs after his recent Mexican sojourn with a brilliant burst upfield leading to a Duncan Williams inswinger that caused confusion in the Warrington box, though Garforth could not force the goal.
The best chance of the first half occurred when Greg Kelly found himself through on goal, but last seasons 17 goal wing back was unable to apply the scoring touch, and his shot was well saved. The half concluded with a blatant trip on Jason St Juste, though no penalty was awarded.
By now Garforth were lining up to take shots at the Warrington shot stopper, and it would not be long before one such opportunity presented itself to be converted. That duly occurred in the first play of the second half, when penalty box confusion allowed the hard working Renshaw to fire home with a fine finish on forty-six minutes.
Hotchkiss tested the goalkeeper with a curled free kick on the hour mark, to which Warrington finally responded with a Giggs-esque mazy run (Ryan, the good one) from an attacker followed by a low shot that blazed wide. Ross and Brett were proving assured at the back, and they needed to be as the visiting plastic Scousers finally strung together some attacking plays to test the Garforth back line.
A lifted pass found Williams on the far post, but the chance was hard and his header was saved. Duncan was finding himself in some dangerous positions, which was reassuring as Warrington maintained a good ten minutes of pressure leading up to this point. Best of all, Renshaw released substitute Dom Blair on 85 minutes, who ran and fed Kelly on the left. The versatile winger laid off Hotchkiss, whose curled effort agonisingly drifted an inch wide.
Even so, Town looked to have bagged a confidence boosting win until a shockingly scrappy, ugly, brutal, horrible, nasty, horrifying, atrocious, ghastly, unseemly goal emanating from a scramble that saw the ball travel through a mass of players in the Garforth box several times before ricocheting off a leg and into the net on 96 minutes. Regardless, there are positives to take from the performance, and every step in the right direction is one worth taking.
The home Town enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early doors, and most of the chances throughout. Garforth first came close when a lofted cross was lifted an inch too high for Andy Hayward to convert at the far post. Shortly thereafter Jason St Juste latched onto a through ball down the wing, and cut inside before unleashing a shot that was blocked. Most outlandishly of all, Oliver Hotchkiss tried making his tenure at Town that bit more memorable with an attempt to recreate the goal against Wimbledon that launched David Beckham to superstardom. Sadly, he couldn’t quite Bend It Like Beckham, and though the goalkeeper would have been bested by his fifty-yard effort, the shot sailed wide.
Controversy reared its head when a Warrington miscreant clearly kicked Duncan Williams after the Garforth youngster had been bundled to the ground right in front of his own bench, and the linesman. No official punishment was meted out.
St Juste almost scored with another penalty box effort, and el capitano Brett Renshaw proved the there is life in the old legs after his recent Mexican sojourn with a brilliant burst upfield leading to a Duncan Williams inswinger that caused confusion in the Warrington box, though Garforth could not force the goal.
The best chance of the first half occurred when Greg Kelly found himself through on goal, but last seasons 17 goal wing back was unable to apply the scoring touch, and his shot was well saved. The half concluded with a blatant trip on Jason St Juste, though no penalty was awarded.
By now Garforth were lining up to take shots at the Warrington shot stopper, and it would not be long before one such opportunity presented itself to be converted. That duly occurred in the first play of the second half, when penalty box confusion allowed the hard working Renshaw to fire home with a fine finish on forty-six minutes.
Hotchkiss tested the goalkeeper with a curled free kick on the hour mark, to which Warrington finally responded with a Giggs-esque mazy run (Ryan, the good one) from an attacker followed by a low shot that blazed wide. Ross and Brett were proving assured at the back, and they needed to be as the visiting plastic Scousers finally strung together some attacking plays to test the Garforth back line.
A lifted pass found Williams on the far post, but the chance was hard and his header was saved. Duncan was finding himself in some dangerous positions, which was reassuring as Warrington maintained a good ten minutes of pressure leading up to this point. Best of all, Renshaw released substitute Dom Blair on 85 minutes, who ran and fed Kelly on the left. The versatile winger laid off Hotchkiss, whose curled effort agonisingly drifted an inch wide.
Even so, Town looked to have bagged a confidence boosting win until a shockingly scrappy, ugly, brutal, horrible, nasty, horrifying, atrocious, ghastly, unseemly goal emanating from a scramble that saw the ball travel through a mass of players in the Garforth box several times before ricocheting off a leg and into the net on 96 minutes. Regardless, there are positives to take from the performance, and every step in the right direction is one worth taking.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
Durham City 5 - Garforth Town 2
Town travelled away to Durham in high hopes, and returned dejected after two more contentious penalties were awarded to the excellent home side, tarnishing an otherwise close encounter between two outfits largely consisting of young players. Garforth started brightly, City responded with gusto and good free flowing football and the crowd were treated to a well-contested game ruined by official incompetence and ineptitude.
The visitors were almost immediately in the ascendancy, with good interlinking play leading to a Jason St Juste shot from 18 yards being blocked, as were the subsequent two shots from Andy Hayward - both desperately so - in only the second minute of play. Two minutes later the dependable Olly Hotchkiss tried his luck with a dipping thunderbolt from distance that was well saved.
Durham responded with a well-struck free kick that Gavin Phillis did well to save. The youngster’s long kick up field was laid off by Hayward for Chris Brown to strike at goal, narrowly missing.
The hosts were now coming into their own, playing football that was pleasing on the eye with good pace and movement. Phillis made another good save from a low shot and the ball was spread wide. Wayne Harratt received the ball 25 yards from goal and, after riding a challenge, fired an accurate strike into the top right corner to the delight of the travelling contingent.
After some enjoyable end-to-end fare Town conceded a corner, and the inswinger was cleared to Adam Johnston, who somehow rifled the ball through the mass of players and into the net to regain parity for his team.
Some excellent distribution by the busy Hotchkiss brought play into the Durham half, where Jason St Juste was fed the ball out on the left wing. St Juste beat his man for pace before firing a dangerous low cross into the six yard box, though the keeper claimed it before Hayward could. Five minutes later, the same keeper was lured out of position from a dangerous cross and Brown fired over under pressure.
On the very threshold of half time, a fiercely struck low ball struck a Town man on the arm, and a penalty was awarded in the wake of 230 screaming Geord… no, Mack…erm, Durham fans. Phillis did well to deny Johnston, but the rebounding ball sadly rolled straight out for the home striker to convert.
The second half saw a Hotchkiss free kick met by a Lee Connor header that beat the Durham shot stopper only to be cleared off the goal line by last ditch defending. Durham won a corner shortly after and in the wake of two horrible ricochets, the loose ball was fired into the Garforth goal.
The entertainment factor of the game was successfully killed off by the Man In Black on 73 minutes when a clear slip from a Durham attacker resulted in a ludicrous penalty, completing Johnston’s hat-trick.
Two minutes later, the disheartened visitors saw a nasty bounce allow Tommy English to try his luck with a lobbed effort that found the far corner of the net. Garforth responded with a Wayne Harratt header that was tipped onto the post, and a slightly more successful repeat that found the net to bring the score ultimately to 2-3, minus the penalties. Town next look to welcome Warrington to the Genix Healthcare Stadium on Saturday, after this test against an excellent Durham side with a hospitable club president. See you Saturday.
The visitors were almost immediately in the ascendancy, with good interlinking play leading to a Jason St Juste shot from 18 yards being blocked, as were the subsequent two shots from Andy Hayward - both desperately so - in only the second minute of play. Two minutes later the dependable Olly Hotchkiss tried his luck with a dipping thunderbolt from distance that was well saved.
Durham responded with a well-struck free kick that Gavin Phillis did well to save. The youngster’s long kick up field was laid off by Hayward for Chris Brown to strike at goal, narrowly missing.
The hosts were now coming into their own, playing football that was pleasing on the eye with good pace and movement. Phillis made another good save from a low shot and the ball was spread wide. Wayne Harratt received the ball 25 yards from goal and, after riding a challenge, fired an accurate strike into the top right corner to the delight of the travelling contingent.
After some enjoyable end-to-end fare Town conceded a corner, and the inswinger was cleared to Adam Johnston, who somehow rifled the ball through the mass of players and into the net to regain parity for his team.
Some excellent distribution by the busy Hotchkiss brought play into the Durham half, where Jason St Juste was fed the ball out on the left wing. St Juste beat his man for pace before firing a dangerous low cross into the six yard box, though the keeper claimed it before Hayward could. Five minutes later, the same keeper was lured out of position from a dangerous cross and Brown fired over under pressure.
On the very threshold of half time, a fiercely struck low ball struck a Town man on the arm, and a penalty was awarded in the wake of 230 screaming Geord… no, Mack…erm, Durham fans. Phillis did well to deny Johnston, but the rebounding ball sadly rolled straight out for the home striker to convert.
The second half saw a Hotchkiss free kick met by a Lee Connor header that beat the Durham shot stopper only to be cleared off the goal line by last ditch defending. Durham won a corner shortly after and in the wake of two horrible ricochets, the loose ball was fired into the Garforth goal.
The entertainment factor of the game was successfully killed off by the Man In Black on 73 minutes when a clear slip from a Durham attacker resulted in a ludicrous penalty, completing Johnston’s hat-trick.
Two minutes later, the disheartened visitors saw a nasty bounce allow Tommy English to try his luck with a lobbed effort that found the far corner of the net. Garforth responded with a Wayne Harratt header that was tipped onto the post, and a slightly more successful repeat that found the net to bring the score ultimately to 2-3, minus the penalties. Town next look to welcome Warrington to the Genix Healthcare Stadium on Saturday, after this test against an excellent Durham side with a hospitable club president. See you Saturday.
Saturday 8 November 2008
Rossendale United 2 - Garforth Town 2
Garforth Town produced a dominant performance to thoroughly outclass Lancastrians Rossendale United at their own Dark Lane Stadium in a ridiculous 2-2 draw. The Miner’s – who enjoyed approximately 75% of the possession, and an even steeper percentage of goal scoring chances – neutralised their hosts and hit the back of the net three times but were undone by two penalties, the second of which was an extremely controversial call.
After an initial feeling out process, Town took the initiative and then some. Andy Hayward came close with a volley on twelve minutes from a long throw in, and Duncan Williams tried his luck with an effort from distance. Wayne Harrat almost converted a curled free kick with a header, and a mere minute later Jason St Juste fizzed a dangerous ball into the six-yard box that was gratefully claimed by the goalkeeper.
With five minutes of first half action left Garforth found the net for the first time. Another throw in caused problems, and when the United shot stopper produced a good save Andy Hayward was on hand to convert the ball. For reasons unbeknownst to me at present, this goal was disallowed.
Brett Renshaw – excellent throughout – was released with a through ball soon after but was unable to finish the half chance under pressure. Then, Olly Hotchkiss adroitly held off several players to keep possession, and spread the play to St Juste. Jason beat his man for pace and released another dangerous cross, though Hayward’s headed effort went narrowly wide.
As the half drew to a close, a Hotchkiss free kick unintentionally struck the referee in the face. He lived.
Town began the second as they had ended the first – on top. Ben Small fed Williams a ball up the left channel, and the youngster cut in to lay off Hotchkiss for a shot that almost deflected in via Renshaw. It was the height of injustice when the hosts actually took the lead – a mistimed tackle leading to a penalty that Phil Eastwood converted on fifty minutes.
Williams and Hotchkiss constantly proved their worth to the team, combining well to set up Olly for a shot that missed by a lick of paint. Then, the games best moment occurred when Renshaw latched onto a through ball he was not favourite to win, excellently holding off two defenders before back heeling the ball for Hayward to flick past the keeper to regain parity.
Both Hayward and Williams would come close in the next ten minutes, before a curled cross was met toweringly by Renshaw, whose header struck the post. By now it was a foregone conclusion; sooner or later the visitors would score again and kill this mismatch of a game off.
Things got better for Garforth when an atrocious lunge at Gavin Phillis saw a Rossendale hot head get sent for an early shower. The writing truly appeared to be on the wall for United as Garforth promptly scored, Wayne Harrat placing a header into the top right corner with only ten minutes of play to go.
Disaster duly struck. Slight contact with a United attacker in the area saw the referee wave play on to give said striker the advantage, then four seconds later when the chance went begging abruptly awarded a penalty. Eastwood converted again, and though Town almost clawed back their deserved three points when a Hotchkiss free kick struck the post, the tie somehow ended up all square. At least Garforth have produced two dominant displays back to back, finding the net seven times in those outings, and will look to carry this form into the Tuesday fixture away at Durham. Howay the lads!
After an initial feeling out process, Town took the initiative and then some. Andy Hayward came close with a volley on twelve minutes from a long throw in, and Duncan Williams tried his luck with an effort from distance. Wayne Harrat almost converted a curled free kick with a header, and a mere minute later Jason St Juste fizzed a dangerous ball into the six-yard box that was gratefully claimed by the goalkeeper.
With five minutes of first half action left Garforth found the net for the first time. Another throw in caused problems, and when the United shot stopper produced a good save Andy Hayward was on hand to convert the ball. For reasons unbeknownst to me at present, this goal was disallowed.
Brett Renshaw – excellent throughout – was released with a through ball soon after but was unable to finish the half chance under pressure. Then, Olly Hotchkiss adroitly held off several players to keep possession, and spread the play to St Juste. Jason beat his man for pace and released another dangerous cross, though Hayward’s headed effort went narrowly wide.
As the half drew to a close, a Hotchkiss free kick unintentionally struck the referee in the face. He lived.
Town began the second as they had ended the first – on top. Ben Small fed Williams a ball up the left channel, and the youngster cut in to lay off Hotchkiss for a shot that almost deflected in via Renshaw. It was the height of injustice when the hosts actually took the lead – a mistimed tackle leading to a penalty that Phil Eastwood converted on fifty minutes.
Williams and Hotchkiss constantly proved their worth to the team, combining well to set up Olly for a shot that missed by a lick of paint. Then, the games best moment occurred when Renshaw latched onto a through ball he was not favourite to win, excellently holding off two defenders before back heeling the ball for Hayward to flick past the keeper to regain parity.
Both Hayward and Williams would come close in the next ten minutes, before a curled cross was met toweringly by Renshaw, whose header struck the post. By now it was a foregone conclusion; sooner or later the visitors would score again and kill this mismatch of a game off.
Things got better for Garforth when an atrocious lunge at Gavin Phillis saw a Rossendale hot head get sent for an early shower. The writing truly appeared to be on the wall for United as Garforth promptly scored, Wayne Harrat placing a header into the top right corner with only ten minutes of play to go.
Disaster duly struck. Slight contact with a United attacker in the area saw the referee wave play on to give said striker the advantage, then four seconds later when the chance went begging abruptly awarded a penalty. Eastwood converted again, and though Town almost clawed back their deserved three points when a Hotchkiss free kick struck the post, the tie somehow ended up all square. At least Garforth have produced two dominant displays back to back, finding the net seven times in those outings, and will look to carry this form into the Tuesday fixture away at Durham. Howay the lads!
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Garforth Town 3 - Bamber Bridge 4
A dramatic late comeback from Garforth Town could not overturn an early and unfair deficit in a heated and highly entertaining affair between two determined sides. Some outrageous officiating sadly tarnished a game in which either outfit could have claimed all the points, but the end result was an engrossing spectacle that saw Town display some impressive grit.
The worst possible start occurred for the hosts when a throw in led to a soft back post goal. Garforth regrouped to the point where Hotchkiss, Williams and Kelly were picking at the Bamber defensive lines, looking for openings to penetrate. Duncan Williams managed to fashion a chance out of nothing with a jinking run, bursting into the penalty box from the left channel before his driven shot was saved.
Jason St Juste showed flashes of his industrious nature, one such incident occurring when he turned his marker and tried to score with a speculative curled effort from 25 yards. A mere minute later, a through ball was latched onto by a suspiciously advanced Bamber striker, and, sickeningly, the opportunity was taken.
The second half began with a questionable free kick awarded to the visitors, and what commenced was a goal so soft it would be hard for the written word to do justice to it. At this point the fixture appeared dead and buried.
The Miner’s began to produce what they are capable of with a play of real quality. Hotchkiss curled an inch perfect ball across the field to St Juste, who controlled, cut inside and slid a cool finish into the Bamber goal to give the home side a real incentive to fight for the final third.
Not long after, an exchange on the left saw Mark Piper delicately chip straight to Greg Kelly’s head, and though his effort struck the crossbar the versatile Town man was able to convert the rebound, and the game was well and truly on.
Town created a plethora of chances with Haywood, Piper and Kelly all coming close to equalising. Captain Brett Renshaw met a corner with a towering header that struck the post and was scrambled up by a grateful goalkeeper.
The uphill struggle was worsened when Bamber snatched a late goal with a deflected header, but Town would further regroup. Kelly fizzed a ball across the Bamber goal, but St Juste arrived a fraction too late in a Gascoigne-esque moment. The icing on the cake occurred when a Town free kick was halted when a Bamber defended blatantly kicked Andy Rowan, and was sent off for his offence. Bizarrely, a penalty was NOT given, and instead the free kick was retaken. Readers are advised to youtube the Fabien Barthez/Ian Harte incident where Harte was kicked in the box away from play, and a penalty was rightly awarded, for more understanding of why a penalty should have been given.
Still, Garforth found the net again. A drifted corner was converted by Renshaw, who used his aerial threat well to power home a headed effort. Sadly, a fourth was out of the question with almost no time left, but there were encouraging signs from this high scoring match with another gutsy second half performance from a capable and determined Garforth Town outfit.
The worst possible start occurred for the hosts when a throw in led to a soft back post goal. Garforth regrouped to the point where Hotchkiss, Williams and Kelly were picking at the Bamber defensive lines, looking for openings to penetrate. Duncan Williams managed to fashion a chance out of nothing with a jinking run, bursting into the penalty box from the left channel before his driven shot was saved.
Jason St Juste showed flashes of his industrious nature, one such incident occurring when he turned his marker and tried to score with a speculative curled effort from 25 yards. A mere minute later, a through ball was latched onto by a suspiciously advanced Bamber striker, and, sickeningly, the opportunity was taken.
The second half began with a questionable free kick awarded to the visitors, and what commenced was a goal so soft it would be hard for the written word to do justice to it. At this point the fixture appeared dead and buried.
The Miner’s began to produce what they are capable of with a play of real quality. Hotchkiss curled an inch perfect ball across the field to St Juste, who controlled, cut inside and slid a cool finish into the Bamber goal to give the home side a real incentive to fight for the final third.
Not long after, an exchange on the left saw Mark Piper delicately chip straight to Greg Kelly’s head, and though his effort struck the crossbar the versatile Town man was able to convert the rebound, and the game was well and truly on.
