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.
Monday 5 May 2008
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.
Chorley FC 1 - Garforth Town 1
1.3.2008
Garforth were victims of a verifiable highway robbery at Chorley’s paradoxically named Victory Park, as the home side performed the most disheartening of smash and grab raids to claim a share of the points with an unjust 96th minute equaliser. The Yorkshiremen were undeniably coasting to a well deserved success in South Lancashire, until the aptly named Magpie’s snatched a point with a half-volleyed effort that occurred after the allotted time.
The visitors were instantly enlightened as to the type of game they could expect, when Chorley immediately made use of their obvious advantages in physical size and strength. The opening stages were dominated by the attempts of Town to establish midfield superiority, and the cynicism displayed by their Chorley counterparts. Not until the tenth minute were Garforth able to overcome these tactics, when Greg Kelly burst through the defence and shot low. The goalkeeper parried, only for Chris Brown to hit the ball narrowly over with his rebound effort.
Chorley asked questions of their own when former Preston North End winger Ashley Parillon burst down the left wing before cutting the ball inside to Danny Nolan. The striker’s controlled turn was excellent, though the following shot was somewhat less so. Garforth tried to pressurise the home defence but the Magpie’s were proving physically authoritative, and in particular their three ascending defensive player numbers 4, 5, and 6, a shaven headed trio who resembled the cast of neo-Nazi film Romper Stomper, marshalled their rear areas well. One of the trio, centre back Liam Coyne, formerly of Bolton Wanderers, won virtually every aerial contest due to the natural advantage of his 6’6” height. Despite this, Garforth determinedly continued to test the capabilities of Chorley, whilst receiving little in the way of attacking nous and threat themselves.
On 35 minutes, Chorley were awarded a questionable free kick on the edge of the Town box, and the deputising goalkeeper Gavin Phillis performed an excellent save to deny Nolan, who curled low to the right hand corner.
Soon after, Nolan was released into the expanse of space that inevitably came with Town’s adventurous three man defence formation, but captain Brett Renshaw recovered well and thwarted the attacker.
Towards the end of the half, Garforth looked to have the measure of Chorley, and entered a dominant spell in which they were unlucky not to score. Luis de Melo was released down the right channel, but when positioning to shoot was nudged, though the indiscretion went unpunished. Chris Brown ran on to a measured pass from Kelly, but the goalkeeper reacted well and smothered the ball at his feet. With a minute left of the first period, Brown returned the favour, and though Greg’s shot beat the goalkeeper, it slid agonisingly wide of the far post, depriving Town of an opening goal at a valuable point of play.
The second half began in much the same way as the first, with both sides clearly invigorated by their motivational team talks in the interval, and tackles were unhesitant and fierce. In the 49th minute, substitute Mark Harding laid on Nathan Kamara to cross, and his low effort found the feet of Brown with his back to goal. The versatile defender and striker turned sharply to create an angle, but his placed shot was saved.
Harding, Kelly and Kamara were proving effective on the left wing, and were able to deliver numerous crosses and in field passes to the Town attack, though Coyne and Kieran Fletcher were on form in clearing the danger and dealing with the incoming deluge. However, Chorley appeared noticeably less disciplined in the second period, and the Town midfield were allowed to slowly exert more pressure on the Magpie’s defence due to the increase in space and time in possession.
A rare Chorley counter attack saw a deflected shot strike the woodwork in the seventieth minute of play, and the challenged rebound was cleared. Town remained composed, and sought to attack down the flanks of the visibly wilting Lancastrians. Greg Kelly struck a free kick just over, and Nathan Kamara cut inside and shot narrowly side after being played into space by Mark Piper. Chris Kamara combined passes with the pair and Harding before his shot was blocked, and a penalty area scramble was eventually cleared after several Garforth players tried their luck with shot unable to evade the cluster of opposition players.
Chorley received a free kick late in the game, and the resulting header struck the post. The Garforth counter attack led to a throw in, which found Greg Kelly on the edge of the box with his back to goal. The Garforth veteran managed to turn his marker before forcing his way past a defender and slotting the ball home across the goal, to the delight of the travelling support.
This apparent last minute winner was followed by the announcement of three minutes of stoppage time. Garforth, to their credit, continued to press, and when Mark Piper was in acres of space with the potential to employ time wasting tactics, Kamara instead opted to release Greg Kelly with a lofted cross field pass, though the Town man was prevented from scoring by some desperate defending. With the points all but sealed, a curled ball into Garforth’s area two minutes after the rightful end of the fixture fell kindly to Chris Brookes, whose chested control and half volley thundered past the helpless Phillis, thus completing the match as two points were unlawfully denied Town after a gutsy performance against a physical, battling outfit.
Garforth were victims of a verifiable highway robbery at Chorley’s paradoxically named Victory Park, as the home side performed the most disheartening of smash and grab raids to claim a share of the points with an unjust 96th minute equaliser. The Yorkshiremen were undeniably coasting to a well deserved success in South Lancashire, until the aptly named Magpie’s snatched a point with a half-volleyed effort that occurred after the allotted time.