Town created a plethora of chances with Haywood, Piper and Kelly all coming close to equalising. Captain Brett Renshaw met a corner with a towering header that struck the post and was scrambled up by a grateful goalkeeper.
The uphill struggle was worsened when Bamber snatched a late goal with a deflected header, but Town would further regroup. Kelly fizzed a ball across the Bamber goal, but St Juste arrived a fraction too late in a Gascoigne-esque moment. The icing on the cake occurred when a Town free kick was halted when a Bamber defended blatantly kicked Andy Rowan, and was sent off for his offence. Bizarrely, a penalty was NOT given, and instead the free kick was retaken. Readers are advised to youtube the Fabien Barthez/Ian Harte incident where Harte was kicked in the box away from play, and a penalty was rightly awarded, for more understanding of why a penalty should have been given.
Still, Garforth found the net again. A drifted corner was converted by Renshaw, who used his aerial threat well to power home a headed effort. Sadly, a fourth was out of the question with almost no time left, but there were encouraging signs from this high scoring match with another gutsy second half performance from a capable and determined Garforth Town outfit.
Garforth Town 3 - Romulus 4 - FA Vase
Garforth suffered an unlucky reverse in questionable circumstances at the hands of Midlands outfit Romulus, after staging a brave second half comeback. The fates were against the home side, as seemingly every deflection, decision and decisive moment went against, and it was to the credit of Town that they mounted such an impressive and spirited showing when the chips were down.
A much-changed line-up started the match, with Town bereft of SIX key players. Proceedings did not improve when the visitors bagged three horrendous goals, all of which stemmed from unfortunate mistakes. At this stage the game seemed unsalvageable.
A spirited showing saw Garforth find the visitors net on no less than five occasions. Chris Brown seemed to have scored his first of the season, only for his header to be disallowed on the grounds that another player was offside. Wasn’t there an alteration to the offside rule two years ago? Ruud van Nistlerooy would have scored about six career goals had this ruling been in effect.
Garforth, galvanised, found the net again when Wayne Harrat converted a header from a corner. The ball was diverted into the roof of the net via the hand of a Romulus defender, who was NOT sent off. The goal did not stand either, and with the subsequent penalty missed, it seemed that the gods of Olympus were against Town, laughing from afar.
Garforth’s third, and first officially recognised goal was adroitly taken. Olly Hotchkiss curled a sweet ball into the box, and Andy Rowan powered a volley back across goal that lashed in off the post to give Town hope.
Jason St Juste, in his best effort since returning, jinked past several Romulus midfielders on the left channel before firing a Kewell-esque low left footed drive that found the bottom right corner. The tie was now well and truly on.
Sadly, the dramatic late finish was ruined when a blatantly offside attacker was free to beat Phillis from a one on one encounter. Garforth showed spunk to fire back once more, with Hotchkiss finding the net from outside the area with a driven effort.
The visiting players and management were responsible for a substantial amount of criminal damage after the game, it should be noted.
The game may well represent the end of a cup run, but the feisty and uncompromising late performance was affirming of the spirit and potential of the squad. These aforementioned qualities and the return of several key players should mark the beginning of some dominant form in the league games to come as Garforth look to move up to bigger and better.
A much-changed line-up started the match, with Town bereft of SIX key players. Proceedings did not improve when the visitors bagged three horrendous goals, all of which stemmed from unfortunate mistakes. At this stage the game seemed unsalvageable.
A spirited showing saw Garforth find the visitors net on no less than five occasions. Chris Brown seemed to have scored his first of the season, only for his header to be disallowed on the grounds that another player was offside. Wasn’t there an alteration to the offside rule two years ago? Ruud van Nistlerooy would have scored about six career goals had this ruling been in effect.
Garforth, galvanised, found the net again when Wayne Harrat converted a header from a corner. The ball was diverted into the roof of the net via the hand of a Romulus defender, who was NOT sent off. The goal did not stand either, and with the subsequent penalty missed, it seemed that the gods of Olympus were against Town, laughing from afar.
Garforth’s third, and first officially recognised goal was adroitly taken. Olly Hotchkiss curled a sweet ball into the box, and Andy Rowan powered a volley back across goal that lashed in off the post to give Town hope.
Jason St Juste, in his best effort since returning, jinked past several Romulus midfielders on the left channel before firing a Kewell-esque low left footed drive that found the bottom right corner. The tie was now well and truly on.
Sadly, the dramatic late finish was ruined when a blatantly offside attacker was free to beat Phillis from a one on one encounter. Garforth showed spunk to fire back once more, with Hotchkiss finding the net from outside the area with a driven effort.
The visiting players and management were responsible for a substantial amount of criminal damage after the game, it should be noted.
The game may well represent the end of a cup run, but the feisty and uncompromising late performance was affirming of the spirit and potential of the squad. These aforementioned qualities and the return of several key players should mark the beginning of some dominant form in the league games to come as Garforth look to move up to bigger and better.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Garforth Town 2 - Halifax Town 2
An unlucky sucker punch of an equaliser robbed Garforth Town of two valuable points in an entertaining and heated league fixture at the Genix Healthcare stadium. Nearly five hundred people enjoyed the emotional affair, though only half would have appreciated the two scrappy headed goals that occurred in the dying minutes which allowed Halifax Town a share of the points that the Miner’s had worked so hard for.
The first ten minutes saw Garforth take the game to their well-supported visitors, though the strong Halifax defence prevented any penetrative break through. Halifax did claim a near miss with a curled lob that went narrowly wide, but the bulk of play was in the home sides favour. Both outfits attempted numerous through balls and lofted passes, many of which were over-hit and skidded away on the slippy surface.
Dom Blair was causing problems on the right with his pace and trickery, and one such jinking run led to Garforth taking the lead. Blair circumnavigated a group of defenders and darted into the penalty area. One delicate pass later, and Mark Piper drilled the bouncing ball back across Jon Kennedy in the Halifax goal to find the corner of the net and give Garforth the numerical advantage.
Halifax almost immediately responded with a curled free kick that missed by a lick of paint, but the next sequence of play would prove to be more memorable. Duncan Williams chased a lofted ball and was challenged by Kennedy, who injured the young utility man. The goalkeeper flew into Duncan, despite the ball being on the ground at time of challenge. Neither man was officially punished.
Half time saw a group of young Brazilian Soccer Schools children give a demonstration of their abilities on the pitch, with a small game. The children, watched by their coaches, gave a fine display that was pleasingly well received by the watching crowd.
The second half began with an amusing piece from one of the linesmen, and on the pitch the balance of play was even. It would be twenty minutes before there was a differentiation between the sides – Garforth began tackling hard, to which the visiting contingent roared their displeasure. Despite this, several nasty challenges were made by the visiting team, notably on Greg Kelly, Duncan Williams and Olly Hotchkiss, which were rather more well received.
Garforth deservedly doubled their advantage when Hotchkiss showed his undoubted ability with a neat turn and curled cross field ball to substitute Andy Rowan. The Town man manoeuvred himself into a position to score, but when Kennedy challenged him, the dependable Greg Kelly was on hand to convert the loose ball with the goal at his mercy.
Halifax, spurred on by their infuriated fans, pressured the Miner’s defence, winning a corner in the 86th minute. Their star man, Junior Brown managed to head the ball towards goal, and the deflected effort beat Phillis to give the visitors hope. Two minutes later, they scored a near identical goal, this time with the well-named Cavell Coo inflicting the damage. This episode saw the blonde member of the Halifax coaching staff leave his technical area to run around like a half witted idiot, gesturing towards the Garforth bench, kicking advertisement hoardings, swearing at home fans and being as moronic as it is conceivably possible for an adult human to be.
Town could not reverse the damage, and will look to bounce back against Woodley Sports away on Saturday. Lessons will be learned from this experience, and Town can take heart from their performance against a capable side and rejuvenate their season as they look to win promotion to the UniBond Premier League.
The first ten minutes saw Garforth take the game to their well-supported visitors, though the strong Halifax defence prevented any penetrative break through. Halifax did claim a near miss with a curled lob that went narrowly wide, but the bulk of play was in the home sides favour. Both outfits attempted numerous through balls and lofted passes, many of which were over-hit and skidded away on the slippy surface.
Dom Blair was causing problems on the right with his pace and trickery, and one such jinking run led to Garforth taking the lead. Blair circumnavigated a group of defenders and darted into the penalty area. One delicate pass later, and Mark Piper drilled the bouncing ball back across Jon Kennedy in the Halifax goal to find the corner of the net and give Garforth the numerical advantage.
Halifax almost immediately responded with a curled free kick that missed by a lick of paint, but the next sequence of play would prove to be more memorable. Duncan Williams chased a lofted ball and was challenged by Kennedy, who injured the young utility man. The goalkeeper flew into Duncan, despite the ball being on the ground at time of challenge. Neither man was officially punished.
Half time saw a group of young Brazilian Soccer Schools children give a demonstration of their abilities on the pitch, with a small game. The children, watched by their coaches, gave a fine display that was pleasingly well received by the watching crowd.
The second half began with an amusing piece from one of the linesmen, and on the pitch the balance of play was even. It would be twenty minutes before there was a differentiation between the sides – Garforth began tackling hard, to which the visiting contingent roared their displeasure. Despite this, several nasty challenges were made by the visiting team, notably on Greg Kelly, Duncan Williams and Olly Hotchkiss, which were rather more well received.
Garforth deservedly doubled their advantage when Hotchkiss showed his undoubted ability with a neat turn and curled cross field ball to substitute Andy Rowan. The Town man manoeuvred himself into a position to score, but when Kennedy challenged him, the dependable Greg Kelly was on hand to convert the loose ball with the goal at his mercy.
Halifax, spurred on by their infuriated fans, pressured the Miner’s defence, winning a corner in the 86th minute. Their star man, Junior Brown managed to head the ball towards goal, and the deflected effort beat Phillis to give the visitors hope. Two minutes later, they scored a near identical goal, this time with the well-named Cavell Coo inflicting the damage. This episode saw the blonde member of the Halifax coaching staff leave his technical area to run around like a half witted idiot, gesturing towards the Garforth bench, kicking advertisement hoardings, swearing at home fans and being as moronic as it is conceivably possible for an adult human to be.
Town could not reverse the damage, and will look to bounce back against Woodley Sports away on Saturday. Lessons will be learned from this experience, and Town can take heart from their performance against a capable side and rejuvenate their season as they look to win promotion to the UniBond Premier League.
Sunday 5 October 2008
Garforth Town 2 - Belper Town 0 - FA Trophy
The cruise control pace of Garforth’s imperious FA Trophy victory over Belper Town could not have contrasted more with the passion and energy of the FA Cup ties with Guiseley. The indomitable hosts breezed to an early lead, added to it, and could easily have doubled their final tally after a dominant first half and a leisurely second.
With the heavy wind in their favour, Garforth started strongly and asked immediate questions of Belper goalkeeper Paul Pettenger. Dom Blair’s lively start culminated with good work that set up Mark Piper, who converted an easy chance in the eighth minute to begin Town’s march Wembley way.
Goal hungry, Piper would latch onto a through ball and lure Pettenger into a rash challenge. Rounding the shot stopper, Piper allowed Dom Blair the chance to convert the slightly overran ball, returning the earlier favour. With the high wind and light ball, the shot cleared the crossbar and flew over the gaping goal to collective groans.
Piper would almost set Blair up once more with a dipping cross from distance, but the attacker could not connect with his diving header. Notwithstanding, minutes later Blair fully redeemed himself with some good link up play with Callum Selby on the left (embarrassing and humiliating the right back in the process) before coolly squaring for Greg Kelly to slot home. Two and counting.
After further pressure, Garforth culminated the half with Greg latching onto another lofted ball and firing a half volley over Pettenger. The shot struck the crossbar and was cleared, but handclaps and an ‘easy, easy’ chant were by now in order as the Miner’s were in total control.
The industrious Piper and Duncan Williams were rested at half time, replaced by the Andy’s - Haywood and Rowan. Belper would claim more possession this time around, but the few chances they had were well dealt with by Gavin Phillis, whose shot stopping performance was excellent. His kicks suffered in the wind, but even with this disadvantageous weather Town did not look like conceding their initiative to vastly inferior visitors.
With Town defenders Renshaw, Kamara, Jagger and Turner all staunch in the face of lacklustre attacks, Garforth’s attack looked to add to the tally. Andy Rowan burst through up the left channel but his driven shot was well saved. Belper almost scored with a near post shot, but Town’s subsequent counter attack forced them back into their shells. In the dying minutes, Rowan rounded Pettenger but the ball overran, and the Town man unselfishly squared inside to Hotchkiss, whose swivel and drive beat the goalkeeper but was denied by a last ditch block from a desperate defender. Greg would also try his luck with a late shot, but the two goal advantage would last until the final whistle that heralded Garforth’s progression in the FA Trophy tournament.
With the heavy wind in their favour, Garforth started strongly and asked immediate questions of Belper goalkeeper Paul Pettenger. Dom Blair’s lively start culminated with good work that set up Mark Piper, who converted an easy chance in the eighth minute to begin Town’s march Wembley way.
Goal hungry, Piper would latch onto a through ball and lure Pettenger into a rash challenge. Rounding the shot stopper, Piper allowed Dom Blair the chance to convert the slightly overran ball, returning the earlier favour. With the high wind and light ball, the shot cleared the crossbar and flew over the gaping goal to collective groans.
Piper would almost set Blair up once more with a dipping cross from distance, but the attacker could not connect with his diving header. Notwithstanding, minutes later Blair fully redeemed himself with some good link up play with Callum Selby on the left (embarrassing and humiliating the right back in the process) before coolly squaring for Greg Kelly to slot home. Two and counting.
After further pressure, Garforth culminated the half with Greg latching onto another lofted ball and firing a half volley over Pettenger. The shot struck the crossbar and was cleared, but handclaps and an ‘easy, easy’ chant were by now in order as the Miner’s were in total control.
The industrious Piper and Duncan Williams were rested at half time, replaced by the Andy’s - Haywood and Rowan. Belper would claim more possession this time around, but the few chances they had were well dealt with by Gavin Phillis, whose shot stopping performance was excellent. His kicks suffered in the wind, but even with this disadvantageous weather Town did not look like conceding their initiative to vastly inferior visitors.
With Town defenders Renshaw, Kamara, Jagger and Turner all staunch in the face of lacklustre attacks, Garforth’s attack looked to add to the tally. Andy Rowan burst through up the left channel but his driven shot was well saved. Belper almost scored with a near post shot, but Town’s subsequent counter attack forced them back into their shells. In the dying minutes, Rowan rounded Pettenger but the ball overran, and the Town man unselfishly squared inside to Hotchkiss, whose swivel and drive beat the goalkeeper but was denied by a last ditch block from a desperate defender. Greg would also try his luck with a late shot, but the two goal advantage would last until the final whistle that heralded Garforth’s progression in the FA Trophy tournament.
Garforth Town 1 - Guiseley 3 - FA Cup
Sadly, the FA Cup dream has prematurely ended for Garforth, as the plucky Miner’s fell to a lucky Guiseley outfit from the top of a higher league. Three disastrous goals sank the hostile hosts, two of which occurred in the very late stages of a very evenly contested game that Garforth fully deserved to get something from.
The first half saw no real close calls from a Town perspective, though the play saw neither side claim any real dominance. The stars of the show seemed to be the Town old guard of yesteryear; namely Renshaw, Piper, Williams. All showed great determination and composure, even more impressively considering the young age of the latter two.
The best opportunity to take the lead for the home side would come when Dominic Blair managed to turn his marker, but was unlawfully taken down. This went with impunity. Guiseley would respond later in the half with a fiercely struck effort that sailed wide.
The second would prove to be a frustrating half for the Miner’s, as several bizarre official decisions had both sets of fans howling in derision, and Town boss Simon Clifford howling in rage. Earning his ire did nothing to improve the quality of officiating – sadly, given the excellent officiating just three days previous.
After twenty even minutes of second period play, a speculative through ball was improperly cleared, and the Town faithful groaned as the inevitable steady and shot saw Phillis beaten at his far post from ten yards. The lead was almost doubled as a good shooting chance was scuffed well wide somewhat less impressively.
Ten Garforth dominated minutes later, a lucky and innocuous Guiseley breakaway saw a Town clearance fly at high speed into the head of Brett Renshaw, unfortunately laying off a Guiseley shot that Phillis did well to save. Alas, the subsequent rebound broke Garforth hearts.
Guiseley immediately altered their outlook, and several attempts to time-waste were used. The unlikable conduct of former Town man Simian Bambrook in particular was strange over the two ties, acts of treachery so great that Judas Iscariot would have spat in the mans face.
With quarter of an hour on the clock Greg Kelly burst past the last line of defence, but with only the Lions numero uno to beat, fired his shot over the cross bar to widespread groans.
Redemption. Ten minutes to go, Mr Kelly cuts in from the left, fires a low shot straight at the keeper, and lo and behold, Guiseley goalie plays Taibi to Greg’s Le Tissier. Cheers mate, game on.
Sadly, beyond a cross that was intercepted, Garforth did not have much opportunity to build on the goal when a silly, inept loss of possession outside the Garforth box led to a low Guiseley shot finding the corner, ending hopes and shattering the Garforth cup dream. Kelly tried his luck with a free kick, Andy Haywood brought down a curled ball from Hotchkiss and managed to shoot, and Phillis pulled off an eye catching save before the final whistle blew time on an enjoyable 180 minute tussle with local rivals. Garforth must now look to continue this form in the league so that we can avenge this sickening but honourable reverse with league points on the line in the near future.
The first half saw no real close calls from a Town perspective, though the play saw neither side claim any real dominance. The stars of the show seemed to be the Town old guard of yesteryear; namely Renshaw, Piper, Williams. All showed great determination and composure, even more impressively considering the young age of the latter two.
The best opportunity to take the lead for the home side would come when Dominic Blair managed to turn his marker, but was unlawfully taken down. This went with impunity. Guiseley would respond later in the half with a fiercely struck effort that sailed wide.
The second would prove to be a frustrating half for the Miner’s, as several bizarre official decisions had both sets of fans howling in derision, and Town boss Simon Clifford howling in rage. Earning his ire did nothing to improve the quality of officiating – sadly, given the excellent officiating just three days previous.
After twenty even minutes of second period play, a speculative through ball was improperly cleared, and the Town faithful groaned as the inevitable steady and shot saw Phillis beaten at his far post from ten yards. The lead was almost doubled as a good shooting chance was scuffed well wide somewhat less impressively.