The visitors were instantly enlightened as to the type of game they could expect, when Chorley immediately made use of their obvious advantages in physical size and strength. The opening stages were dominated by the attempts of Town to establish midfield superiority, and the cynicism displayed by their Chorley counterparts. Not until the tenth minute were Garforth able to overcome these tactics, when Greg Kelly burst through the defence and shot low. The goalkeeper parried, only for Chris Brown to hit the ball narrowly over with his rebound effort.
Chorley asked questions of their own when former Preston North End winger Ashley Parillon burst down the left wing before cutting the ball inside to Danny Nolan. The striker’s controlled turn was excellent, though the following shot was somewhat less so. Garforth tried to pressurise the home defence but the Magpie’s were proving physically authoritative, and in particular their three ascending defensive player numbers 4, 5, and 6, a shaven headed trio who resembled the cast of neo-Nazi film Romper Stomper, marshalled their rear areas well. One of the trio, centre back Liam Coyne, formerly of Bolton Wanderers, won virtually every aerial contest due to the natural advantage of his 6’6” height. Despite this, Garforth determinedly continued to test the capabilities of Chorley, whilst receiving little in the way of attacking nous and threat themselves.
On 35 minutes, Chorley were awarded a questionable free kick on the edge of the Town box, and the deputising goalkeeper Gavin Phillis performed an excellent save to deny Nolan, who curled low to the right hand corner.
Soon after, Nolan was released into the expanse of space that inevitably came with Town’s adventurous three man defence formation, but captain Brett Renshaw recovered well and thwarted the attacker.
Towards the end of the half, Garforth looked to have the measure of Chorley, and entered a dominant spell in which they were unlucky not to score. Luis de Melo was released down the right channel, but when positioning to shoot was nudged, though the indiscretion went unpunished. Chris Brown ran on to a measured pass from Kelly, but the goalkeeper reacted well and smothered the ball at his feet. With a minute left of the first period, Brown returned the favour, and though Greg’s shot beat the goalkeeper, it slid agonisingly wide of the far post, depriving Town of an opening goal at a valuable point of play.
The second half began in much the same way as the first, with both sides clearly invigorated by their motivational team talks in the interval, and tackles were unhesitant and fierce. In the 49th minute, substitute Mark Harding laid on Nathan Kamara to cross, and his low effort found the feet of Brown with his back to goal. The versatile defender and striker turned sharply to create an angle, but his placed shot was saved.
Harding, Kelly and Kamara were proving effective on the left wing, and were able to deliver numerous crosses and in field passes to the Town attack, though Coyne and Kieran Fletcher were on form in clearing the danger and dealing with the incoming deluge. However, Chorley appeared noticeably less disciplined in the second period, and the Town midfield were allowed to slowly exert more pressure on the Magpie’s defence due to the increase in space and time in possession.
A rare Chorley counter attack saw a deflected shot strike the woodwork in the seventieth minute of play, and the challenged rebound was cleared. Town remained composed, and sought to attack down the flanks of the visibly wilting Lancastrians. Greg Kelly struck a free kick just over, and Nathan Kamara cut inside and shot narrowly side after being played into space by Mark Piper. Chris Kamara combined passes with the pair and Harding before his shot was blocked, and a penalty area scramble was eventually cleared after several Garforth players tried their luck with shot unable to evade the cluster of opposition players.
Chorley received a free kick late in the game, and the resulting header struck the post. The Garforth counter attack led to a throw in, which found Greg Kelly on the edge of the box with his back to goal. The Garforth veteran managed to turn his marker before forcing his way past a defender and slotting the ball home across the goal, to the delight of the travelling support.
This apparent last minute winner was followed by the announcement of three minutes of stoppage time. Garforth, to their credit, continued to press, and when Mark Piper was in acres of space with the potential to employ time wasting tactics, Kamara instead opted to release Greg Kelly with a lofted cross field pass, though the Town man was prevented from scoring by some desperate defending. With the points all but sealed, a curled ball into Garforth’s area two minutes after the rightful end of the fixture fell kindly to Chris Brookes, whose chested control and half volley thundered past the helpless Phillis, thus completing the match as two points were unlawfully denied Town after a gutsy performance against a physical, battling outfit.
Garforth Town 2 - Radcliffe Borough 1
26.2.2008
The 107 loyal fans that made their way to the Genix Healthcare stadium this cold Tuesday evening were rewarded with a winning display by Garforth Town, who thoroughly outclassed hapless Lancashire outfit Radcliffe Borough. An early horror show from defender Andy Scott gave the Miner’s the lead, and despite the unmerited equalizer the visitors snatched, justice eventually prevailed with a second half winner and Garforth gained three more valuable points to remain on the fringes of the play-off places for promotion to the Unibond Premier League.
Radcliffe surprised the home defence early, when a looped ball found a Borough attacker through on goal in the second minute. The pressured striker guided his shot past Karl Spratt, but the ball bounced wide of the Garforth goal. It would prove to be a moment of attacking rarity for the visitors.