Ten Garforth dominated minutes later, a lucky and innocuous Guiseley breakaway saw a Town clearance fly at high speed into the head of Brett Renshaw, unfortunately laying off a Guiseley shot that Phillis did well to save. Alas, the subsequent rebound broke Garforth hearts.
Guiseley immediately altered their outlook, and several attempts to time-waste were used. The unlikable conduct of former Town man Simian Bambrook in particular was strange over the two ties, acts of treachery so great that Judas Iscariot would have spat in the mans face.
With quarter of an hour on the clock Greg Kelly burst past the last line of defence, but with only the Lions numero uno to beat, fired his shot over the cross bar to widespread groans.
Redemption. Ten minutes to go, Mr Kelly cuts in from the left, fires a low shot straight at the keeper, and lo and behold, Guiseley goalie plays Taibi to Greg’s Le Tissier. Cheers mate, game on.
Sadly, beyond a cross that was intercepted, Garforth did not have much opportunity to build on the goal when a silly, inept loss of possession outside the Garforth box led to a low Guiseley shot finding the corner, ending hopes and shattering the Garforth cup dream. Kelly tried his luck with a free kick, Andy Haywood brought down a curled ball from Hotchkiss and managed to shoot, and Phillis pulled off an eye catching save before the final whistle blew time on an enjoyable 180 minute tussle with local rivals. Garforth must now look to continue this form in the league so that we can avenge this sickening but honourable reverse with league points on the line in the near future.
Guiseley 2 - Garforth Town 2 - FA Cup
*disclaimer* author of work was hammered at time of writing.
Garforth travelled to the outskirts of the Leeds boundary to inflict a mentally punishing draw on local rivals Guiseley in a barnburner of an FA Cup preliminary. The visitors turned out in good numbers, and overwhelmed their hosts both on and off the field as a packed Nethermoor Park saw the Miner’s run rampant over strong and capable opposition.
Town were ultimately unable to claim their place as Yorkshire’s number two club, as the final even score-line means the tussle is merely half way finished. However, the spate of late chances that Garforth fashioned resembled the spate of robberies that epitomised the career of Ryan’s younger, and Guiseley were visibly relieved to hear the final whistle bring an end to a reign of terror that resembled the one R… you get the gist.
After some closely contested play for the initial period, Guiseley demonstrated their undoubted class by carving out several chances. Garforth pushed back, and were looking composed when they were sucker punched by the unbeaten hosts. A shot was well saved by Phillis, then as luck would have it the rebound fell for a Guiseley attacker in a penalty area full of yellow shirts. Shortly after the shell shocked visitors conceded when Adam Muller squeezed a shot in at the near post. Town now faced an uphill struggle against their historically superior rivals. Historically – as Dylan said, the times they are a’changin.
In the later stages of the half, Duncan Williams ran and fed Olly Hotchkiss for a shot that was well saved, but Mark Piper converted the resulting rebound cleverly. Back of the net daddy-o.
This period was made memorable by the incident involving Simian Bambrook and Hotchkiss, where Guiseley’s Bambrook allegedly elbowed the Mackem in the throat and insulted his northeastern heritage. Both men went without punishment.
Hotchkiss would curl a free kick narrowly over on the hour mark, and would continue his solid performance throughout. Lee Connor had a great opportunity to level with a headed effort, and James Hanson struck a tremendous overhead kick against the crossbar. But you have to take those chances to win, as like his namesake’s song says; In an MmmBop – they’re gone.
Andy Haywood received yet another beautifully lofted ball from the Garforth rear, and elected to lob the keeper. In a hearts in mouths moment, the ball struck the post and bounced away to be cleared safely. Haywood…would… be through again, but his sliced effort missed by a yard. Third time lucky came true though, as Haywood would be the recipient of a perfectly drilled Andy Rowan penetrative through ball. He would not miss. Game on.
Ugliness would again rear its head when Adam Muller went from hero to zero, absolute zero, when he allegedly attacked Garforth captain Brett Renshaw with a variety of body parts, such as forehead and feet, all of which reportedly flew into Renshaw’s torso at high speed without warning. Brett was booked. He took it well.
Garforth’s chance to seal the deal and make Tuesday’s inevitable victory a non-event came when Haywood was again through on goal, but unselfishly elected to square the ball to Williams. Sadly it was intercepted en route, and Town can now look to a replay at the Genix Coliseum against Guiseley’s ‘Lions’, and bearing in mind our managers’ religious beliefs, lets see if this time the Christians can do it and win the big one. Either way, ‘Nethermoor’ will Guiseley overlook their cross town rivals again, as the only way is up, bay beh, for Garforth Town now.
Garforth travelled to the outskirts of the Leeds boundary to inflict a mentally punishing draw on local rivals Guiseley in a barnburner of an FA Cup preliminary. The visitors turned out in good numbers, and overwhelmed their hosts both on and off the field as a packed Nethermoor Park saw the Miner’s run rampant over strong and capable opposition.
Town were ultimately unable to claim their place as Yorkshire’s number two club, as the final even score-line means the tussle is merely half way finished. However, the spate of late chances that Garforth fashioned resembled the spate of robberies that epitomised the career of Ryan’s younger, and Guiseley were visibly relieved to hear the final whistle bring an end to a reign of terror that resembled the one R… you get the gist.
After some closely contested play for the initial period, Guiseley demonstrated their undoubted class by carving out several chances. Garforth pushed back, and were looking composed when they were sucker punched by the unbeaten hosts. A shot was well saved by Phillis, then as luck would have it the rebound fell for a Guiseley attacker in a penalty area full of yellow shirts. Shortly after the shell shocked visitors conceded when Adam Muller squeezed a shot in at the near post. Town now faced an uphill struggle against their historically superior rivals. Historically – as Dylan said, the times they are a’changin.
In the later stages of the half, Duncan Williams ran and fed Olly Hotchkiss for a shot that was well saved, but Mark Piper converted the resulting rebound cleverly. Back of the net daddy-o.
This period was made memorable by the incident involving Simian Bambrook and Hotchkiss, where Guiseley’s Bambrook allegedly elbowed the Mackem in the throat and insulted his northeastern heritage. Both men went without punishment.
Hotchkiss would curl a free kick narrowly over on the hour mark, and would continue his solid performance throughout. Lee Connor had a great opportunity to level with a headed effort, and James Hanson struck a tremendous overhead kick against the crossbar. But you have to take those chances to win, as like his namesake’s song says; In an MmmBop – they’re gone.
Andy Haywood received yet another beautifully lofted ball from the Garforth rear, and elected to lob the keeper. In a hearts in mouths moment, the ball struck the post and bounced away to be cleared safely. Haywood…would… be through again, but his sliced effort missed by a yard. Third time lucky came true though, as Haywood would be the recipient of a perfectly drilled Andy Rowan penetrative through ball. He would not miss. Game on.
Ugliness would again rear its head when Adam Muller went from hero to zero, absolute zero, when he allegedly attacked Garforth captain Brett Renshaw with a variety of body parts, such as forehead and feet, all of which reportedly flew into Renshaw’s torso at high speed without warning. Brett was booked. He took it well.
Garforth’s chance to seal the deal and make Tuesday’s inevitable victory a non-event came when Haywood was again through on goal, but unselfishly elected to square the ball to Williams. Sadly it was intercepted en route, and Town can now look to a replay at the Genix Coliseum against Guiseley’s ‘Lions’, and bearing in mind our managers’ religious beliefs, lets see if this time the Christians can do it and win the big one. Either way, ‘Nethermoor’ will Guiseley overlook their cross town rivals again, as the only way is up, bay beh, for Garforth Town now.
Mossley 3 - Garforth Town 4
Garforth travelled once more to Lancashire, and returned with three points after an entertaining tussle with table toppers Mossley. Four well taken goals sealed the points for Town, who were thoroughly dominant over extremely capable opposition.
The visiting Yorkshiremen almost claimed the ascendancy early when a speculative through ball from prodigal son Milton Turner caused unease in the Mossley defence, leaving captain Brett Renshaw with the opportunity to steal in and clatter the goalkeeper. Unfortunately the ball rolled clear, but it served as an early signal of intent.
Mossley won a corner, and the resulting effort was cleared to Greg Kelly who burst up the left wing and almost scored at the climax of a mazy run. After three hellacious minutes, the home side were quickly realising they had a game on their hands.
Still in the first five minutes of the game, Duncan Williams and Greg linked up well down the left in a move that led to the ball falling kindly for Milton to try his luck with a ferocious drive from twenty yards. Mossley numero uno Liam Higginbotham did well to deny Town a lead.
Mossley managed to stifle Town in the following ten minutes, despite Brett coming close with a blasted effort after a neat Cruyff turn. Finally though, Garforth struck true on 26 minutes when a Renshaw clash allowed Oliver Hotchkiss to burst forwards and lure in a challenge. Oliver managed to release the ball in time, and Nathan Kamara was on hand to slide the ball low to Higginbotham’s left, and give Garforth a deserved lead.
Another incisive Town move saw Renshaw released to smash the ball home, but the linesman’s flag put paid to celebrations. Soon after, a speculative through ball saw Mossley man Mike Fish lob Gavin Phillis to regain an undeserved parity for the home side in the dying stages of the first half. Justly though, the Almighty Father proved his existence when a throw in led to Brett finding the left corner of the Mossley net with a cool finish.
Five minutes into the second period, substitute Andy Rowan latched onto a lifted ball and powered home a shot back across hapless Higginbotham from outside the area. The finish with aplomb effectively sank Mossley, who were being well outplayed. Rowan would leave the field soon after, job done!
With half an hour to go, Mossley made a game of it with a surprise goal from distance. Town would respond mere minutes later, when a Lee Connor clearance helped sink his old club, as it found Greg Kelly who beat his man for pace before sliding a finish under poor Higginbotham to put the fixture beyond doubt at 4-2.
With the points all but sealed, Garforth players took turns to attempt to find the score sheet. Kamara tried to add to his tally with a determined run and shot, and Duncan Williams hit the post after a Hotchkiss through ball. Williams would curl a ball upfield that was teed off for Dom Blair to try his luck. Against this backdrop, Mossley would steal a third goal from an ungainly goalmouth scramble, but it clearly did not improve their mood, as an undignified spat soon occurred involving several Mossley men and Ben Small.
While they may have been Ready to Rumble, the official wasn’t, and soon signalled the end of the game and thus the gain of three valuable points for the Miner’s. Garforth can look at this win as proof they can match the top teams in the division, no matter how hot their form may be. Similar performances will surely culminate in a high league standing come April/May at the season’s climax.
The visiting Yorkshiremen almost claimed the ascendancy early when a speculative through ball from prodigal son Milton Turner caused unease in the Mossley defence, leaving captain Brett Renshaw with the opportunity to steal in and clatter the goalkeeper. Unfortunately the ball rolled clear, but it served as an early signal of intent.
Mossley won a corner, and the resulting effort was cleared to Greg Kelly who burst up the left wing and almost scored at the climax of a mazy run. After three hellacious minutes, the home side were quickly realising they had a game on their hands.
Still in the first five minutes of the game, Duncan Williams and Greg linked up well down the left in a move that led to the ball falling kindly for Milton to try his luck with a ferocious drive from twenty yards. Mossley numero uno Liam Higginbotham did well to deny Town a lead.
Mossley managed to stifle Town in the following ten minutes, despite Brett coming close with a blasted effort after a neat Cruyff turn. Finally though, Garforth struck true on 26 minutes when a Renshaw clash allowed Oliver Hotchkiss to burst forwards and lure in a challenge. Oliver managed to release the ball in time, and Nathan Kamara was on hand to slide the ball low to Higginbotham’s left, and give Garforth a deserved lead.
Another incisive Town move saw Renshaw released to smash the ball home, but the linesman’s flag put paid to celebrations. Soon after, a speculative through ball saw Mossley man Mike Fish lob Gavin Phillis to regain an undeserved parity for the home side in the dying stages of the first half. Justly though, the Almighty Father proved his existence when a throw in led to Brett finding the left corner of the Mossley net with a cool finish.
Five minutes into the second period, substitute Andy Rowan latched onto a lifted ball and powered home a shot back across hapless Higginbotham from outside the area. The finish with aplomb effectively sank Mossley, who were being well outplayed. Rowan would leave the field soon after, job done!
With half an hour to go, Mossley made a game of it with a surprise goal from distance. Town would respond mere minutes later, when a Lee Connor clearance helped sink his old club, as it found Greg Kelly who beat his man for pace before sliding a finish under poor Higginbotham to put the fixture beyond doubt at 4-2.
With the points all but sealed, Garforth players took turns to attempt to find the score sheet. Kamara tried to add to his tally with a determined run and shot, and Duncan Williams hit the post after a Hotchkiss through ball. Williams would curl a ball upfield that was teed off for Dom Blair to try his luck. Against this backdrop, Mossley would steal a third goal from an ungainly goalmouth scramble, but it clearly did not improve their mood, as an undignified spat soon occurred involving several Mossley men and Ben Small.
While they may have been Ready to Rumble, the official wasn’t, and soon signalled the end of the game and thus the gain of three valuable points for the Miner’s. Garforth can look at this win as proof they can match the top teams in the division, no matter how hot their form may be. Similar performances will surely culminate in a high league standing come April/May at the season’s climax.
Garforth 0 - Durham City 3
Garforth glimpsed potential promotion rivals this cold Tuesday night, as Durham City produced a clinical display to counter the rough, ready and willing hosts. While a stoppage time goal gave the visitors an unfairly commanding scoreline, the ability of Durham is indisputable.
Town created some moderately good ‘striker’s’ chances from time to time, but were unable to apply the final golden touch. The incessant rain throughout the day made the grass wet and slippy, which was illustrated by the sliding two footed challenge made on Nathan Kamara’s shins after only six minutes, a move known in professional wrestling as ‘the baseball slide’. This would prove to be a feature, as many balls were slightly overhit only to skid out of play, and many overzealous, dangerous tackles committed.
The first incisive move came from Town; Greg Kelly turned sharply in his own half and released captain Renshaw. Garforth’s man of the match held the ball up before cutting back inside, though his cross was too strongly hit. Minutes later on the quarter-hour mark, Durham responded with a viciously struck shot that sailed over.
The dependable Mark Piper darted past his man on the right, surviving a clipped heel before gently curling a through ball into Brett’s path. The skipper took the ball in his stride, but his effort when sliding was cut wide.
Soon after, Greg left his marker to chase a through ball, but the wet grass was his undoing, and the chance went begging. The first twenty-five minutes belonged to Garforth, and the points seemed in reach.
A lean period followed, though the 149 in attendance were vociferous and seemed to enjoy the fare. As the half neared its end, the newly frisky Greg tried his luck with two speculative shots, the second of which from a neat cut in that slid wide, the first sailing just over. Durham came close with a cheeky daisy cutter of a free kick that almost caught keeper Phillis by surprise, but Town ended the first in the ascendancy.
Several people voiced this opinion, and it was the kiss of death. Five minutes in, Town were stunned when a cross fell kindly to be drilled back in, and the ball deflected past Phillis off the knee of Malcolm Holihue.
Ten minutes later, and Town shot themselves in the foot when they were countered by a quick break. The bounce of the ball on the wet surface wrong-footed a Town defender, and an inadvertent touch lifted the ball over Phillis, and the pursuing Durham attacker was able to cut the ball across the box to be converted by …erm… Johnny English. He braved several challenges to tuck the ball home, but then - he knows no fear.
Town were not dead, however, and a beautifully curled Duncan Williams in-swinger was almost headed in, and the following cross saw a shot blocked before the ball fell to Renshaw. Sadly, the ball was skied from ten yards, but Garforth were pressing and looking to score.
On halfway, Nathan Kamara was elbowed, and Durham elected to play on, though with great composure Piper claimed the ball, turned and played it out smoothly. Disaster soon struck however, as Ben Small made a perfectly fair tackle. Unfortunately, the recipient of this slide ended up smacking into the advertising boards, and the referee promptly sent Small off. This ended Garforth hopes.
The death knell sounded and the proverbial fat lady piped up in stoppage time with the Bananarama classic, when Durham claimed a breakaway goal through Callum Smith. This effectively made a closely contested match appear like a whitewash, but Town can look to bounce back from this with another spirited F.A Cup performance on Saturday, and we hope to see you all there.
Town created some moderately good ‘striker’s’ chances from time to time, but were unable to apply the final golden touch. The incessant rain throughout the day made the grass wet and slippy, which was illustrated by the sliding two footed challenge made on Nathan Kamara’s shins after only six minutes, a move known in professional wrestling as ‘the baseball slide’. This would prove to be a feature, as many balls were slightly overhit only to skid out of play, and many overzealous, dangerous tackles committed.
The first incisive move came from Town; Greg Kelly turned sharply in his own half and released captain Renshaw. Garforth’s man of the match held the ball up before cutting back inside, though his cross was too strongly hit. Minutes later on the quarter-hour mark, Durham responded with a viciously struck shot that sailed over.
The dependable Mark Piper darted past his man on the right, surviving a clipped heel before gently curling a through ball into Brett’s path. The skipper took the ball in his stride, but his effort when sliding was cut wide.
Soon after, Greg left his marker to chase a through ball, but the wet grass was his undoing, and the chance went begging. The first twenty-five minutes belonged to Garforth, and the points seemed in reach.
A lean period followed, though the 149 in attendance were vociferous and seemed to enjoy the fare. As the half neared its end, the newly frisky Greg tried his luck with two speculative shots, the second of which from a neat cut in that slid wide, the first sailing just over. Durham came close with a cheeky daisy cutter of a free kick that almost caught keeper Phillis by surprise, but Town ended the first in the ascendancy.
Several people voiced this opinion, and it was the kiss of death. Five minutes in, Town were stunned when a cross fell kindly to be drilled back in, and the ball deflected past Phillis off the knee of Malcolm Holihue.
Ten minutes later, and Town shot themselves in the foot when they were countered by a quick break. The bounce of the ball on the wet surface wrong-footed a Town defender, and an inadvertent touch lifted the ball over Phillis, and the pursuing Durham attacker was able to cut the ball across the box to be converted by …erm… Johnny English. He braved several challenges to tuck the ball home, but then - he knows no fear.
Town were not dead, however, and a beautifully curled Duncan Williams in-swinger was almost headed in, and the following cross saw a shot blocked before the ball fell to Renshaw. Sadly, the ball was skied from ten yards, but Garforth were pressing and looking to score.
On halfway, Nathan Kamara was elbowed, and Durham elected to play on, though with great composure Piper claimed the ball, turned and played it out smoothly. Disaster soon struck however, as Ben Small made a perfectly fair tackle. Unfortunately, the recipient of this slide ended up smacking into the advertising boards, and the referee promptly sent Small off. This ended Garforth hopes.