Garforth did not take long to respond, and an incisive passing movement down the left wing after only four minutes culminated with Luis de Melo sliding the ball through to the overlapping Casa Simpkins, whose run into the penalty area and shot elicited a save from Phil Priestley, only for the catastrophic error of the defending Scott, whose attempt to clear found the back of his own net. It made for uncomfortable viewing.
The wind was making play difficult, as several balls overran and attempted clearances and high passes were rendered unpredictable and potentially dangerous, such as when a simple midfield tackle saw the ball fly over the Town centre backs, leaving Michael Oakes with only Spratt to beat. The attentive goalkeeper narrowed the angle however, and saved the Borough mans’ low struck effort.
Halfway through the first period of play, a through ball from stand-in captain Duncan Williams released Simpkins down the right channel, but the midfielders’ hopeful back heel to the waiting Mark Piper was intercepted. A minute later, Greg Kelly tried his luck with an ambitious curling left footed free kick from 40 yards.
A sustained attack of four minutes duration drew appreciative applause from the Garforth faithful, owing to several clearances being controlled expertly by Ben Small and Chris Kamara, both of whom endeavoured to return the ball upfield from the right wing and further pressurise the Lancastrians defence. Only stout resistance prevented the Yorkshiremen furthering their lead over their misfiring visitors, and the increase in deficit appeared inevitable.
A high ball in midfield fell kindly for Stuart Howson, who when almost through on goal squandered his fortune by shooting high and wide. A corresponding Garforth attack saw Simpkins and Kamara feed Piper, whose low shot was unproblematic for Priestley. On the half hour mark, Duncan Williams was teed up on the right edge of the penalty box, and proceeded to outfox his opponent with a shimmy before attempted to find the top left corner with an ostentatious high, dipping curl. The effort went narrowly wide, earning more applause from those watching for the vision and ability he displayed.
Soon after, Williams demonstrated the step-over before gliding past his marker in midfield, and after directing the ball past Radcliffe captain Simon Kelly was horrifically hacked to the ground, with only Priestley to beat. The act went unpunished, and a vital goal scoring opportunity was denied the home side. The free kick was curled unexpectedly low by Greg Kelly, but found only the side netting with Priestley motionless.
A driving run from Kelly, on excellent form in recent games, saw the apparently astray ball unexpectedly lined up for the Town man via the heel of a back peddling Borough defender. Greg evaded the lunge of a desperate Radcliffe centre back before cutting his shot back across goal. With Priestley again comprehensively beat, the ball skidded narrowly wide.
With Garforth heavily in the ascendancy, it was disheartening for the previously inconspicuous visitors to claw back the deficit with an undeserved, sudden goal in the 38th minute. An unthreatening counter attack resulted in a corner, which was decisively headed past Spratt by Borough captain Simon Kelly.
Garforth hit back with an immediate burst down the left wing between Simpkins, de Melo and Mark Piper, which led to the Brazilian Soccer Schools Southampton graduate fire a curling cross-cum-shot to the far post. The effort would probably have been converted were it not for the disadvantageous wind blowing in the opposite direction.
A marauding Borough player cut in from the right before unleashing a speculative shot from distance. The experienced Spratt saved with ease, but was somewhat more troubled when a lofted ball from midfield was carried by the wind and almost caught him unawares. The Geordie did well to tip the ball over the bar, despite pressure from the Radcliffe strikers. Garforth would end the half with the Mancunians’ on the back foot.
Both sides began the second half quite warily, and the first five minutes proved uneventful and cautious. A Luis de Melo turn opened a gap in the Radcliffe midfield, and the former Spanish third division footballer released Simpkins with an excellent measured through ball into space. An excellent, desperate tackle denied Casa a one on one opportunity to regain the lead for Garforth, but the subsequent attack allowed de Melo a shot that was saved.
Another atrocious tackle on Williams saw another free kick granted to the Miner’s, and the fine de Melo curling effort sailed just over the bar. The next run of play saw Greg head Simpkins through on goal, but Priestley proved alert and claimed the ball. A ten minute period of tit for tat possession football ensued, with Town’s midfield enjoying the lions share of the ball while the Lancastrians were ostensibly content to retain their even goal tally.
Former Leeds Brazilian Soccer Schools attendee Mark Harding made his Garforth Town debut in the 70th minute, and the side immediately won a corner. The ensuing goal scramble was cleared to Mark Piper, whose shot surprised Priestley and the ball was fumbled. Harding opportunistically stole in to try to toe-poke the ball into the goal, and while Priestley recovered sufficiently to prevent this occurrence the ball rolled into the path of Simpkins, who made no mistake from six yards to recover Garforth’s numerical advantage, which was indicative of the dominance in play.
With ten minutes left of the game, Ben Small tried an audacious lob from 50 yards that left the stranded Priestley resembling the forlorn spectre of Peter Schmeichel, as the Great Dane helplessly watched Phillipe Albert of Newcastle United chip his side’s fifth goal in a famous rout. On this occasion, the dipping ball would spare the keeper’s blushes by striking the woodwork, but the magnificence of the attempt still lingered.
Five minutes later, with a free kick awarded far from the Borough goal, Small would attempt the same stunt, from the same distance, with less success. Joint-manager Vernol Blair expressed his opinions at this venture, which were predictably unprintable!
Radcliffe Borough unsportingly tried to claim an undeserved equaliser with both Chris Kamara and Duncan Williams injured, but this duplicity went unrewarded as Spratt once again saved from point blank range.
Garforth’s authority in midfield stemmed from the technical superiority of Williams, Simpkins, Harding, Piper and de Melo to their counterparts, hatchet men Martyn Forest, Craig Dawson et al, and the seemingly narrow score line was offset by the underlying comfort of the victory. With some apparently easier fixtures forthcoming than the likes of Curzon and Bradford Park Avenue, Town can look to drastically increase their points tally in the coming months to ensure that the promotional push is not merely a pipe dream, and that the Garforth Town bandwagon continues rolling onwards and upwards towards and into the realms of the unfulfilled prophecies of its owner.
The 107 loyal fans that made their way to the Genix Healthcare stadium this cold Tuesday evening were rewarded with a winning display by Garforth Town, who thoroughly outclassed hapless Lancashire outfit Radcliffe Borough. An early horror show from defender Andy Scott gave the Miner’s the lead, and despite the unmerited equalizer the visitors snatched, justice eventually prevailed with a second half winner and Garforth gained three more valuable points to remain on the fringes of the play-off places for promotion to the Unibond Premier League.
Radcliffe surprised the home defence early, when a looped ball found a Borough attacker through on goal in the second minute. The pressured striker guided his shot past Karl Spratt, but the ball bounced wide of the Garforth goal. It would prove to be a moment of attacking rarity for the visitors.
Garforth did not take long to respond, and an incisive passing movement down the left wing after only four minutes culminated with Luis de Melo sliding the ball through to the overlapping Casa Simpkins, whose run into the penalty area and shot elicited a save from Phil Priestley, only for the catastrophic error of the defending Scott, whose attempt to clear found the back of his own net. It made for uncomfortable viewing.
The wind was making play difficult, as several balls overran and attempted clearances and high passes were rendered unpredictable and potentially dangerous, such as when a simple midfield tackle saw the ball fly over the Town centre backs, leaving Michael Oakes with only Spratt to beat. The attentive goalkeeper narrowed the angle however, and saved the Borough mans’ low struck effort.
Halfway through the first period of play, a through ball from stand-in captain Duncan Williams released Simpkins down the right channel, but the midfielders’ hopeful back heel to the waiting Mark Piper was intercepted. A minute later, Greg Kelly tried his luck with an ambitious curling left footed free kick from 40 yards.
A sustained attack of four minutes duration drew appreciative applause from the Garforth faithful, owing to several clearances being controlled expertly by Ben Small and Chris Kamara, both of whom endeavoured to return the ball upfield from the right wing and further pressurise the Lancastrians defence. Only stout resistance prevented the Yorkshiremen furthering their lead over their misfiring visitors, and the increase in deficit appeared inevitable.
A high ball in midfield fell kindly for Stuart Howson, who when almost through on goal squandered his fortune by shooting high and wide. A corresponding Garforth attack saw Simpkins and Kamara feed Piper, whose low shot was unproblematic for Priestley. On the half hour mark, Duncan Williams was teed up on the right edge of the penalty box, and proceeded to outfox his opponent with a shimmy before attempted to find the top left corner with an ostentatious high, dipping curl. The effort went narrowly wide, earning more applause from those watching for the vision and ability he displayed.
Soon after, Williams demonstrated the step-over before gliding past his marker in midfield, and after directing the ball past Radcliffe captain Simon Kelly was horrifically hacked to the ground, with only Priestley to beat. The act went unpunished, and a vital goal scoring opportunity was denied the home side. The free kick was curled unexpectedly low by Greg Kelly, but found only the side netting with Priestley motionless.
A driving run from Kelly, on excellent form in recent games, saw the apparently astray ball unexpectedly lined up for the Town man via the heel of a back peddling Borough defender. Greg evaded the lunge of a desperate Radcliffe centre back before cutting his shot back across goal. With Priestley again comprehensively beat, the ball skidded narrowly wide.
With Garforth heavily in the ascendancy, it was disheartening for the previously inconspicuous visitors to claw back the deficit with an undeserved, sudden goal in the 38th minute. An unthreatening counter attack resulted in a corner, which was decisively headed past Spratt by Borough captain Simon Kelly.
Garforth hit back with an immediate burst down the left wing between Simpkins, de Melo and Mark Piper, which led to the Brazilian Soccer Schools Southampton graduate fire a curling cross-cum-shot to the far post. The effort would probably have been converted were it not for the disadvantageous wind blowing in the opposite direction.
A marauding Borough player cut in from the right before unleashing a speculative shot from distance. The experienced Spratt saved with ease, but was somewhat more troubled when a lofted ball from midfield was carried by the wind and almost caught him unawares. The Geordie did well to tip the ball over the bar, despite pressure from the Radcliffe strikers. Garforth would end the half with the Mancunians’ on the back foot.