The death knell sounded and the proverbial fat lady piped up in stoppage time with the Bananarama classic, when Durham claimed a breakaway goal through Callum Smith. This effectively made a closely contested match appear like a whitewash, but Town can look to bounce back from this with another spirited F.A Cup performance on Saturday, and we hope to see you all there.
Garforth Town v Tow Law Town - FA Cup
Garforth began their march to Wembley with a revitalising victory over Tow Law Town in the early stages of the world famous Football Association Cup. The visitors have tasted success in FA competitions – FA Vase finalists a decade ago – yet boasted no Chris Waddle’s in their new generation, who fell by a goal to nought in the Genix Coliseum to Garforth’s lions.
The Lawyers were outfought and out-thought in an entertaining tussle between two sides who know full well the financial benefits of cup runs. One in particular, Garforth’s Mark Piper, reached the Vase final at Wembley with AFC Totton in 2007 as a 17 year old, and today played with maturity and an assuredness that belies his age. Piper and fellow youngster Duncan Williams excelled against limited but strong opposition, and worked tirelessly in their given fields.
Throughout the first half, Town pressed to no avail, facing an ageing goalkeeper of Southall-esque proportions. A shot-stopping masterclass notwithstanding, the Town frontline were linking up well, with Andy Heywood, Dom Blair (yes, Vernol’s kid) and the aforementioned Piper playing off one another at ease. All Tow Law could muster in response was a weak half volley from thirty yards that culminated with a Garforth throw in. Oh, for the days of Waddle.
A reportedly furious Clifford admonishment in the interval visibly awakened the home side, and added urgency to their endeavours. Captain Renshaw found the woodwork, and had another near miss when a corner ricocheted into his path, and Brett’s low drive was deflected wide. This sparked a resurgent period, as Blair began causing problems on the left with his pace and movement, and Town began to exert control.
The Lawyers finally managed an offensive move, and it almost resulted in a goal when a kind bounce led to a prodded half volley that hit the crossbar. It only served as a wake up call to Garforth, and shocked them into establishing dominance.
A Town corner fell to Andy Heywood on seventy minutes, and his sliced half volley rasped over the top right corner. By now Law had disintegrated, and were clutching on for the replay that would never come.
Tow Law adopted an interesting management tactic that involved one coach going behind the goals to give players instructions. This would continue throughout, drawing the ire of Clifford.
Finally, the breakthrough occurred in the dying stages of the game, when on 87 minutes a poorly conceded free kick from Law led to Duncan Williams curling a fine ball which was steered back across goal into the left corner by Callum Selby. Garforth players, management and fans alike went ballistic, with Simon ‘Broken Ribs’ Clifford the recipient of a plethora of passionate embraces from his staff.
Town could have added to the tally. Williams latched onto a flick on to try and lift the ball over the keeper, and Chris ‘Tevez’ Brown drew applause when he harried the Law no.1, having sprinted from the other side of the field. The dispossession did not lead to a goal, but was good for some shredded nerves of the visitors who were desperately trying to muster the semblance of a late counter offensive.
Deep in stoppage time, with the distant scent of Wembley in Town nostrils, Piper cut a cross-field pass to Dean Mitchell on the right. Dean unselfishly stroked the ball through into Duncan’s path, and the younger Williams brother rounded the TL shot-stopper and tried to find Brown with a lifted cut back. With the goal at his mercy, the ball was over hit for the Geordie, but it was a fine team attack, with good passing and movement.
The raucous crowd rose in volume as the referee concluded a fine FA Cup qualifier between two hungry non-leaguers, an enjoyable affair that saw a lively, loud crowd with hardly any unpleasantness and more camaraderie with the County Durham flag wavers than usually seen with the good inhabitants of Lancashire. Garforth will look to build on this victory with a similarly inspired showing in league form, and turn their ground into The Fortress Genix in the coming months, in a Town Called Malice.
The Lawyers were outfought and out-thought in an entertaining tussle between two sides who know full well the financial benefits of cup runs. One in particular, Garforth’s Mark Piper, reached the Vase final at Wembley with AFC Totton in 2007 as a 17 year old, and today played with maturity and an assuredness that belies his age. Piper and fellow youngster Duncan Williams excelled against limited but strong opposition, and worked tirelessly in their given fields.
Throughout the first half, Town pressed to no avail, facing an ageing goalkeeper of Southall-esque proportions. A shot-stopping masterclass notwithstanding, the Town frontline were linking up well, with Andy Heywood, Dom Blair (yes, Vernol’s kid) and the aforementioned Piper playing off one another at ease. All Tow Law could muster in response was a weak half volley from thirty yards that culminated with a Garforth throw in. Oh, for the days of Waddle.
A reportedly furious Clifford admonishment in the interval visibly awakened the home side, and added urgency to their endeavours. Captain Renshaw found the woodwork, and had another near miss when a corner ricocheted into his path, and Brett’s low drive was deflected wide. This sparked a resurgent period, as Blair began causing problems on the left with his pace and movement, and Town began to exert control.
The Lawyers finally managed an offensive move, and it almost resulted in a goal when a kind bounce led to a prodded half volley that hit the crossbar. It only served as a wake up call to Garforth, and shocked them into establishing dominance.
A Town corner fell to Andy Heywood on seventy minutes, and his sliced half volley rasped over the top right corner. By now Law had disintegrated, and were clutching on for the replay that would never come.
Tow Law adopted an interesting management tactic that involved one coach going behind the goals to give players instructions. This would continue throughout, drawing the ire of Clifford.
Finally, the breakthrough occurred in the dying stages of the game, when on 87 minutes a poorly conceded free kick from Law led to Duncan Williams curling a fine ball which was steered back across goal into the left corner by Callum Selby. Garforth players, management and fans alike went ballistic, with Simon ‘Broken Ribs’ Clifford the recipient of a plethora of passionate embraces from his staff.
Town could have added to the tally. Williams latched onto a flick on to try and lift the ball over the keeper, and Chris ‘Tevez’ Brown drew applause when he harried the Law no.1, having sprinted from the other side of the field. The dispossession did not lead to a goal, but was good for some shredded nerves of the visitors who were desperately trying to muster the semblance of a late counter offensive.
Deep in stoppage time, with the distant scent of Wembley in Town nostrils, Piper cut a cross-field pass to Dean Mitchell on the right. Dean unselfishly stroked the ball through into Duncan’s path, and the younger Williams brother rounded the TL shot-stopper and tried to find Brown with a lifted cut back. With the goal at his mercy, the ball was over hit for the Geordie, but it was a fine team attack, with good passing and movement.
The raucous crowd rose in volume as the referee concluded a fine FA Cup qualifier between two hungry non-leaguers, an enjoyable affair that saw a lively, loud crowd with hardly any unpleasantness and more camaraderie with the County Durham flag wavers than usually seen with the good inhabitants of Lancashire. Garforth will look to build on this victory with a similarly inspired showing in league form, and turn their ground into The Fortress Genix in the coming months, in a Town Called Malice.
Monday 8 September 2008
The best and worst of Garforth Town - 07/08 in review
Garforth Town – Season Review
There’s never a dull moment at Garforth Town AFC, the self proclaimed ‘world’s most famous amateur club’. Everyone associated with the club are very pleased with their team’s performances and the progress that has been shown throughout 2007/08, a season that will historically be remembered as Town’s inaugural seventh tier experience in English football, having never competed as high as the UniBond League before. At the end of last season Town put together a run of 19 games with just 2 defeats to earn promotion onto the next stage, the newly reformed UniBond League First Division North, and have successfully defied the odds with a mid table finish, having lurked near the play off places as an unlikely promotion contender.
Garforth had never reached this level in their history, a remarkable achievement for Simon Clifford, who took over management of a struggling, debt ridden 10th tier outfit. The team, largely that of the Northern Counties East League winners of 2006/07, has coped fantastically well with the step up, undertaking their task with gusto. Garforth ended the season positioned in 10th place without ever apparently reaching the full potential their young, talented players suggest they possess, and haven’t faced any truly dominant, formidable opposition.
The season proved an invaluable experience for the younger members of the team, notably teenagers Duncan Williams, Mark Piper, Seb Muddel, Adam Clarke and Mark Harding. Piper, a graduate of the Brazilian Soccer School Clifford set up in Southampton which his parents run, opined; “Even with (depleted) numbers, we were only really troubled by the title chasers – Skelmersdale and Bradford Park Avenue. We beat FC United of Manchester (who stole into second place ahead of Skelmers at the last), and Curzon (who were top from about January to April before losing to FC and Skelmers and finishing an unlucky 4th). Outside of that four we outplayed everyone else, and lost silly games with set piece goals or daft mistakes. This league is ours next year.”
Despite inconsistent form Garforth maintained a place around the play-off positions throughout the season, having slipped from comfort in third after a disastrous January. Such an achievement will require a similar run of form to last year but having dropped a number of unnecessary points due to errors and inexperience, the management, team and supporters will be working hard to amend this occurrence and ensure that the prospect of promotion is rather more than a possibility next year, a season which will herald the return of messianic Simon Clifford, as the Miner’s look to march onwards and upwards into the realms of the unfulfilled prophecies of their owner.
Note: the following is merely the opinion of the writer.
Performance of the season
A toss-up between the 4-0 annihilation of Newcastle Blue Star, and the sweet victory over FC United of Manchester. In terms of complete dominance, the Geordie bashing was an epitome of total control, whereas in terms of a hard fought victory as underdogs against a big gun, nothing from 07/08 in the entire UniBond can top the 1-0 deficit Garforth inflicted on FC in front of their home fans courtesy of a Jason St Juste goal. The late goal salvo of Luis de Melo, the five minute hat-trick, makes the Rossendale victory noteworthy here too.
Top three –
1-0 – FC United of Manchester
4-0 – Newcastle Blue Star
5-2 – Rossendale FC
Performer of the Season
Garforth Town fielded some determined players this season, but the stand-out for this writer at least was 19 year old Duncan Williams. Nothing can be said that hasn’t already been uttered, and Duncan will grow into a mature, class act on and off the field. Worthy mentions are 17 goal top scorer and left winger by trade Greg Kelly, defender Milton Turner, the hard working Mark Piper and stalwart captain Brett Renshaw.
Goal of the Season
While not in the most enjoyable of games, Chris Brown’s sizzler from distance against BPA stands out as Garforth’s best goal from 2007/08. An individual effort, all the more pleasing coming from a defender by trade who toils in a striking role he is unaccustomed to, Brown received the ball thirty yards from goal on the right channel, and struck fiercely back across goal, the ball flying over the stranded goalkeeper and dipping into the top left corner, to the delight of the Garforth support.
Ones to forget
A toss-up between Woodley Sports, BPA or Skelmersdale at home. I won’t linger.
Showboat of the Season
The Rivelino elastico from Dunga Williams away at Mossley in April. Take your bow.
Individual Performance of the Season
Milton Turner in the Horsfall Stadium Swamp. 0-3 would have been 3-0 had eleven players turned in that display.
D.Fletcher
There’s never a dull moment at Garforth Town AFC, the self proclaimed ‘world’s most famous amateur club’. Everyone associated with the club are very pleased with their team’s performances and the progress that has been shown throughout 2007/08, a season that will historically be remembered as Town’s inaugural seventh tier experience in English football, having never competed as high as the UniBond League before. At the end of last season Town put together a run of 19 games with just 2 defeats to earn promotion onto the next stage, the newly reformed UniBond League First Division North, and have successfully defied the odds with a mid table finish, having lurked near the play off places as an unlikely promotion contender.
Garforth had never reached this level in their history, a remarkable achievement for Simon Clifford, who took over management of a struggling, debt ridden 10th tier outfit. The team, largely that of the Northern Counties East League winners of 2006/07, has coped fantastically well with the step up, undertaking their task with gusto. Garforth ended the season positioned in 10th place without ever apparently reaching the full potential their young, talented players suggest they possess, and haven’t faced any truly dominant, formidable opposition.
The season proved an invaluable experience for the younger members of the team, notably teenagers Duncan Williams, Mark Piper, Seb Muddel, Adam Clarke and Mark Harding. Piper, a graduate of the Brazilian Soccer School Clifford set up in Southampton which his parents run, opined; “Even with (depleted) numbers, we were only really troubled by the title chasers – Skelmersdale and Bradford Park Avenue. We beat FC United of Manchester (who stole into second place ahead of Skelmers at the last), and Curzon (who were top from about January to April before losing to FC and Skelmers and finishing an unlucky 4th). Outside of that four we outplayed everyone else, and lost silly games with set piece goals or daft mistakes. This league is ours next year.”
Despite inconsistent form Garforth maintained a place around the play-off positions throughout the season, having slipped from comfort in third after a disastrous January. Such an achievement will require a similar run of form to last year but having dropped a number of unnecessary points due to errors and inexperience, the management, team and supporters will be working hard to amend this occurrence and ensure that the prospect of promotion is rather more than a possibility next year, a season which will herald the return of messianic Simon Clifford, as the Miner’s look to march onwards and upwards into the realms of the unfulfilled prophecies of their owner.
Note: the following is merely the opinion of the writer.
Performance of the season
A toss-up between the 4-0 annihilation of Newcastle Blue Star, and the sweet victory over FC United of Manchester. In terms of complete dominance, the Geordie bashing was an epitome of total control, whereas in terms of a hard fought victory as underdogs against a big gun, nothing from 07/08 in the entire UniBond can top the 1-0 deficit Garforth inflicted on FC in front of their home fans courtesy of a Jason St Juste goal. The late goal salvo of Luis de Melo, the five minute hat-trick, makes the Rossendale victory noteworthy here too.
Top three –
1-0 – FC United of Manchester
4-0 – Newcastle Blue Star
5-2 – Rossendale FC
Performer of the Season
Garforth Town fielded some determined players this season, but the stand-out for this writer at least was 19 year old Duncan Williams. Nothing can be said that hasn’t already been uttered, and Duncan will grow into a mature, class act on and off the field. Worthy mentions are 17 goal top scorer and left winger by trade Greg Kelly, defender Milton Turner, the hard working Mark Piper and stalwart captain Brett Renshaw.
Goal of the Season
While not in the most enjoyable of games, Chris Brown’s sizzler from distance against BPA stands out as Garforth’s best goal from 2007/08. An individual effort, all the more pleasing coming from a defender by trade who toils in a striking role he is unaccustomed to, Brown received the ball thirty yards from goal on the right channel, and struck fiercely back across goal, the ball flying over the stranded goalkeeper and dipping into the top left corner, to the delight of the Garforth support.
Ones to forget
A toss-up between Woodley Sports, BPA or Skelmersdale at home. I won’t linger.
Showboat of the Season
The Rivelino elastico from Dunga Williams away at Mossley in April. Take your bow.
Individual Performance of the Season
Milton Turner in the Horsfall Stadium Swamp. 0-3 would have been 3-0 had eleven players turned in that display.
D.Fletcher
Monday 5 May 2008
Garforth Town 1 - FC United of Manchester 2
26.4.2008
In April 1945, Soviet writers such as Ilya Ehrenburg gloated that the Red Army hordes were marauding through the Third Reich and ‘the lair of the fascist beast’. Sixty three years later, the Red hordes of Greater Manchester and numerous other places descended on peaceful Garforth – the lair of ‘Leeds Scum’ – as Town looked to enjoy their proposed end of season carnival devoid of trouble. While the day was memorable, the questionable conduct of many led this writer in particular to ponder as to why the fixture was treated by the visitors as Leeds versus Manchester United in a hotbed of activity at the Genix Healthcare Stadium.
Mounted police rode through the streets of Garforth, and the scene resembled the bitter home leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray of Turkey. On high alert, West Yorkshire’s finest did not allow many into the ground, and apprehended potential troublemakers and an enterprising ticket tout. Ominously, FC marched to the ground through Cedar Ridge with many already chanting ‘We all hate Leeds Scum’. With the surrounding area of the Genix heaving with a sea of red and black, blue and yellow, flags and scarves and a mass of humanity, the stage was set for a belter of a match.
FC United held the far side of the ground, Garforth the other, and the terracing became the centre of attention as the reds made their intentions clear by hurling abuse at three 16 year olds in Leeds shirts on the Garforth side. This would continue throughout the game, as the vitriolic visitors began chanting incessantly ‘We all hate Leeds scum’.
There was an entertaining sideshow to the day – the football match. Having succumbed to title chasing Skelmersdale and Mossley, Garforth delivered a performance to satisfy the support at the season’s climax, and the year to come looks promising with the return of Simon Clifford. Town applied early pressure, but were once again unable to score as the absence of a true marksman was apparent.
The most noteworthy incident in footballing terms of the first period occurred when Chris Brown was through on goal with only Sam Ashton in the FC goal to beat, but was cynically hacked down which went with surprising impunity, and no dismissal was forthcoming.
While FC sang various insulting Manchester United chants directed at Leeds, the Garforth crowd were restrained in their response. Inevitably, a small group of Leeds including several youngsters finally responded to the taunts with an anti-Manchester United song, which was short-lived. However, a group of FC hurtled round the stadium mob-handed and ambushed them. The game was temporarily halted. While the police reacted swiftly, many FC stayed in this area designated for home support, joining in enthusiastically with the renewed ‘We all hate Leeds scum’ chanting that rang out from an appreciative United terrace.
At half time the bar was closed by police, as certain FC fans decided that limiting their assaults on Garforth to that of the verbal variety was unproductive.
The second half proved just as entertaining, as Town came close with a Renshaw header and several shots struck wide. Disaster struck as a Jamie Baguley free kick took a horrible deflection, and bounced into the Garforth goal past Spratt. Town replied with a headed goal from Richard Carrick, after intense pressure that led to the award of a corner. Alas, it wasn’t to be, as Renshaw’s goal-line clearance of an FC header was deemed to have been made with his hand, and the referee consequently brandished the red card at Garforth’s captain. Nick Platt coolly converted the penalty.
‘There’s only one Peter Ridsdale’, chanted FC. ‘There’s only one Malcolm Glazer’, I replied.
The final whistle concluded the first ever season in the Unibond League for both sides, and Garforth were magnanimous in defeat as Simon Clifford, Alan Billingham, Steve Nichol and Vernol Blair applauded the visiting supporters as well as their own. FC United Club Chairman Andy Walsh spoke cheerfully, and opined that the season had been good and that ‘this day could have been much worse.’ Kindly, he expressed concern at the ramifications of police involvement for our club, and wished us the best.