Both sides began the second half quite warily, and the first five minutes proved uneventful and cautious. A Luis de Melo turn opened a gap in the Radcliffe midfield, and the former Spanish third division footballer released Simpkins with an excellent measured through ball into space. An excellent, desperate tackle denied Casa a one on one opportunity to regain the lead for Garforth, but the subsequent attack allowed de Melo a shot that was saved.
Another atrocious tackle on Williams saw another free kick granted to the Miner’s, and the fine de Melo curling effort sailed just over the bar. The next run of play saw Greg head Simpkins through on goal, but Priestley proved alert and claimed the ball. A ten minute period of tit for tat possession football ensued, with Town’s midfield enjoying the lions share of the ball while the Lancastrians were ostensibly content to retain their even goal tally.
Former Leeds Brazilian Soccer Schools attendee Mark Harding made his Garforth Town debut in the 70th minute, and the side immediately won a corner. The ensuing goal scramble was cleared to Mark Piper, whose shot surprised Priestley and the ball was fumbled. Harding opportunistically stole in to try to toe-poke the ball into the goal, and while Priestley recovered sufficiently to prevent this occurrence the ball rolled into the path of Simpkins, who made no mistake from six yards to recover Garforth’s numerical advantage, which was indicative of the dominance in play.
With ten minutes left of the game, Ben Small tried an audacious lob from 50 yards that left the stranded Priestley resembling the forlorn spectre of Peter Schmeichel, as the Great Dane helplessly watched Phillipe Albert of Newcastle United chip his side’s fifth goal in a famous rout. On this occasion, the dipping ball would spare the keeper’s blushes by striking the woodwork, but the magnificence of the attempt still lingered.
Five minutes later, with a free kick awarded far from the Borough goal, Small would attempt the same stunt, from the same distance, with less success. Joint-manager Vernol Blair expressed his opinions at this venture, which were predictably unprintable!
Radcliffe Borough unsportingly tried to claim an undeserved equaliser with both Chris Kamara and Duncan Williams injured, but this duplicity went unrewarded as Spratt once again saved from point blank range.
Garforth’s authority in midfield stemmed from the technical superiority of Williams, Simpkins, Harding, Piper and de Melo to their counterparts, hatchet men Martyn Forest, Craig Dawson et al, and the seemingly narrow score line was offset by the underlying comfort of the victory. With some apparently easier fixtures forthcoming than the likes of Curzon and Bradford Park Avenue, Town can look to drastically increase their points tally in the coming months to ensure that the promotional push is not merely a pipe dream, and that the Garforth Town bandwagon continues rolling onwards and upwards towards and into the realms of the unfulfilled prophecies of its owner.
Curzon Ashton 2 - Garforth Town 1
23.2.2008
Garforth were unfortunate to return home from Greater Manchester without claiming valuable points for their promotion push, after succumbing to Curzon Ashton by two goals to one at the impressive Tameside stadium in Ashton under-Lyne. The visiting Yorkshiremen performed to the same standard as in previous games, but were ultimately unable to convert the crucial opportunities and were kept out by the Lancashire outfit, who themselves are aiming to achieve Unibond Premier status.
The tie took on an early physical edge, as Duncan Williams incurred a slight head injury whilst contesting a high ball, and promptly avenged the transgression by crudely slide tackling the miscreant from behind. Play continued in this non-progressive manner for a few minutes, though without any real spite, until Chris Kamara burst forwards from midfield and fired at goal. The shot flew over, yet served to herald the beginning of attacking play that would transcend the game, a contest of football sides who believe they belong in higher tiers.
Curzon began to demonstrate some impressive footballing prowess, and were more than willing to produce incisive attacks rather than resort to tiresome long ball tactics. A neat turn in midfield saw a Curzon player release his winger into space, and after the initial cross was blocked, the second attempt evaded all Garforth players but was fortunately hoofed over by the Curzon attacker from point blank range. This embarrassing miss was followed by Rhodri Giggs, brother of Manchester United legend Ryan, unleashing a fierce low shot to the near post from the right, which Karl Spratt alertly managed to push wide. The attacks served to enliven Garforth, who responded with a ball down the right flank from returning captain Brett Renshaw to Luis de Melo, whose cross-field ball found Chris Kamara in space. Town’s own relative and namesake to an illustrious footballer, nephew of former Leeds man Chris, returned the ball back across the penalty box but goalkeeper David Carnell smothered the ball at de Melo’s feet.
A period of long ball play followed, with Renshaw earning the ire of two Curzon attackers with the tackles contested, when the first goal of the game came suddenly in the 37th minute of play. George Williams cleared the ball from the right, which fell to a Curzon winger who exchanged passes with a team-mate before crossing to top scorer Mickey Norton. The strikers glanced header deflected heavily from the covering Casa Simpkins, who nearly did enough to prevent the goal, but the redirected ball found its way past Spratt, cueing the hilarious usage of ‘Hey Mickey’ over the PR system.
Almost immediately after the restart, an ostentatious dive from an Ashton attacker earned the Mancunians a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Justly, Giggs Jr curled over from twenty yards.