Both the match and day were unforgettable, for both the right and wrong reasons, and on behalf of Garforth Town, from Garforth, West Yorkshire, I would like to wish FC United all the best in their attempt to win promotion via the play-offs. I also wish them a speedy and safe journey home from the 'lair of leeds scum', as the real 'Red Army' of 1945 remained in the 'lair of the fascist beast' at their leisure for nearly half a century - with the current recession I couldn't imagine this village sustaining our distinguished Manc guests for so long. As for the Miner’s, with a bolstered squad, the return of Simon and our inaugural Unibond experience to build on, Garforth Town should emerge a real fighting force in September and let the storm break loose – on the pitch.
See you all next season, keep the faith, trust and believe.
In April 1945, Soviet writers such as Ilya Ehrenburg gloated that the Red Army hordes were marauding through the Third Reich and ‘the lair of the fascist beast’. Sixty three years later, the Red hordes of Greater Manchester and numerous other places descended on peaceful Garforth – the lair of ‘Leeds Scum’ – as Town looked to enjoy their proposed end of season carnival devoid of trouble. While the day was memorable, the questionable conduct of many led this writer in particular to ponder as to why the fixture was treated by the visitors as Leeds versus Manchester United in a hotbed of activity at the Genix Healthcare Stadium.
Mounted police rode through the streets of Garforth, and the scene resembled the bitter home leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final against Galatasaray of Turkey. On high alert, West Yorkshire’s finest did not allow many into the ground, and apprehended potential troublemakers and an enterprising ticket tout. Ominously, FC marched to the ground through Cedar Ridge with many already chanting ‘We all hate Leeds Scum’. With the surrounding area of the Genix heaving with a sea of red and black, blue and yellow, flags and scarves and a mass of humanity, the stage was set for a belter of a match.
FC United held the far side of the ground, Garforth the other, and the terracing became the centre of attention as the reds made their intentions clear by hurling abuse at three 16 year olds in Leeds shirts on the Garforth side. This would continue throughout the game, as the vitriolic visitors began chanting incessantly ‘We all hate Leeds scum’.
There was an entertaining sideshow to the day – the football match. Having succumbed to title chasing Skelmersdale and Mossley, Garforth delivered a performance to satisfy the support at the season’s climax, and the year to come looks promising with the return of Simon Clifford. Town applied early pressure, but were once again unable to score as the absence of a true marksman was apparent.
The most noteworthy incident in footballing terms of the first period occurred when Chris Brown was through on goal with only Sam Ashton in the FC goal to beat, but was cynically hacked down which went with surprising impunity, and no dismissal was forthcoming.
While FC sang various insulting Manchester United chants directed at Leeds, the Garforth crowd were restrained in their response. Inevitably, a small group of Leeds including several youngsters finally responded to the taunts with an anti-Manchester United song, which was short-lived. However, a group of FC hurtled round the stadium mob-handed and ambushed them. The game was temporarily halted. While the police reacted swiftly, many FC stayed in this area designated for home support, joining in enthusiastically with the renewed ‘We all hate Leeds scum’ chanting that rang out from an appreciative United terrace.
At half time the bar was closed by police, as certain FC fans decided that limiting their assaults on Garforth to that of the verbal variety was unproductive.
The second half proved just as entertaining, as Town came close with a Renshaw header and several shots struck wide. Disaster struck as a Jamie Baguley free kick took a horrible deflection, and bounced into the Garforth goal past Spratt. Town replied with a headed goal from Richard Carrick, after intense pressure that led to the award of a corner. Alas, it wasn’t to be, as Renshaw’s goal-line clearance of an FC header was deemed to have been made with his hand, and the referee consequently brandished the red card at Garforth’s captain. Nick Platt coolly converted the penalty.
‘There’s only one Peter Ridsdale’, chanted FC. ‘There’s only one Malcolm Glazer’, I replied.
The final whistle concluded the first ever season in the Unibond League for both sides, and Garforth were magnanimous in defeat as Simon Clifford, Alan Billingham, Steve Nichol and Vernol Blair applauded the visiting supporters as well as their own. FC United Club Chairman Andy Walsh spoke cheerfully, and opined that the season had been good and that ‘this day could have been much worse.’ Kindly, he expressed concern at the ramifications of police involvement for our club, and wished us the best.
Both the match and day were unforgettable, for both the right and wrong reasons, and on behalf of Garforth Town, from Garforth, West Yorkshire, I would like to wish FC United all the best in their attempt to win promotion via the play-offs. I also wish them a speedy and safe journey home from the 'lair of leeds scum', as the real 'Red Army' of 1945 remained in the 'lair of the fascist beast' at their leisure for nearly half a century - with the current recession I couldn't imagine this village sustaining our distinguished Manc guests for so long. As for the Miner’s, with a bolstered squad, the return of Simon and our inaugural Unibond experience to build on, Garforth Town should emerge a real fighting force in September and let the storm break loose – on the pitch.
See you all next season, keep the faith, trust and believe.
Mossley 2 - Garforth Town 1
22.4.2008
The players of Garforth Town entered their penultimate fixture of the season determinedly, but their defiance was ultimately futile as the Miner's were stung by the occasionally fundamental injustice of football that the team withthe most goals wins, as an undeserving Mossley claimed the full three points from this encounter with two unexpected thunderbolts from range. Despite controlling the pace of the game, Town could not claw their way back into proceedings despite a late consolation goal courtesy of Mark Piper.
Town were sharp early doors, and an imminent victory seemed inevitable judging by the gulf in class with the player's comparative abilities. Piper - a welcome return to form - released Luis de Melo on the right but the Portuguese midfielder's cross was blocked, as was a shot from Adam Clarke following a penetrative move down the left flank with Duncan Williams, Chris Brown and Piper. The former Southampton and Brazilian Soccer Schools graduate himself received a through ball from Williams and his cut inside and cross was marginally overlong for Brown. Brown turned from a throw-in and shot narrowly wide. Williams displayed his contempt for the opposition with a 'Rivelino elastico' on the left flank, to widespread grudging grins and chuckles among the home support. Olé, olé.
The party was short-lived. Gatecrasher Dave Boardman latched onto a loose headed ball on 40 minutes, and shot assuredly and low from twenty yards.Phillis tried in vain to save but the Mossley man's shot was well struck, and Town found themselves unexpectedly in a losing situation once more.
With attack now a necessity, Town proceeded to dominate the second half in its entirety. Piper and Williams were a constant threat, and Vernol Blair showed good touches and even a yard of pace after entering the fray to enhance the attack. Mark Pipú was released once more on goal, but uncharacteristically in light of his performance was unable to beat Ashley Connor in the Mossley goal,who did well to block the southerner's effort. Mossley meanwhile failed utterly to muster a mere semblance of attacking football, yet the visitors could not claim their divine right to parity.
Disaster struck along with the lightning a second time, as a fiercely fired yet mis-hit cross from Leon Henry comprehensively found its way past Phillis,and the flaccid and previously wilted hosts were suddenly revitalised, as they were now only quarter of an hour away from recording a victory as unjust as that of the Greeks at Troy.
Minutes later, Garforth regained some ground as Luis's in-swinging corner found the head of Piper, who powered the ball past Connor to retrieve some battered pride and create intrigue for the final ten. Again, it wasn't to be,but not for lack of trying as Williams tried his luck with a chest and volley,Luis with an ambitious and high, curled free kick from thirty yards and Brett Renshaw with a header met from Blair's delicate set up. A relieved Mossley applauded their long suffering and remarkably enduring fans, as Town trudged off fully aware that they had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory leading into their end of season carnival at home, hosting the aforementioned red hordes of, apparently, Manchester. Bring on 'the Busby Babes'.
The players of Garforth Town entered their penultimate fixture of the season determinedly, but their defiance was ultimately futile as the Miner's were stung by the occasionally fundamental injustice of football that the team withthe most goals wins, as an undeserving Mossley claimed the full three points from this encounter with two unexpected thunderbolts from range. Despite controlling the pace of the game, Town could not claw their way back into proceedings despite a late consolation goal courtesy of Mark Piper.
Town were sharp early doors, and an imminent victory seemed inevitable judging by the gulf in class with the player's comparative abilities. Piper - a welcome return to form - released Luis de Melo on the right but the Portuguese midfielder's cross was blocked, as was a shot from Adam Clarke following a penetrative move down the left flank with Duncan Williams, Chris Brown and Piper. The former Southampton and Brazilian Soccer Schools graduate himself received a through ball from Williams and his cut inside and cross was marginally overlong for Brown. Brown turned from a throw-in and shot narrowly wide. Williams displayed his contempt for the opposition with a 'Rivelino elastico' on the left flank, to widespread grudging grins and chuckles among the home support. Olé, olé.
The party was short-lived. Gatecrasher Dave Boardman latched onto a loose headed ball on 40 minutes, and shot assuredly and low from twenty yards.Phillis tried in vain to save but the Mossley man's shot was well struck, and Town found themselves unexpectedly in a losing situation once more.
With attack now a necessity, Town proceeded to dominate the second half in its entirety. Piper and Williams were a constant threat, and Vernol Blair showed good touches and even a yard of pace after entering the fray to enhance the attack. Mark Pipú was released once more on goal, but uncharacteristically in light of his performance was unable to beat Ashley Connor in the Mossley goal,who did well to block the southerner's effort. Mossley meanwhile failed utterly to muster a mere semblance of attacking football, yet the visitors could not claim their divine right to parity.
Disaster struck along with the lightning a second time, as a fiercely fired yet mis-hit cross from Leon Henry comprehensively found its way past Phillis,and the flaccid and previously wilted hosts were suddenly revitalised, as they were now only quarter of an hour away from recording a victory as unjust as that of the Greeks at Troy.
Minutes later, Garforth regained some ground as Luis's in-swinging corner found the head of Piper, who powered the ball past Connor to retrieve some battered pride and create intrigue for the final ten. Again, it wasn't to be,but not for lack of trying as Williams tried his luck with a chest and volley,Luis with an ambitious and high, curled free kick from thirty yards and Brett Renshaw with a header met from Blair's delicate set up. A relieved Mossley applauded their long suffering and remarkably enduring fans, as Town trudged off fully aware that they had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory leading into their end of season carnival at home, hosting the aforementioned red hordes of, apparently, Manchester. Bring on 'the Busby Babes'.
Garforth Town 0 - Skelmersdale United 3
19.4.2008
Garforth Town’s penultimate home game of the season ended in ignominious defeat, as title chasing Skelmersdale United maintained their pressure on pace-setters Bradford Park Avenue and Curzon. The Miner’s, bereft of numerous key players, fought bravely but were ultimately unable to overcome the deficit inflicted on them with two demoralising goals on the brink of half time.
The game ebbed and flowed, but neither side were able to apply the decisive touches through the application of dextrous skill or force. Skelmersdale showed an unusual lack of finesse or threat for a promotion chasing outfit, but the absence of a recognised goalscorer in the Garforth attack visibly hampered their ability to capitalise.
After several near misses from the home side, a well worked counter attack saw a curled cross field ball lure Brett Renshaw and Milton Turner out of position, as Skelmersdale striker Tony Murt cut the ball back into the centre for Chris Almond to tuck neatly past Spratt. The disheartening strike clearly affected Town, and the home defence were shell-shocked when an overlap two minutes later saw Sean McConville skip past his marker and slide the ball into the bottom right corner. With less than two minutes to play in the first, Town required a miraculous recovery in the second.
An early injury to George Williams necessitated the introduction of joint-manager Vernol Blair, as Town looked to improve their attacking success, but could not pierce the flanks or backline of the solid Skelmersdale system. Lee Ryan burst past an opponent and fired narrowly wide, and Mark Piper was unlucky with a low shot that flashed past the United goal. After various attempts to claw back numeric parity, Garforth were sank in the 77th as Aaron Turner elbowed Adam Clarke to the floor, before admirably switching feet with a quick drag and step and firing into the top left corner adroitly.
Garforth briefly came to life, as a seemingly valid penalty claim was ignored by the official, but could not convert an opportunity. The Miner’s must now look to produce a productive performance away at Mossley, with the return of several players and some battered pride at stake. The subsequent home fixture should prove to be more memorable than this one, as Town entertain the hordes of Salford and London with the visit of FC United of Manchester.
Garforth Town’s penultimate home game of the season ended in ignominious defeat, as title chasing Skelmersdale United maintained their pressure on pace-setters Bradford Park Avenue and Curzon. The Miner’s, bereft of numerous key players, fought bravely but were ultimately unable to overcome the deficit inflicted on them with two demoralising goals on the brink of half time.
The game ebbed and flowed, but neither side were able to apply the decisive touches through the application of dextrous skill or force. Skelmersdale showed an unusual lack of finesse or threat for a promotion chasing outfit, but the absence of a recognised goalscorer in the Garforth attack visibly hampered their ability to capitalise.
After several near misses from the home side, a well worked counter attack saw a curled cross field ball lure Brett Renshaw and Milton Turner out of position, as Skelmersdale striker Tony Murt cut the ball back into the centre for Chris Almond to tuck neatly past Spratt. The disheartening strike clearly affected Town, and the home defence were shell-shocked when an overlap two minutes later saw Sean McConville skip past his marker and slide the ball into the bottom right corner. With less than two minutes to play in the first, Town required a miraculous recovery in the second.
An early injury to George Williams necessitated the introduction of joint-manager Vernol Blair, as Town looked to improve their attacking success, but could not pierce the flanks or backline of the solid Skelmersdale system. Lee Ryan burst past an opponent and fired narrowly wide, and Mark Piper was unlucky with a low shot that flashed past the United goal. After various attempts to claw back numeric parity, Garforth were sank in the 77th as Aaron Turner elbowed Adam Clarke to the floor, before admirably switching feet with a quick drag and step and firing into the top left corner adroitly.
Garforth briefly came to life, as a seemingly valid penalty claim was ignored by the official, but could not convert an opportunity. The Miner’s must now look to produce a productive performance away at Mossley, with the return of several players and some battered pride at stake. The subsequent home fixture should prove to be more memorable than this one, as Town entertain the hordes of Salford and London with the visit of FC United of Manchester.
Garforth Town 1 - Chorley 2
5.4.2008
The brave promotional push of Garforth Town indisputably ended today with a farcical loss to Chorley FC at the Genix Healthcare Stadium. The sun eventually gave way to the wind and hailstones, epitomising Town's season which began in such promising fashion in the uncharted territory of the Unibond.
Garforth began the match brightly, with Chris Brown and Greg Kelly an unlikely attacking duo against the rugged Chorley stalwarts. Depleted ranks notwithstanding, Town nevertheless sought to sink their seasoned adversaries and avenge the most blatant of footballing robberies, a despicable act of incompetence and favouritism when Town were denied two valuable points three minutes after the allotted duration of stoppage time.
After eight minutes of play largely dominated by Garforth, a Chorley counterattack saw Adam Farrell allowed room it is imperative defenders should not allow, and his low, poorly hit shot from the edge of the area slid under keeper Karl Spratt, whose despairing save could not prevent an early lead being snatched by the Magpie's. Characteristically, Chorley stole in again like Rhodri Giggs in an opposition changing room, and claimed a second in the11th; Jordan Goodeve bundling the ball home from close range following an ungainly goalmouth scramble. The scramble ensued due to a wrongfully awarded free kick after Chorley winger Pilkington produced a dive that would have left Olympic swimmers awestruck, but regardless, Town were now trailing by two.
Demoralised, Garforth pressed on, but were unable to break the defence bereftof the enormous Liam Coyne. The not-so gentle giant was an unused substitute,but his previous partner in crime, Kieran Fletcher, made his own sizeable presence felt with a series of disgusting challenges that went with apparent impunity.
Chris Brown rose to power a towering header goalwards from a free kick curledby his strike partner Kelly, and Peter Collinge did well to parry. Minutes later, Brown received an aerial ball and penetrated the gap between centre-backs Taylor and Mullineaux to invite the inevitable forthcoming challenge. The athletic referee duly awarded a penalty.
Unibond hotshot de Melo undertook the 12-yard challenge, and the Portuguese playmaker ostentatiously converted the penalty after deluding Collinge with a shimmy. With an hour left to play, the points and even a potential play-offs lifeline were in the balance for the Yorkshire Miner's.
On the stroke of half time, Brown struck the final shot in anger in the formof a 35-yard curl that Collinge saved. The teams trudged indoors as the sun faded.
The second period of play proved to be a fiery, temperamental slugfest as GregKelly was dismissed from the field following the most innocuous of incidents.Soon after, the aforementioned Fletcher was tackled in the Garforth half and deviously kicked Milton Turner when the referee's attention was diverted. The furious Turner tackled an opposition player from behind, and several Town men were booked as they heatedly conferred with the official about the transgression of the sly Fletcher.
Garforth gladly welcomed back the returning Mark Piper, playing again after an incredible assortment of illnesses. Despite not being match-fit, 'Pipú' toiled unselfishly in a defensive position, conflicting with his natural inclinations. With the end of season approaching, it will be relieving for the Garforth staff to have their full compliment of players available, as the absence of Duncan 'Dunga' Williams among others was felt.
On 75, Spratt launched a kick upfield that was met toweringly by Renshaw, and de Melo was through on goal from the resulting flick on. With his second of the game in sight, Luis elected to attempt a chipped finish over Collinge, but the Chorley man was wise to the intentions of the attacker.
With ten minutes left, Town introduced joint-manager Vernol Blair and Anthony Dyson, to the cheers of a section of the support who heckled; 'there's only one Jimmy Grimble'. Jimmy marked his appearance by immediately facing the wrong way, performing a confused pirouette to challenge the header, as the youngster endured the laughter of the crowd.
Despite the reinforcements, Garforth were unable to mount the decisive,incisive attack to pierce Chorley's hardened hide, as the visitors made their numerical advantage count in defence. Their fans did not endear themselves at the climax of play, as one buffoon perplexingly squirted the referee with water and bad-mouthed home supporters despite the success of his team, but Garforth must now rinse away the distasteful aftertaste of the Magpie hordes of Lancashire and look to finish their season on a high, thus sounding the warning signal for the year to come as they look to take the Unibond North division by storm.
The brave promotional push of Garforth Town indisputably ended today with a farcical loss to Chorley FC at the Genix Healthcare Stadium. The sun eventually gave way to the wind and hailstones, epitomising Town's season which began in such promising fashion in the uncharted territory of the Unibond.
Garforth began the match brightly, with Chris Brown and Greg Kelly an unlikely attacking duo against the rugged Chorley stalwarts. Depleted ranks notwithstanding, Town nevertheless sought to sink their seasoned adversaries and avenge the most blatant of footballing robberies, a despicable act of incompetence and favouritism when Town were denied two valuable points three minutes after the allotted duration of stoppage time.