With five minutes left to play of the first, a Garforth goal kick saw Chris Brown injured as a result of a Curzon midfielder jumping into him. The sparked some hostilities being exchanged between Curzon manager Gary Lowe and Town goalkeeper Karl Spratt, joint-manager Vernol Blair, and a fan in the stands. A minute later, Curzon attacker Jorge Diez fortuitously passed George Williams before rounding Spratt and firing past Patrice Liburd, whose attempted header only forced the ball into the roof of the net. This undeserved two goal lead was celebrated with the overplayed introduction of James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’.
Town began the second half much the stronger side, and an early one touch passing exchange teed up the surprised de Melo, whose snapshot flashed wide. Town pressured, but were countered with extremely cynical tactics from Curzon, who on several occasions clipped the heels of Garforth players in full flight. After four such incidents in a mere eleven minutes of second half play, Town were awarded a free kick on the far right twenty five yards from goal, which Greg Kelly coolly converted in a carbon copy of his ‘Rivaldo-esque’ set piece from the previous match. Despite the noticeable silence, Town Felt Good.
Curzon replied with attacks of their own, but Nathan Kamara and Milton Turner were on fine form and prevented all progress. Giggs Jr vented his frustrations at Vernol Blair with some perplexing expletives, which were laughed off by the experienced Town man. The referee was also frustrated with the pleas of the Town fans for fair officiating, and responded with several gestures to the travelling support.
A quick throw in found Chris Kamara in acres of space, but the most glorious opportunity of the game for the visitors to regain parity was squandered when the midfielder ignored the cries of the advanced Renshaw and de Melo, and his shot was saved. Curzon almost added insult to injury when Giggs Jr was released into a one on one situation, but his lifted shot over Spratt sailed well wide.
With ten minutes of play left to go, Kamara won possession and ran through midfield, exchanged a one-two pass with Duncan before his shot was saved by Carnell. Curzon had a drop ball soon after, due to an injury, but unsportingly tried to score from the resumption of play. Garforth were now employing dangerous tactics in the hope of snatching the merited equalizer, with more men advanced than defending, and almost paid the price when a bobbling Curzon shot was met by the slightest of touches from Spratt, which sent the ball onto the post and away. Town wasted a glorious opportunity to score with only minutes left when a passing movement led to Duncan granted a clear shot at goal from fifteen yards, a hurried effort with the toe that flew straight into Carnell’s arms. In stoppage time, a Greg Kelly piledriver from distance was spilled by the goalkeeper, but there was no Town striker to convert the rebound. Ultimately, it wasn’t to be, but for the inability to convert their chances in front of goal Garforth performed to the standard they have now set in their last four games, and should look to display ‘bouncebackability’ to recover with a fine win on Tuesday at the Genix Healthcare stadium.
Garforth were unfortunate to return home from Greater Manchester without claiming valuable points for their promotion push, after succumbing to Curzon Ashton by two goals to one at the impressive Tameside stadium in Ashton under-Lyne. The visiting Yorkshiremen performed to the same standard as in previous games, but were ultimately unable to convert the crucial opportunities and were kept out by the Lancashire outfit, who themselves are aiming to achieve Unibond Premier status.
The tie took on an early physical edge, as Duncan Williams incurred a slight head injury whilst contesting a high ball, and promptly avenged the transgression by crudely slide tackling the miscreant from behind. Play continued in this non-progressive manner for a few minutes, though without any real spite, until Chris Kamara burst forwards from midfield and fired at goal. The shot flew over, yet served to herald the beginning of attacking play that would transcend the game, a contest of football sides who believe they belong in higher tiers.
Curzon began to demonstrate some impressive footballing prowess, and were more than willing to produce incisive attacks rather than resort to tiresome long ball tactics. A neat turn in midfield saw a Curzon player release his winger into space, and after the initial cross was blocked, the second attempt evaded all Garforth players but was fortunately hoofed over by the Curzon attacker from point blank range. This embarrassing miss was followed by Rhodri Giggs, brother of Manchester United legend Ryan, unleashing a fierce low shot to the near post from the right, which Karl Spratt alertly managed to push wide. The attacks served to enliven Garforth, who responded with a ball down the right flank from returning captain Brett Renshaw to Luis de Melo, whose cross-field ball found Chris Kamara in space. Town’s own relative and namesake to an illustrious footballer, nephew of former Leeds man Chris, returned the ball back across the penalty box but goalkeeper David Carnell smothered the ball at de Melo’s feet.
A period of long ball play followed, with Renshaw earning the ire of two Curzon attackers with the tackles contested, when the first goal of the game came suddenly in the 37th minute of play. George Williams cleared the ball from the right, which fell to a Curzon winger who exchanged passes with a team-mate before crossing to top scorer Mickey Norton. The strikers glanced header deflected heavily from the covering Casa Simpkins, who nearly did enough to prevent the goal, but the redirected ball found its way past Spratt, cueing the hilarious usage of ‘Hey Mickey’ over the PR system.
Almost immediately after the restart, an ostentatious dive from an Ashton attacker earned the Mancunians a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Justly, Giggs Jr curled over from twenty yards.
With five minutes left to play of the first, a Garforth goal kick saw Chris Brown injured as a result of a Curzon midfielder jumping into him. The sparked some hostilities being exchanged between Curzon manager Gary Lowe and Town goalkeeper Karl Spratt, joint-manager Vernol Blair, and a fan in the stands. A minute later, Curzon attacker Jorge Diez fortuitously passed George Williams before rounding Spratt and firing past Patrice Liburd, whose attempted header only forced the ball into the roof of the net. This undeserved two goal lead was celebrated with the overplayed introduction of James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’.
Town began the second half much the stronger side, and an early one touch passing exchange teed up the surprised de Melo, whose snapshot flashed wide. Town pressured, but were countered with extremely cynical tactics from Curzon, who on several occasions clipped the heels of Garforth players in full flight. After four such incidents in a mere eleven minutes of second half play, Town were awarded a free kick on the far right twenty five yards from goal, which Greg Kelly coolly converted in a carbon copy of his ‘Rivaldo-esque’ set piece from the previous match. Despite the noticeable silence, Town Felt Good.
Curzon replied with attacks of their own, but Nathan Kamara and Milton Turner were on fine form and prevented all progress. Giggs Jr vented his frustrations at Vernol Blair with some perplexing expletives, which were laughed off by the experienced Town man. The referee was also frustrated with the pleas of the Town fans for fair officiating, and responded with several gestures to the travelling support.
A quick throw in found Chris Kamara in acres of space, but the most glorious opportunity of the game for the visitors to regain parity was squandered when the midfielder ignored the cries of the advanced Renshaw and de Melo, and his shot was saved. Curzon almost added insult to injury when Giggs Jr was released into a one on one situation, but his lifted shot over Spratt sailed well wide.
With ten minutes of play left to go, Kamara won possession and ran through midfield, exchanged a one-two pass with Duncan before his shot was saved by Carnell. Curzon had a drop ball soon after, due to an injury, but unsportingly tried to score from the resumption of play. Garforth were now employing dangerous tactics in the hope of snatching the merited equalizer, with more men advanced than defending, and almost paid the price when a bobbling Curzon shot was met by the slightest of touches from Spratt, which sent the ball onto the post and away. Town wasted a glorious opportunity to score with only minutes left when a passing movement led to Duncan granted a clear shot at goal from fifteen yards, a hurried effort with the toe that flew straight into Carnell’s arms. In stoppage time, a Greg Kelly piledriver from distance was spilled by the goalkeeper, but there was no Town striker to convert the rebound. Ultimately, it wasn’t to be, but for the inability to convert their chances in front of goal Garforth performed to the standard they have now set in their last four games, and should look to display ‘bouncebackability’ to recover with a fine win on Tuesday at the Genix Healthcare stadium.
Garforth Town 4 - Newcastle Blue Star 0
16.2.2008
Garforth Town produced the performance of the season with an emphatic hammering of hapless Geordie outfit Newcastle Blue Star in front of their delighted home supporters. The white-hot Yorkshiremen thrashed the visitors with three exquisite goals, and put the proverbial icing on the cake with a stoppage time comedy fourth.
Garforth engaged in some long ball tactics initially before establishing superiority, and once in control never looked like conceding the initiative. A long curled ball upfield from the right almost found stand-in captain Duncan Williams in position to score, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly and decisively, punching the ball away and injuring the teenager in the process. The ideal weather and pitch conditions contributed greatly to the standard of game play of show, and this was reflected in Garforth’s willingness to exchange passes in patient attacks rather than rely on the route one approach favoured by many lower and non- league sides. The crowd were roused by a quid pro quo situation that arose when a Town through ball to the lurking Mark Piper was expertly dealt with by the opposing keeper, whose vital clearance served as a through ball to his own striker. The Blue Star forward met similar goalkeeping alertness, and the ball was duly cleared.
With the visit of Newcastle Blue Star, it was to be expected that distinctive North-eastern accents would be audible throughout, and there were indeed three. Paradoxically, they belonged to Simon Clifford, Steve Nichol and Dave Williams – Clifford the Garforth owner, Nichol the joint-manager and Williams the Town pie-maker! This irony notwithstanding, the team were visibly buoyed on by their north-eastern contingent, and the subject of the frequent bellows from Town's mercurial owner Clifford, Karl Simpkins, duly shackled his opposing midfield counterparts well with Chris Kamara and the outstanding Greg Kelly.
The vocal attendees were enjoying the fare, and the light-heartedness was improved by the introduction of Rambo and Rocky musical excerpts in the 22nd minute for which a broadly grinning man in black was ostensibly the perpetrator. The music seemed to spur George Williams into action at least – his three crunching tackles in the space of twenty seconds roused the amused crowd.
George’s brother released Mark Piper through on goal, but the southerner was deemed offside. The same occurred minutes later, but Blue Star were being prised apart almost at will, and but for an alert linesman could well have found themselves trailing heavily come the end of the half.