After eight minutes of play largely dominated by Garforth, a Chorley counterattack saw Adam Farrell allowed room it is imperative defenders should not allow, and his low, poorly hit shot from the edge of the area slid under keeper Karl Spratt, whose despairing save could not prevent an early lead being snatched by the Magpie's. Characteristically, Chorley stole in again like Rhodri Giggs in an opposition changing room, and claimed a second in the11th; Jordan Goodeve bundling the ball home from close range following an ungainly goalmouth scramble. The scramble ensued due to a wrongfully awarded free kick after Chorley winger Pilkington produced a dive that would have left Olympic swimmers awestruck, but regardless, Town were now trailing by two.
Demoralised, Garforth pressed on, but were unable to break the defence bereftof the enormous Liam Coyne. The not-so gentle giant was an unused substitute,but his previous partner in crime, Kieran Fletcher, made his own sizeable presence felt with a series of disgusting challenges that went with apparent impunity.
Chris Brown rose to power a towering header goalwards from a free kick curledby his strike partner Kelly, and Peter Collinge did well to parry. Minutes later, Brown received an aerial ball and penetrated the gap between centre-backs Taylor and Mullineaux to invite the inevitable forthcoming challenge. The athletic referee duly awarded a penalty.
Unibond hotshot de Melo undertook the 12-yard challenge, and the Portuguese playmaker ostentatiously converted the penalty after deluding Collinge with a shimmy. With an hour left to play, the points and even a potential play-offs lifeline were in the balance for the Yorkshire Miner's.
On the stroke of half time, Brown struck the final shot in anger in the formof a 35-yard curl that Collinge saved. The teams trudged indoors as the sun faded.
The second period of play proved to be a fiery, temperamental slugfest as GregKelly was dismissed from the field following the most innocuous of incidents.Soon after, the aforementioned Fletcher was tackled in the Garforth half and deviously kicked Milton Turner when the referee's attention was diverted. The furious Turner tackled an opposition player from behind, and several Town men were booked as they heatedly conferred with the official about the transgression of the sly Fletcher.
Garforth gladly welcomed back the returning Mark Piper, playing again after an incredible assortment of illnesses. Despite not being match-fit, 'Pipú' toiled unselfishly in a defensive position, conflicting with his natural inclinations. With the end of season approaching, it will be relieving for the Garforth staff to have their full compliment of players available, as the absence of Duncan 'Dunga' Williams among others was felt.
On 75, Spratt launched a kick upfield that was met toweringly by Renshaw, and de Melo was through on goal from the resulting flick on. With his second of the game in sight, Luis elected to attempt a chipped finish over Collinge, but the Chorley man was wise to the intentions of the attacker.
With ten minutes left, Town introduced joint-manager Vernol Blair and Anthony Dyson, to the cheers of a section of the support who heckled; 'there's only one Jimmy Grimble'. Jimmy marked his appearance by immediately facing the wrong way, performing a confused pirouette to challenge the header, as the youngster endured the laughter of the crowd.
Despite the reinforcements, Garforth were unable to mount the decisive,incisive attack to pierce Chorley's hardened hide, as the visitors made their numerical advantage count in defence. Their fans did not endear themselves at the climax of play, as one buffoon perplexingly squirted the referee with water and bad-mouthed home supporters despite the success of his team, but Garforth must now rinse away the distasteful aftertaste of the Magpie hordes of Lancashire and look to finish their season on a high, thus sounding the warning signal for the year to come as they look to take the Unibond North division by storm.
Sunday 4 May 2008
Bradford Park Avenue 3 - Garforth Town 0
29.3.2008
Well, we felt happy before kick off.
A blinding Bradford soundtrack consisting of Oasis, Blur, The Jam, Robbie Williams, Green Day, Lightning Seeds and Puff Daddy's 'I'll Be Missing You' preceded the fixture, and set the stage for a good game of football despite the previously glorious day and fine playing surface degenerating into murky, grey skies and rain, and a swamp respectively. Two lucky goals, over-officious refereeing, the world's worst display of ball boy provision, cynical fouls, time wasting tactics and some unsportsmanlike behaviour later, and still the enthusiasm of the loyal Town support was not dampened, the travellers chanting for their beaten team as all around wet Bradford fans hurried away, searching for a respite from the pouring rain.
The dream of promotion is probably over for this particular season, a harsh reality that became inescapably clear as not one corner but two sailed over the head of our goalkeeper, but the immediate future looks bright as Town proceeded to dictate the play for the majority of the match, against an outfit cocksure of league ascension.
Okavango in Botswana. Everglades in Florida. And the third largest quagmire known to humankind, the Horsfall Stadium Swamp in Bradford. Such were the surroundings Garforth Town had to ply their trade in today, as they fell victim to these disadvantageous conditions and the ruggedness of the more seasoned Avenue players, as the Miner's struggled to string together their trademark passing manoeuvres. Bradford seemed content to play on a surface with less grass than an Amsterdam café, and the final score-line was reflective of their relative suitability.
Town were never able to get into any real sway and control, as after only eight minutes of give and take, a wrongfully given in-swinging corner fooled the visiting defence and Karl Spratt, as the ball sailed over the stricken keeper's head and was forced in at point blank range by PA captain Steve Connors at the far post. Three minutes later, an almost carbon copy goal was scored as shell-shocked Town conceded another corner - this time rightly awarded - and Chris Williams curled a second effort over Spratt, this one sailing straight into the top corner of the net. Daedalus himself could not have flapped any better than the America bound shot-stopper.
The period saw the referee earn the ire of the away support, who for a time screamed 'corner' after every decision he made. The Town support remained spirited, and chanted, shouted and sang for their team incessantly throughout.After twenty minutes of play, a long high ball played up field by the returning Nathan Kamara was controlled beautifully by Luis de Melo, who turned his marker in the process and sped for goal. Perplexingly, a foul was given against the foreign striker, and a glorious chance to reduce the deficit was denied Town.
Soon after, a Garforth corner (the award of which drew inevitable cheers) was played short to Greg Kelly, who crossed to Brett Renshaw. The captain headed the ball back into the six-yard box, but failed to reach his intended target Milton Turner, and the ball was cleared.
A period of Garforth dominance ensued, as the visitors controlled the ebb and flow of the game but were unable to fashion decisive opportunities to score. The erosion of playing conditions contributed greatly, as there were murmurs the game was in danger of being abandoned as the rainfall became progressively worse. Older members of the crowd, or as some would say, the crowd, collectively sighed with nostalgia. Pig bladder's, rugby boots and a team bath for all. Garforth's attackers suffered due to this, being that they came expected a game of football worthy of the 2008 era, but the playmaker pulling Bradford strings was similarly affected, winger Chris Williams.
The Williams in question was slid through late in the half, and troubled Spratt with a low shot that was deflected narrowly wide. Garforth tried to counter attack but the ball was sticking underfoot and an attempt at dribbling represented a brave option. Long ball service duly commenced, as Garforth rode out the half on the crest of ascendancy but on the wrong side of a two-goal deficit that looked impossible to overturn in such conditions. The final act of the first half was a GBH committed on young Town midfielder Duncan Williams, who rose to win a header on the halfway line and was brusquely elbowed in the head by an opposing player. Even Pride Fighting Championships do not allow elbow strikes to an opponent. However, due to the godless heathen of an official, and the virtuous nature of our young midfielder, the criminal act of violence went unpunished, on and off the pitch.
Garforth were first onto the field in the second, visibly invigorated andbegan the half determinedly. A passing movement culminated with a de Melothrough ball that was intercepted, and a Casa Simpkins lay off fed Lee Ryan, who cut in to the edge of the area and saw his shot blocked by more stout defensive exertion. Still only in the 50th minute of play, Greg Kelly was put through on goal. The entire crowd witnessed a blatant pull by the Bradford defender, but the cynicism went without punishment and Kelly was only able to get a weak toe on the ball before goalkeeper Jon Worksnop forcefully claimed it.
Five foul filled minutes later and Town broke down the left wing, and the ball was played inside to Duncan Williams. The midfielder allowed the defenders to approach him before sliding in de Melo, who cut inside his man before his placed shot from eight yards was blocked.
On the hour mark, Chris Brown replaced Ryan and the Geordie made an immediate contribution, shooting low from twenty yards just wide of the near post. He was then involved in a passage of play that saw Greg played through once more and manage to flick the ball before the rapidly advancing Worksnop blocked his effort. The ball rebounded free for de Melo to fire into the empty net fromeighteen yards, but a desperate, last ditch slide tackle denied him, only made possible in the miserable conditions.
In the 72nd minute, a rare Bradford counter attack caught the overstretched Garforth cold, and a cut back from the wing to Connors saw the captain claim his second with a left footed placed finish to the far left post, that skidded agonisingly over the wet surface past Spratt. While the battling Town players looked justifiably dejected, their supporters raised their own volume in a show of appreciation, solidarity and loyalty.
With the result all but sealed, Town continued to dominate. The excellentMilton Turner received the ball at the edge of his own area, and seeing the space available in midfield, thrillingly burst through the centre and to the edge of the Bradford box, and laying off Chris Brown, watched his team-mates' shot saved by Worksnop, who performed well given the state of the ground. Fleet-footed Achilles himself would have watched Turner's run approvingly, as the Bradford defenders fell by the wayside like overwhelmed Trojans falling before the wrath of the Myrmidon.
Bradford peculiarly continued to waste time despite being three goals to the good, and their dugout refused to replace the single match ball when it was hoofed well out of play, despite possessing a bag full of replacements. Nathan Kamara opted to burst through from defence also, and his low shot drew another save from Avenue's best player by proxy. A Chris Brown header from a corner beat Worksnop and was cleared from the goal line, and another de Melo shot was intercepted. A late Bradford run ended in a shot struck disastrously wide, and Garforth responded with numerous balls curled up field into the host's danger zone. The score notwithstanding, Town's support were not dispirited as they applauded their players at the climax of the match, regardless of the outcome.
And so, Garforth failed to emerge from the mud with any points, and will probably remain in the Unibond Division 1 for another season. Bradford, currently tied with league leaders Skelmersdale may well be promoted and go on to inflict their quagmire upon more unsuspecting adversaries, but with a reportedly affluent owner and financial security the question remains; why no grass or ballboys? Town meanwhile, look to bounce back with a pleasing performance on April 5th at home to Chorley, and this time Sir Alex Ferguson's watch will not be a factor as the Miner's look to avenge the most blatant of footballing robberies.
Well, we felt happy before kick off.
A blinding Bradford soundtrack consisting of Oasis, Blur, The Jam, Robbie Williams, Green Day, Lightning Seeds and Puff Daddy's 'I'll Be Missing You' preceded the fixture, and set the stage for a good game of football despite the previously glorious day and fine playing surface degenerating into murky, grey skies and rain, and a swamp respectively. Two lucky goals, over-officious refereeing, the world's worst display of ball boy provision, cynical fouls, time wasting tactics and some unsportsmanlike behaviour later, and still the enthusiasm of the loyal Town support was not dampened, the travellers chanting for their beaten team as all around wet Bradford fans hurried away, searching for a respite from the pouring rain.
The dream of promotion is probably over for this particular season, a harsh reality that became inescapably clear as not one corner but two sailed over the head of our goalkeeper, but the immediate future looks bright as Town proceeded to dictate the play for the majority of the match, against an outfit cocksure of league ascension.
Okavango in Botswana. Everglades in Florida. And the third largest quagmire known to humankind, the Horsfall Stadium Swamp in Bradford. Such were the surroundings Garforth Town had to ply their trade in today, as they fell victim to these disadvantageous conditions and the ruggedness of the more seasoned Avenue players, as the Miner's struggled to string together their trademark passing manoeuvres. Bradford seemed content to play on a surface with less grass than an Amsterdam café, and the final score-line was reflective of their relative suitability.
Town were never able to get into any real sway and control, as after only eight minutes of give and take, a wrongfully given in-swinging corner fooled the visiting defence and Karl Spratt, as the ball sailed over the stricken keeper's head and was forced in at point blank range by PA captain Steve Connors at the far post. Three minutes later, an almost carbon copy goal was scored as shell-shocked Town conceded another corner - this time rightly awarded - and Chris Williams curled a second effort over Spratt, this one sailing straight into the top corner of the net. Daedalus himself could not have flapped any better than the America bound shot-stopper.
The period saw the referee earn the ire of the away support, who for a time screamed 'corner' after every decision he made. The Town support remained spirited, and chanted, shouted and sang for their team incessantly throughout.After twenty minutes of play, a long high ball played up field by the returning Nathan Kamara was controlled beautifully by Luis de Melo, who turned his marker in the process and sped for goal. Perplexingly, a foul was given against the foreign striker, and a glorious chance to reduce the deficit was denied Town.
Soon after, a Garforth corner (the award of which drew inevitable cheers) was played short to Greg Kelly, who crossed to Brett Renshaw. The captain headed the ball back into the six-yard box, but failed to reach his intended target Milton Turner, and the ball was cleared.
A period of Garforth dominance ensued, as the visitors controlled the ebb and flow of the game but were unable to fashion decisive opportunities to score. The erosion of playing conditions contributed greatly, as there were murmurs the game was in danger of being abandoned as the rainfall became progressively worse. Older members of the crowd, or as some would say, the crowd, collectively sighed with nostalgia. Pig bladder's, rugby boots and a team bath for all. Garforth's attackers suffered due to this, being that they came expected a game of football worthy of the 2008 era, but the playmaker pulling Bradford strings was similarly affected, winger Chris Williams.
The Williams in question was slid through late in the half, and troubled Spratt with a low shot that was deflected narrowly wide. Garforth tried to counter attack but the ball was sticking underfoot and an attempt at dribbling represented a brave option. Long ball service duly commenced, as Garforth rode out the half on the crest of ascendancy but on the wrong side of a two-goal deficit that looked impossible to overturn in such conditions. The final act of the first half was a GBH committed on young Town midfielder Duncan Williams, who rose to win a header on the halfway line and was brusquely elbowed in the head by an opposing player. Even Pride Fighting Championships do not allow elbow strikes to an opponent. However, due to the godless heathen of an official, and the virtuous nature of our young midfielder, the criminal act of violence went unpunished, on and off the pitch.
Garforth were first onto the field in the second, visibly invigorated andbegan the half determinedly. A passing movement culminated with a de Melothrough ball that was intercepted, and a Casa Simpkins lay off fed Lee Ryan, who cut in to the edge of the area and saw his shot blocked by more stout defensive exertion. Still only in the 50th minute of play, Greg Kelly was put through on goal. The entire crowd witnessed a blatant pull by the Bradford defender, but the cynicism went without punishment and Kelly was only able to get a weak toe on the ball before goalkeeper Jon Worksnop forcefully claimed it.
Five foul filled minutes later and Town broke down the left wing, and the ball was played inside to Duncan Williams. The midfielder allowed the defenders to approach him before sliding in de Melo, who cut inside his man before his placed shot from eight yards was blocked.
On the hour mark, Chris Brown replaced Ryan and the Geordie made an immediate contribution, shooting low from twenty yards just wide of the near post. He was then involved in a passage of play that saw Greg played through once more and manage to flick the ball before the rapidly advancing Worksnop blocked his effort. The ball rebounded free for de Melo to fire into the empty net fromeighteen yards, but a desperate, last ditch slide tackle denied him, only made possible in the miserable conditions.
In the 72nd minute, a rare Bradford counter attack caught the overstretched Garforth cold, and a cut back from the wing to Connors saw the captain claim his second with a left footed placed finish to the far left post, that skidded agonisingly over the wet surface past Spratt. While the battling Town players looked justifiably dejected, their supporters raised their own volume in a show of appreciation, solidarity and loyalty.
With the result all but sealed, Town continued to dominate. The excellentMilton Turner received the ball at the edge of his own area, and seeing the space available in midfield, thrillingly burst through the centre and to the edge of the Bradford box, and laying off Chris Brown, watched his team-mates' shot saved by Worksnop, who performed well given the state of the ground. Fleet-footed Achilles himself would have watched Turner's run approvingly, as the Bradford defenders fell by the wayside like overwhelmed Trojans falling before the wrath of the Myrmidon.
Bradford peculiarly continued to waste time despite being three goals to the good, and their dugout refused to replace the single match ball when it was hoofed well out of play, despite possessing a bag full of replacements. Nathan Kamara opted to burst through from defence also, and his low shot drew another save from Avenue's best player by proxy. A Chris Brown header from a corner beat Worksnop and was cleared from the goal line, and another de Melo shot was intercepted. A late Bradford run ended in a shot struck disastrously wide, and Garforth responded with numerous balls curled up field into the host's danger zone. The score notwithstanding, Town's support were not dispirited as they applauded their players at the climax of the match, regardless of the outcome.
And so, Garforth failed to emerge from the mud with any points, and will probably remain in the Unibond Division 1 for another season. Bradford, currently tied with league leaders Skelmersdale may well be promoted and go on to inflict their quagmire upon more unsuspecting adversaries, but with a reportedly affluent owner and financial security the question remains; why no grass or ballboys? Town meanwhile, look to bounce back with a pleasing performance on April 5th at home to Chorley, and this time Sir Alex Ferguson's watch will not be a factor as the Miner's look to avenge the most blatant of footballing robberies.
Wakefield 0 - Garforth Town 0
25.3.2008
Garforth Town’s recent run of form continued on a cold Tuesday night at the College Grove Stadium as they held Wakefield FC to a goalless draw, enhancing their ledger to only a single loss in nine games. The local derby fell short of temperamental but was still largely dominated by physical play, with neither side capable of converting the few chances painstakingly forced by their team.
Wakefield pressured early but the reunited centre back pairing of Richard Carrick and Brett Renshaw is proving to be a formidable one, with only four goals conceded in five games against sides at the top of the table, one of which was a against pace setters Curzon with only ten men. With an altered line-up from the last game that saw the introduction of an FDS Brazilian Soccer Schools central midfield pairing of Duncan Williams and Mark Harding, Town showed the guile and bile to claw their way back into the fare, and would survive the early pressure to mount their own.
Williams pushed and surged from the midfield area, and was the most industrious player on the pitch in this half. Aided and abetted by Harding, the youngster showed inclination to run at the opposing defence and invite challenges that invariably led to the award of free kicks in dangerous areas. One such set piece was curled narrowly over by Greg Kelly; another drifted into the danger zone by Williams and commandingly claimed by Wakefield goalkeeper Andy Woods, who would demonstrate his ability later in the half.
Town looked to find Chris Brown with high balls, the admirable Geordie centre back currently used as a workhorse forward. Bobby Stevenson on the Wakefield right was a firm deterrent, but the visitors had more luck on their own right wing where the home outfit were pierced and penetrated at will. Harding blazed through into the interregnum between defence and midfield, but his delicate through ball was intercepted into the path of Woods, who gratefully claimed it. Wakefield responded with an eye catching zigzag of volleys from centre circle to right wing, from wing cross-field, back to the edge of the box before being wastefully blazed over the Garforth goal and a relieved Spratt by former Town man Delroy Ferguson. That’s why we sold him!
Garforth pressed fruitlessly for a lead on the brink of half time, and looked to have found it when Chris Brown was cynically and horrifically hacked down twenty yards from goal when shaping to shoot. Williams’ chipped dink into the danger zone was met by a redirection from ? towards Chris Brown, who in the words of Gordon Nicholson, father of Wakefield right back Steve; ‘left our boys for dead’, before powering a header to the top right hand corner. What followed was the defining moment of the match, as Woods breathtakingly clawed the ball away and the chance went begging.
The last play of the half saw Town retaining possession, before the ambitious Williams found a gap and burst to goal before firing a left footed drive inches wide of the post. This served as the climax of an engaging first that Garforth should have ended having inflicted a deficit on their hosts, but wasn’t to be.
Garforth swiftly reclaimed the impetus at the commencement of the second period, as a right wing attack penetrated the lethargic home side and the cross was scarcely prevented from reaching its intended target, Brown five yards from goal. Two minutes later another cross was cleared, and ell to Mark Harding whose chest and volley from twenty yards was saved by the outstanding Woods.
A period of scarce opportunity succeeded this brief incursion, as Town dominated possession but face fierce defensive exertion from the Wakefield defence – numbering six. The revolutionary 6-1-2-1 formation employed by the hosts successfully extinguished any attacking fire that Kelly, Harding or Brown might have harboured in the cold Yorkshire evening, and one sensed that it would take either great fortune or ability to create the decisive chance.
With twenty minutes to go, Kelly ran from the left corner across the edge of the box and cut a low, left footed shot back but the effort was saved with ease by Woods. Soon after the utility man was released by Renshaw but the alert Woods claimed the ball before the unusually subdued Greg could reach it.
Luis de Melo was brought on in an attempt to provide a fresh threat to the tiring Wakefield back line, and the Portuguese playmaker showed his undoubted aptitude with the ball when receiving a throw from Small, he fed a defender the dummy before deftly sidestepping him and playing in Harding on the edge of the box. Mark shaped and curled but his effort sailed over the head of the lurking Chris Brown, who had once again evaded his marker at the far post and had Woods at his mercy.
On 83 minutes, a surprisingly inept clearance from the goalkeeper was toweringly met by Mark Harding, and the ball fell kindly for Kelly. With the defenders wrong-footed, a goal seemed inevitable for the visitors but when forced slightly wide, Greg’s slid low shot narrowly flew the wrong side of the post, letting Woods and Wakefield off the hook. This would ultimately be the best chance of the game to open the scoring.
In the dying stages of play, Garforth displayed the urgency and winning mentality which sets them apart from their Unibond counterparts, and almost carved the defence apart when a Duncan Williams through ball almost found substitute Lee Ryan, who was denied by desperate defence. Craig Harding, solid throughout, embarked on a marauding surge that eventually overran, but was commendable for the decisiveness with which it was made. Ultimately there was to be no goals and no victors, though a young Garforth Town side once more proved their mettle against a characteristically strong side. The aforementioned Nicholson opined; ‘Skelmersdale and yourselves are the best footballing sides we’ve had here this season. In terms of ability you are superior to everyone else’. When asked of his opinion on whether Garforth could survive and prosper in the leagues immediately above our current position, Nicholson concurred with; ‘Oh, definitely. Definitely.’
Garforth remain in sixth place, one below the play-off’s they hope to gatecrash in their steady march upwards. The FC United end of season climax looks increasingly like the proverbial six pointer for the Miner’s, who will need to slaughter their enemy or fall on their swords in the attempt to keep alive the dream of 2007/08.
Garforth Town’s recent run of form continued on a cold Tuesday night at the College Grove Stadium as they held Wakefield FC to a goalless draw, enhancing their ledger to only a single loss in nine games. The local derby fell short of temperamental but was still largely dominated by physical play, with neither side capable of converting the few chances painstakingly forced by their team.
Wakefield pressured early but the reunited centre back pairing of Richard Carrick and Brett Renshaw is proving to be a formidable one, with only four goals conceded in five games against sides at the top of the table, one of which was a against pace setters Curzon with only ten men. With an altered line-up from the last game that saw the introduction of an FDS Brazilian Soccer Schools central midfield pairing of Duncan Williams and Mark Harding, Town showed the guile and bile to claw their way back into the fare, and would survive the early pressure to mount their own.
Williams pushed and surged from the midfield area, and was the most industrious player on the pitch in this half. Aided and abetted by Harding, the youngster showed inclination to run at the opposing defence and invite challenges that invariably led to the award of free kicks in dangerous areas. One such set piece was curled narrowly over by Greg Kelly; another drifted into the danger zone by Williams and commandingly claimed by Wakefield goalkeeper Andy Woods, who would demonstrate his ability later in the half.
Town looked to find Chris Brown with high balls, the admirable Geordie centre back currently used as a workhorse forward. Bobby Stevenson on the Wakefield right was a firm deterrent, but the visitors had more luck on their own right wing where the home outfit were pierced and penetrated at will. Harding blazed through into the interregnum between defence and midfield, but his delicate through ball was intercepted into the path of Woods, who gratefully claimed it. Wakefield responded with an eye catching zigzag of volleys from centre circle to right wing, from wing cross-field, back to the edge of the box before being wastefully blazed over the Garforth goal and a relieved Spratt by former Town man Delroy Ferguson. That’s why we sold him!
Garforth pressed fruitlessly for a lead on the brink of half time, and looked to have found it when Chris Brown was cynically and horrifically hacked down twenty yards from goal when shaping to shoot. Williams’ chipped dink into the danger zone was met by a redirection from ? towards Chris Brown, who in the words of Gordon Nicholson, father of Wakefield right back Steve; ‘left our boys for dead’, before powering a header to the top right hand corner. What followed was the defining moment of the match, as Woods breathtakingly clawed the ball away and the chance went begging.
The last play of the half saw Town retaining possession, before the ambitious Williams found a gap and burst to goal before firing a left footed drive inches wide of the post. This served as the climax of an engaging first that Garforth should have ended having inflicted a deficit on their hosts, but wasn’t to be.
Garforth swiftly reclaimed the impetus at the commencement of the second period, as a right wing attack penetrated the lethargic home side and the cross was scarcely prevented from reaching its intended target, Brown five yards from goal. Two minutes later another cross was cleared, and ell to Mark Harding whose chest and volley from twenty yards was saved by the outstanding Woods.
A period of scarce opportunity succeeded this brief incursion, as Town dominated possession but face fierce defensive exertion from the Wakefield defence – numbering six. The revolutionary 6-1-2-1 formation employed by the hosts successfully extinguished any attacking fire that Kelly, Harding or Brown might have harboured in the cold Yorkshire evening, and one sensed that it would take either great fortune or ability to create the decisive chance.
With twenty minutes to go, Kelly ran from the left corner across the edge of the box and cut a low, left footed shot back but the effort was saved with ease by Woods. Soon after the utility man was released by Renshaw but the alert Woods claimed the ball before the unusually subdued Greg could reach it.
Luis de Melo was brought on in an attempt to provide a fresh threat to the tiring Wakefield back line, and the Portuguese playmaker showed his undoubted aptitude with the ball when receiving a throw from Small, he fed a defender the dummy before deftly sidestepping him and playing in Harding on the edge of the box. Mark shaped and curled but his effort sailed over the head of the lurking Chris Brown, who had once again evaded his marker at the far post and had Woods at his mercy.
On 83 minutes, a surprisingly inept clearance from the goalkeeper was toweringly met by Mark Harding, and the ball fell kindly for Kelly. With the defenders wrong-footed, a goal seemed inevitable for the visitors but when forced slightly wide, Greg’s slid low shot narrowly flew the wrong side of the post, letting Woods and Wakefield off the hook. This would ultimately be the best chance of the game to open the scoring.
In the dying stages of play, Garforth displayed the urgency and winning mentality which sets them apart from their Unibond counterparts, and almost carved the defence apart when a Duncan Williams through ball almost found substitute Lee Ryan, who was denied by desperate defence. Craig Harding, solid throughout, embarked on a marauding surge that eventually overran, but was commendable for the decisiveness with which it was made. Ultimately there was to be no goals and no victors, though a young Garforth Town side once more proved their mettle against a characteristically strong side. The aforementioned Nicholson opined; ‘Skelmersdale and yourselves are the best footballing sides we’ve had here this season. In terms of ability you are superior to everyone else’. When asked of his opinion on whether Garforth could survive and prosper in the leagues immediately above our current position, Nicholson concurred with; ‘Oh, definitely. Definitely.’
Garforth remain in sixth place, one below the play-off’s they hope to gatecrash in their steady march upwards. The FC United end of season climax looks increasingly like the proverbial six pointer for the Miner’s, who will need to slaughter their enemy or fall on their swords in the attempt to keep alive the dream of 2007/08.
Garforth Town 3 - Harrogate Railway 2
21.3.2008
Harrogate Railway were the latest beast to be slain in the indomitable late season promotion push of Garforth Town, as the visitors were defeated by a late Greg Kelly goal having clawed their way back into contention. In a game played in ever changing weather, the Miner’s snatched all three points as their local rivals paid the price for the lack of finishing ability in evidence during their rare moments of attacking prominence.
The visitors of Harrogate made their intentions clear in the first fifteen seconds of play, as firstly Greg Kelly then Chris Brown were immediately clattered to the floor in the first exchange in midfield. The subsequent free kick awarded gifted Garforth the first goal scoring opportunity of the game, though Kelly curled his ambitious effort over the woodwork.
The first periods of play saw both teams engaging in aerial play, and in only the sixth minutes one such long ball was steered into the path of Garforth’s top scorer Greg Kelly twenty yards from goal. With the goalkeeper unwisely committing himself, Greg claimed his sixteenth of the season with the most perfunctory of flicked lob finishes to give Town an early advantage, and dishearten the easily breached visiting defence. With no striker by trade to call upon, Kelly is proving himself a useful asset in the conversion department to Town, and has displayed an endearing attitude since his exclusion from the squad.
Harrogate tried in vain to respond, but besides encountering the usual unwavering defensive solidity of Renshaw and company, but were forced to battle high wind that affected every ball played above the ground. The wind was truly in Town’s favour, and that advantage almost paid off when a Richard Carrick clearance evaded the Railwaymen and put Kelly through on goal once more. Greg beat the goalkeeper to the header, but the shot-stopper’s challenge meant the ball fell unkindly for the Town man, and with the goal at his mercy was unable to shoot before the ball was cleared.
After quarter of an hour of an entertaining opening, Chris Brown was played in on the left, and from thirty yards, ambitiously attempted a curled in-swinger to the far top corner over the stranded goalkeeper. With the Harrogate man in the proverbial no man’s-land, the ball drifted inches over.
Five minutes later, the visitors forced an ungainly goalmouth scramble from a dubious corner. With Spratt exposed, a Carrick clearance struck Harrogate attacker Arron Haywood and flew goalwards. Only the spectacular overhead bicycle kick of captain Brett Renshaw, and the linesman’s flag prevented a return to numeric parity, as a naïve Railway player had strayed into too advanced a position.
Ben Small received a goal kick, and drifted a cross field through ball to Luis de Melo, but a certain goal did not occur due to the wind redirecting the ball over the former Tenerife man. The ball was reclaimed by the left corner flag, and a mazy run from Duncan Williams saw the youngster cynically fouled at the edge of the box. The free kick was wasted, yet a Milton Turner high ball tempted the keeper from his goal once more, and de Melo was unfortunate not to score as his tentative flick at the bouncing ball struck the Harrogate number 1 in the abdomen. This concluded the most eventful minute of play.
Garforth were indeed using the wind as an ally, a their quasi twelfth man directed another high ball to Kelly. Greg exquisitely controlled the ball with the turn popularised by Dutch maestro Johan Cruyff in the 1970’s, and slid the ball into the path of Brown. Unfortunately, de Melo took the incentive and claimed the chance for himself, and his offside position scuppered the opportunity.
An unflinching Richard Carrick tackle drew applause from the Garforth support, and resulted in Harrogate manager Vince Brockie leaving the stand incandescent with rage to hurtle pitchwards. His feelings were later audibly revealed at half time.
Halfway through the first period, Harrogate finally launched a concise attack, as slotted pass found Arron Haywood, who turned Renshaw before his curled shot from twenty yards was easily saved by Spratt.
In the 35th minute, Town were awarded another free kick on the left, and this time made it count. Kelly’s curler found a cluster of Garforth players, and Ben Small’s header was redirected into the Harrogate goal by Luis de Melo, who himself is in fine goal scoring form. This is the seventh goal for the Portuguese playmaker in ten games.
Railway responded far more intelligently than after the first, and restricted themselves to ground based attacks. An advancement in the 42nd minute was crossed, and Arron Haywood stole in to power the ball past the helpless Spratt to give Harrogate hope leading into the second half. Renshaw vented his frustration soon after when he viciously assaulted the linesman with his fiercely struck clearance. Ten points on the head.
A last ditch Railway attack saw their striker tumble in the area after squaring a pass whilst under pressure from Spratt. A search of the surrounding area was inconclusive as to the presence of a sniper, nevertheless Town were awarded a free kick despite perplexing Harrogate claims for a penalty.
The second half heralded a drastic lessening of chances created, as the worsening weather belied the season of spring. Harrogate were now playing with the wind to their advantage, and like Garforth took full advantage as they levelled the scoring in the 52nd. An up field ball fell remarkably kindly for Ben Jones, whose left footed daisy cutter slipped through the diving Spratt’s hands and nestled in the right corner of the goal.
Chris Brown was denied a goal scoring opportunity by an excellent tackle in the penalty area, and an instant counter attack saw a Haywood shot drift perilously close to the top left corner. In the following twenty minutes, Garforth would fruitlessly probe, as Greg Kelly recorded the new world record for number of offside decisions in a single half of football, with a remarkable 392 amassed.
Mark Harding replaced cousin Craig, as fresh legs joined the Garforth push. Minutes later it finally occurred – a headed flick on into Greg Kelly’s path was delicately pushed past the last defender as Kelly ran for goal. Steadying himself, the versatile veteran allowed the goalkeeper to move before placing the ball past him into the net, to record his seventeenth goal of the current campaign.
Revitalised, Garforth pressed for a sending off present for the diminished Railway, as a Harding through ball almost found Chris Brown in the vital spot. Harrogate offered no resistance, and appeared susceptible to a savage score line were it not for the late stage in play. They didn’t have to wait long for an end to their torment, as the referee ended the game and signalled another step in the right direction, upwards, for Garforth Town AFC on what a Mr Simon Clifford calls ‘the Magic Bus’.
Harrogate Railway were the latest beast to be slain in the indomitable late season promotion push of Garforth Town, as the visitors were defeated by a late Greg Kelly goal having clawed their way back into contention. In a game played in ever changing weather, the Miner’s snatched all three points as their local rivals paid the price for the lack of finishing ability in evidence during their rare moments of attacking prominence.
The visitors of Harrogate made their intentions clear in the first fifteen seconds of play, as firstly Greg Kelly then Chris Brown were immediately clattered to the floor in the first exchange in midfield. The subsequent free kick awarded gifted Garforth the first goal scoring opportunity of the game, though Kelly curled his ambitious effort over the woodwork.
The first periods of play saw both teams engaging in aerial play, and in only the sixth minutes one such long ball was steered into the path of Garforth’s top scorer Greg Kelly twenty yards from goal. With the goalkeeper unwisely committing himself, Greg claimed his sixteenth of the season with the most perfunctory of flicked lob finishes to give Town an early advantage, and dishearten the easily breached visiting defence. With no striker by trade to call upon, Kelly is proving himself a useful asset in the conversion department to Town, and has displayed an endearing attitude since his exclusion from the squad.
Harrogate tried in vain to respond, but besides encountering the usual unwavering defensive solidity of Renshaw and company, but were forced to battle high wind that affected every ball played above the ground. The wind was truly in Town’s favour, and that advantage almost paid off when a Richard Carrick clearance evaded the Railwaymen and put Kelly through on goal once more. Greg beat the goalkeeper to the header, but the shot-stopper’s challenge meant the ball fell unkindly for the Town man, and with the goal at his mercy was unable to shoot before the ball was cleared.
After quarter of an hour of an entertaining opening, Chris Brown was played in on the left, and from thirty yards, ambitiously attempted a curled in-swinger to the far top corner over the stranded goalkeeper. With the Harrogate man in the proverbial no man’s-land, the ball drifted inches over.
Five minutes later, the visitors forced an ungainly goalmouth scramble from a dubious corner. With Spratt exposed, a Carrick clearance struck Harrogate attacker Arron Haywood and flew goalwards. Only the spectacular overhead bicycle kick of captain Brett Renshaw, and the linesman’s flag prevented a return to numeric parity, as a naïve Railway player had strayed into too advanced a position.
Ben Small received a goal kick, and drifted a cross field through ball to Luis de Melo, but a certain goal did not occur due to the wind redirecting the ball over the former Tenerife man. The ball was reclaimed by the left corner flag, and a mazy run from Duncan Williams saw the youngster cynically fouled at the edge of the box. The free kick was wasted, yet a Milton Turner high ball tempted the keeper from his goal once more, and de Melo was unfortunate not to score as his tentative flick at the bouncing ball struck the Harrogate number 1 in the abdomen. This concluded the most eventful minute of play.
Garforth were indeed using the wind as an ally, a their quasi twelfth man directed another high ball to Kelly. Greg exquisitely controlled the ball with the turn popularised by Dutch maestro Johan Cruyff in the 1970’s, and slid the ball into the path of Brown. Unfortunately, de Melo took the incentive and claimed the chance for himself, and his offside position scuppered the opportunity.
An unflinching Richard Carrick tackle drew applause from the Garforth support, and resulted in Harrogate manager Vince Brockie leaving the stand incandescent with rage to hurtle pitchwards. His feelings were later audibly revealed at half time.
Halfway through the first period, Harrogate finally launched a concise attack, as slotted pass found Arron Haywood, who turned Renshaw before his curled shot from twenty yards was easily saved by Spratt.
In the 35th minute, Town were awarded another free kick on the left, and this time made it count. Kelly’s curler found a cluster of Garforth players, and Ben Small’s header was redirected into the Harrogate goal by Luis de Melo, who himself is in fine goal scoring form. This is the seventh goal for the Portuguese playmaker in ten games.
Railway responded far more intelligently than after the first, and restricted themselves to ground based attacks. An advancement in the 42nd minute was crossed, and Arron Haywood stole in to power the ball past the helpless Spratt to give Harrogate hope leading into the second half. Renshaw vented his frustration soon after when he viciously assaulted the linesman with his fiercely struck clearance. Ten points on the head.
A last ditch Railway attack saw their striker tumble in the area after squaring a pass whilst under pressure from Spratt. A search of the surrounding area was inconclusive as to the presence of a sniper, nevertheless Town were awarded a free kick despite perplexing Harrogate claims for a penalty.
The second half heralded a drastic lessening of chances created, as the worsening weather belied the season of spring. Harrogate were now playing with the wind to their advantage, and like Garforth took full advantage as they levelled the scoring in the 52nd. An up field ball fell remarkably kindly for Ben Jones, whose left footed daisy cutter slipped through the diving Spratt’s hands and nestled in the right corner of the goal.
Chris Brown was denied a goal scoring opportunity by an excellent tackle in the penalty area, and an instant counter attack saw a Haywood shot drift perilously close to the top left corner. In the following twenty minutes, Garforth would fruitlessly probe, as Greg Kelly recorded the new world record for number of offside decisions in a single half of football, with a remarkable 392 amassed.
Mark Harding replaced cousin Craig, as fresh legs joined the Garforth push. Minutes later it finally occurred – a headed flick on into Greg Kelly’s path was delicately pushed past the last defender as Kelly ran for goal. Steadying himself, the versatile veteran allowed the goalkeeper to move before placing the ball past him into the net, to record his seventeenth goal of the current campaign.
Revitalised, Garforth pressed for a sending off present for the diminished Railway, as a Harding through ball almost found Chris Brown in the vital spot. Harrogate offered no resistance, and appeared susceptible to a savage score line were it not for the late stage in play. They didn’t have to wait long for an end to their torment, as the referee ended the game and signalled another step in the right direction, upwards, for Garforth Town AFC on what a Mr Simon Clifford calls ‘the Magic Bus’.
Garforth Town 1 - Curzon Ashton 0
15.3.2008
Garforth Town were looking to continue their recent run of form with the visit of league leaders Curzon Ashton, avenging their only defeat in seven games in the process. In doing so, the Yorkshiremen emphasised the potential of the team at this level, in imperiously defeating the pace setters and firmly establishing themselves back in the promotion push for the season’s climax.
Curzon boasted a formidable record going into the fixture, with the threat of the league’s top scorer Michael Norton to provide the Unibond acid test for Richard Carrick and Brett Renshaw. Surprisingly, the striker was not included in the Curzon side that took to the field, and the visitors looked correspondingly toothless in the areas of opportunity.
The heavy rain before and during the game made the well maintained home pitch slippery underfoot, with all players visibly careful whilst in possession. This scenario resulted in a low key and tight first half period, though the Miner’s superiority was indicated by the consistent doggedness of the Town midfield, and the way in which the home side were first to every tackle, loose ball and 50/50. Curzon’s Rhodri Giggs was dismissed for an atrocious elbow on Garforth’s Ben Small, who followed the Welshman due to his ill judged retaliation. Shortly after Andy Watson’s headed attempt was adeptly tipped over the crossbar by Karl Spratt, this one of many fine displays of his that may be attributed to the emergence of Gavin Phillis, who has excelled when deputising. Garforth responded with some probing attacks of their own, all of which were thwarted by some desperate defending or an inability to convert the chances earned, perhaps indicative of the lack of a true goalscorer in Town’s team. Garforth pressurised the Lancastrians but were unable to turn their undoubted superiority into a numerical advantage. The half ended goalless, with Curzon severely disheartened and the home side in the ascendancy.
Curzon were clearly riled at their haplessness and ineptitude, and proved tactically improved as they maintained possession for the first part of the second half. Though few goal scoring opportunities were created, the visitors were thus under no pressure, and the impetus Garforth had claimed ebbed away. The Miner’s slowly reclaimed this as Curzon wilted under the pressure and considerable weather and pitch conditions, and on the hour mark an attack minded substitution from Town to introduce Mark Harding and Greg Kelly further damaged the resistance of the men from Greater Manchester.
From the seventieth minute the game became more stretched, with expanses of space created by the drastic change in play. Ashton seemed unable to match Garforth’s fitness, and the unchecked, surging runs from midfield by Duncan Williams, Luis De Melo and the Garforth substitutes were wreaking havoc in the visitors waning defence.
The breakthrough came on 78 minutes when Curzon’s defender Kevin Parr made a last ditch clearance to prevent De Melo scoring. The subsequent corner, a Duncan Williams in-swinger found the head of captain Renshaw at the far post, who steered the ball back across goal to Greg Kelly. The versatile Town man once again proved clinical in front of goal, as his swivel and volley from eight yards found the roof of the net to send the home supporters into delirium.
Curzon offered no real resistance thenceforth, as Town effortlessly preserved their advantage. An incisive move down the right flank was neutralised, and some more last ditch tackles prevented the home side extending their lead, Ashton almost snatched a late equaliser with a stoppage time header, but justice prevailed as Spratt alertly saved the effort and retained the deficit to give Garforth a much needed, and impressively gained, three points to aid and enhance their attempts to gatecrash the end of season play-off party for promotion into a national league for the first time in Garforth Town’s 44 year history.
Garforth Town were looking to continue their recent run of form with the visit of league leaders Curzon Ashton, avenging their only defeat in seven games in the process. In doing so, the Yorkshiremen emphasised the potential of the team at this level, in imperiously defeating the pace setters and firmly establishing themselves back in the promotion push for the season’s climax.
Curzon boasted a formidable record going into the fixture, with the threat of the league’s top scorer Michael Norton to provide the Unibond acid test for Richard Carrick and Brett Renshaw. Surprisingly, the striker was not included in the Curzon side that took to the field, and the visitors looked correspondingly toothless in the areas of opportunity.
The heavy rain before and during the game made the well maintained home pitch slippery underfoot, with all players visibly careful whilst in possession. This scenario resulted in a low key and tight first half period, though the Miner’s superiority was indicated by the consistent doggedness of the Town midfield, and the way in which the home side were first to every tackle, loose ball and 50/50. Curzon’s Rhodri Giggs was dismissed for an atrocious elbow on Garforth’s Ben Small, who followed the Welshman due to his ill judged retaliation. Shortly after Andy Watson’s headed attempt was adeptly tipped over the crossbar by Karl Spratt, this one of many fine displays of his that may be attributed to the emergence of Gavin Phillis, who has excelled when deputising. Garforth responded with some probing attacks of their own, all of which were thwarted by some desperate defending or an inability to convert the chances earned, perhaps indicative of the lack of a true goalscorer in Town’s team. Garforth pressurised the Lancastrians but were unable to turn their undoubted superiority into a numerical advantage. The half ended goalless, with Curzon severely disheartened and the home side in the ascendancy.
Curzon were clearly riled at their haplessness and ineptitude, and proved tactically improved as they maintained possession for the first part of the second half. Though few goal scoring opportunities were created, the visitors were thus under no pressure, and the impetus Garforth had claimed ebbed away. The Miner’s slowly reclaimed this as Curzon wilted under the pressure and considerable weather and pitch conditions, and on the hour mark an attack minded substitution from Town to introduce Mark Harding and Greg Kelly further damaged the resistance of the men from Greater Manchester.
From the seventieth minute the game became more stretched, with expanses of space created by the drastic change in play. Ashton seemed unable to match Garforth’s fitness, and the unchecked, surging runs from midfield by Duncan Williams, Luis De Melo and the Garforth substitutes were wreaking havoc in the visitors waning defence.
The breakthrough came on 78 minutes when Curzon’s defender Kevin Parr made a last ditch clearance to prevent De Melo scoring. The subsequent corner, a Duncan Williams in-swinger found the head of captain Renshaw at the far post, who steered the ball back across goal to Greg Kelly. The versatile Town man once again proved clinical in front of goal, as his swivel and volley from eight yards found the roof of the net to send the home supporters into delirium.
Curzon offered no real resistance thenceforth, as Town effortlessly preserved their advantage. An incisive move down the right flank was neutralised, and some more last ditch tackles prevented the home side extending their lead, Ashton almost snatched a late equaliser with a stoppage time header, but justice prevailed as Spratt alertly saved the effort and retained the deficit to give Garforth a much needed, and impressively gained, three points to aid and enhance their attempts to gatecrash the end of season play-off party for promotion into a national league for the first time in Garforth Town’s 44 year history.
Garforth Town 5 - Rossendale United 2
8.3.2008
The Garforth Town home support who braved the heavy rain on Saturday weretreated to a late flurry of goals from red-hot Luis de Melo that sent Rossendale back to Lancashire on the back of a dominant five goal mauling. TheYorkshire outfit overcame their shock over facing a team from Lancashire, a rare occurrence, and produced a display that eclipsed that of the visitors for work rate, determination and the clinical conversion of goal scoring opportunities.
Rossendale claimed the first near-miss of the game, when a miss-hit crossalmost drifted over the returning Karl Spratt, aided and abetted by the gusts of wind that would drastically affect play throughout. The reunited centre-back pairing of Brett Renshaw and Richard Carrick would thenceforth deal with all subsequent pressure from Rossendale’s attack assuredly, two suspicious goals notwithstanding.
The match took on an unpleasant edge, as both midfield’s upped the ante in thetenacious manner of their possession gaining, and tempers came perilouslyclose to boiling over in the first twenty minutes of play. The official responsible for the game behaved commendably in the first half, awarding several bookings’, ensuring that player’s remained composed and preventing ugliness from overshadowing the match, at this point played under a glowing sun in warm climate. The forceful referee even responded firmly to the barracking he received from one particular supporter, and soon enough the fixture commenced without anything resembling the earlier malice.
Phil Eastwood managed to evade the grasp of the Town defence, and his swift turn was followed by a shot the Rossendale striker powered past Spratt, though his effort struck the conjoin of crossbar and post, and the ball was cleared. Soon after, Ben Small, buoyed on by his near-goal from ludicrous distance against Radcliffe Borough, attempted yet another ambitious shot from 35 yardsthat sailed narrowly wide.
With ten minutes left in the half, Chris Kamara dispossessed a Rossendalemidfielder before bursting through the centre. Evading a challenge, Kamara looked to shoot but his promising break was ultimately unsuccessful when he was shepherded out by the last defender. However, with such attacks beingimplemented, a Garforth goal appeared imminent.
A Rossendale attacker was cheered by the home supporters when rising from Carrick’s seemingly innocuous challenge, after which a life-support machine appeared necessary for the stricken visitor. This miraculous recovery of the Lancastrian of Italian descent was followed by a period of Garforth dominance, as Town immediately countered from the questionable free kick and de Melo was put through on goal. The Portuguese striker could have shot yet elected to unselfishly cut the ball inside for Adam Clarke, whose shot was saved. The cleared ball was returned through the Rossendale defence releasing Greg Kelly,yet the Town man was bundled over when through on goal. The consequent free kick was ten yards outside the United penalty area, yet Duncan Williams managed to fire the ball with conviction into the top right corner of the Rossendale net, to the delight of the elated home support.
The final act of the first half confirmed Garforth’s superiority, as a goal kick was superbly controlled by de Melo into the path of Williams, whose curled pass found Kelly in an advanced position. The Town veteran found Chris Kamara on the edge of the box, but the midfielder was unable to convert the brilliantly executed move to further Garforth’s lead. The first period thus ended with Rossendale gratefully hanging on to the losing deficit they had.
The visitors would help enliven the game further by performing marginallybetter in the second half, as the downfall of rain began and both sidesdoggedly battled for the points. A Rossendale free kick was curled wide by a whisker, and a Town counter attack saw Williams run down the right and cross for Chris Brown, whose headed attempt flew just over.
Garforth probed and occasionally pierced, but the defenders of Rossendalecontinued to hold out in hope of an unmerited equaliser. These hopes were dashed however, when Greg Kelly burst forward and avoided the lunge of a centre back to slide the ball back across the United goal, where it nestled inthe corner of the net. This all but confirmed a third home victory forGarforth Town, the self-professed ‘world’s most famous amateur club’.
Rossendale would respond with a goal from Watson, whose well placed shot found the bottom corner, but the visitors were being clearly outplayed.
The rainfall was worse than ever, and clearly reflected Rossendale’s mood, asthey spectacularly imploded in the final five minutes to allow Town a commanding lead, though one that fully reflected the difference in quality and application on show between the teams. In the 85th minute of play, with the score still 2-1, Luis de Melo was released into space by Chris Brown and powered home to the far left post in a near carbon copy of Greg’s earlier effort. The recent assailant of Unibond defences is proving an astute signing, and a highly effective footballer at this level of the domestic game.
This was highlighted a mere two minutes later, as de Melo fed the ball toGreg, and was released on goal once more by a back heel from the latter. Luis allowed the goalkeeper to move first before coolly slotting the ball inside the near post, furthering the deficit and forcibly affirming the superiority of Town.
Mark Piper, in acres of space on the left wing, cut inside in the 89th minute and in shaping to shoot, drew the now desperate defenders out of position. Piper unselfishly squared the ball to the now unmarked Luis, whose characteristic slotted finish from eight yards completed an impressive five minute hat-trick, and an impressive rout of a capable opponent by GarforthTown. Neither the heavy rain nor the noticeably offside consolation goal, rolled in by Phil Eastwood in the ninetieth minute and charitably accepted by the officials, could dampen the spirits of the Town supporters who cheered their appreciation at the climax of play, for their side who will undoubtedly launch a serious assault on this league in the season to come.
The Garforth Town home support who braved the heavy rain on Saturday weretreated to a late flurry of goals from red-hot Luis de Melo that sent Rossendale back to Lancashire on the back of a dominant five goal mauling. TheYorkshire outfit overcame their shock over facing a team from Lancashire, a rare occurrence, and produced a display that eclipsed that of the visitors for work rate, determination and the clinical conversion of goal scoring opportunities.
Rossendale claimed the first near-miss of the game, when a miss-hit crossalmost drifted over the returning Karl Spratt, aided and abetted by the gusts of wind that would drastically affect play throughout. The reunited centre-back pairing of Brett Renshaw and Richard Carrick would thenceforth deal with all subsequent pressure from Rossendale’s attack assuredly, two suspicious goals notwithstanding.
The match took on an unpleasant edge, as both midfield’s upped the ante in thetenacious manner of their possession gaining, and tempers came perilouslyclose to boiling over in the first twenty minutes of play. The official responsible for the game behaved commendably in the first half, awarding several bookings’, ensuring that player’s remained composed and preventing ugliness from overshadowing the match, at this point played under a glowing sun in warm climate. The forceful referee even responded firmly to the barracking he received from one particular supporter, and soon enough the fixture commenced without anything resembling the earlier malice.
Phil Eastwood managed to evade the grasp of the Town defence, and his swift turn was followed by a shot the Rossendale striker powered past Spratt, though his effort struck the conjoin of crossbar and post, and the ball was cleared. Soon after, Ben Small, buoyed on by his near-goal from ludicrous distance against Radcliffe Borough, attempted yet another ambitious shot from 35 yardsthat sailed narrowly wide.
With ten minutes left in the half, Chris Kamara dispossessed a Rossendalemidfielder before bursting through the centre. Evading a challenge, Kamara looked to shoot but his promising break was ultimately unsuccessful when he was shepherded out by the last defender. However, with such attacks beingimplemented, a Garforth goal appeared imminent.
A Rossendale attacker was cheered by the home supporters when rising from Carrick’s seemingly innocuous challenge, after which a life-support machine appeared necessary for the stricken visitor. This miraculous recovery of the Lancastrian of Italian descent was followed by a period of Garforth dominance, as Town immediately countered from the questionable free kick and de Melo was put through on goal. The Portuguese striker could have shot yet elected to unselfishly cut the ball inside for Adam Clarke, whose shot was saved. The cleared ball was returned through the Rossendale defence releasing Greg Kelly,yet the Town man was bundled over when through on goal. The consequent free kick was ten yards outside the United penalty area, yet Duncan Williams managed to fire the ball with conviction into the top right corner of the Rossendale net, to the delight of the elated home support.
The final act of the first half confirmed Garforth’s superiority, as a goal kick was superbly controlled by de Melo into the path of Williams, whose curled pass found Kelly in an advanced position. The Town veteran found Chris Kamara on the edge of the box, but the midfielder was unable to convert the brilliantly executed move to further Garforth’s lead. The first period thus ended with Rossendale gratefully hanging on to the losing deficit they had.
The visitors would help enliven the game further by performing marginallybetter in the second half, as the downfall of rain began and both sidesdoggedly battled for the points. A Rossendale free kick was curled wide by a whisker, and a Town counter attack saw Williams run down the right and cross for Chris Brown, whose headed attempt flew just over.
Garforth probed and occasionally pierced, but the defenders of Rossendalecontinued to hold out in hope of an unmerited equaliser. These hopes were dashed however, when Greg Kelly burst forward and avoided the lunge of a centre back to slide the ball back across the United goal, where it nestled inthe corner of the net. This all but confirmed a third home victory forGarforth Town, the self-professed ‘world’s most famous amateur club’.
Rossendale would respond with a goal from Watson, whose well placed shot found the bottom corner, but the visitors were being clearly outplayed.
The rainfall was worse than ever, and clearly reflected Rossendale’s mood, asthey spectacularly imploded in the final five minutes to allow Town a commanding lead, though one that fully reflected the difference in quality and application on show between the teams. In the 85th minute of play, with the score still 2-1, Luis de Melo was released into space by Chris Brown and powered home to the far left post in a near carbon copy of Greg’s earlier effort. The recent assailant of Unibond defences is proving an astute signing, and a highly effective footballer at this level of the domestic game.
This was highlighted a mere two minutes later, as de Melo fed the ball toGreg, and was released on goal once more by a back heel from the latter. Luis allowed the goalkeeper to move first before coolly slotting the ball inside the near post, furthering the deficit and forcibly affirming the superiority of Town.
Mark Piper, in acres of space on the left wing, cut inside in the 89th minute and in shaping to shoot, drew the now desperate defenders out of position. Piper unselfishly squared the ball to the now unmarked Luis, whose characteristic slotted finish from eight yards completed an impressive five minute hat-trick, and an impressive rout of a capable opponent by GarforthTown. Neither the heavy rain nor the noticeably offside consolation goal, rolled in by Phil Eastwood in the ninetieth minute and charitably accepted by the officials, could dampen the spirits of the Town supporters who cheered their appreciation at the climax of play, for their side who will undoubtedly launch a serious assault on this league in the season to come.
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