A neat passing move on the left flank saw the ball rolled into Kelly’s path twenty yards from goal, but the goal-bound shot was painfully blocked. Blue Star responded with a rare, yet toothless attack, when top scorer Lee Novak fired a half volley yards wide from a good position. Soon after, a free kick was conceded by Newcastle on the left, and Luis de Melo’s low cross shot evaded all Town players when the deftest of touches would have converted the chance. Blue Star somehow escaped the first period with their clean sheet intact.
Garforth claimed all the early possession at the start of the second half, and while the preliminary passing movements were good, they were unable to apply the finishing touches. Finally, in the 52nd minute, Town managed to do that which they had threatened all afternoon, and broke the resistance of the Geordie defenders. Luis de Melo capitalised on poor goalkeeping after a Garforth attack seemed unsuccessful, and rounded the hapless Daniel Lowson before coolly slotting the ball low into the net.
Two minutes later, Greg Kelly burst through the centre from defence, and the ball was taken by de Melo. The former Spanish third division footballer committed the defender before playing in Adam Clark, who was unlucky not to score as his shot struck Lowson’s trailing leg as the keeper dived at his feet.
On the hour mark, an unjustly awarded free kick curled high over all Town defenders and was controlled by an opposition player. Somehow, Karl Spratt managed to maintain the parity with a fine save from point blank range, a fiercely struck seven-yard half volley. The grateful Town eventually cleared, and would soon benefit from the good fortune.
A Garforth attack caught Newcastle by surprise, and saw Simpkins attempt to head the ball through for Kelly. Fortunately, the nearby Blue Star defender slipped, and Greg capitalised by hopping over the stricken player before steadying himself with a touch and firing low past Lowson at the near post to send Town into raptures. Newcastle knew they were sunk, and offered no stern resistance from this point onwards.
After 81 minutes of play, assistant manager Vernol Blair was caught in a somewhat sensitive area, and a free kick was awarded after a subsequent Blue Star foul. Twenty five yards from goal on the right hand side, Kelly would find the net for the second time of the afternoon with a Rivaldo-esque curled top right corner finish. It’s just like watching Brazil.
Five minutes later, de Melo was marginally offside when he ran on to a measured through ball, and his delicate chip hit the crossbar.
With Town already anticipating their fine win, a stoppage time through ball by Blair saw the goalkeeper claim possession, and ineptly kick against the onrushing de Melo, who calmly watched Lowson’s frantic attempts to prevent the ball trickling into his goal, the culmination of a fine win for Garforth and a stepping stone to a formidable end to the season. Town were without their entire defence, and the only recognised defender Milton Turner was substituted with an injury at half time. Great credit must be apportioned to joint-managers Steve Nichol, Vernol Blair and Alan Billingham, who put together their side in the week to face a team with a budget eight times the size of that available to Town. This emphatic victory proved what Garforth Town are capable of, and should prove to pave the way for ensuing success at the Unibond level of the pyramid.
Garforth Town produced the performance of the season with an emphatic hammering of hapless Geordie outfit Newcastle Blue Star in front of their delighted home supporters. The white-hot Yorkshiremen thrashed the visitors with three exquisite goals, and put the proverbial icing on the cake with a stoppage time comedy fourth.
Garforth engaged in some long ball tactics initially before establishing superiority, and once in control never looked like conceding the initiative. A long curled ball upfield from the right almost found stand-in captain Duncan Williams in position to score, but the goalkeeper reacted quickly and decisively, punching the ball away and injuring the teenager in the process. The ideal weather and pitch conditions contributed greatly to the standard of game play of show, and this was reflected in Garforth’s willingness to exchange passes in patient attacks rather than rely on the route one approach favoured by many lower and non- league sides. The crowd were roused by a quid pro quo situation that arose when a Town through ball to the lurking Mark Piper was expertly dealt with by the opposing keeper, whose vital clearance served as a through ball to his own striker. The Blue Star forward met similar goalkeeping alertness, and the ball was duly cleared.
With the visit of Newcastle Blue Star, it was to be expected that distinctive North-eastern accents would be audible throughout, and there were indeed three. Paradoxically, they belonged to Simon Clifford, Steve Nichol and Dave Williams – Clifford the Garforth owner, Nichol the joint-manager and Williams the Town pie-maker! This irony notwithstanding, the team were visibly buoyed on by their north-eastern contingent, and the subject of the frequent bellows from Town's mercurial owner Clifford, Karl Simpkins, duly shackled his opposing midfield counterparts well with Chris Kamara and the outstanding Greg Kelly.
The vocal attendees were enjoying the fare, and the light-heartedness was improved by the introduction of Rambo and Rocky musical excerpts in the 22nd minute for which a broadly grinning man in black was ostensibly the perpetrator. The music seemed to spur George Williams into action at least – his three crunching tackles in the space of twenty seconds roused the amused crowd.
George’s brother released Mark Piper through on goal, but the southerner was deemed offside. The same occurred minutes later, but Blue Star were being prised apart almost at will, and but for an alert linesman could well have found themselves trailing heavily come the end of the half.
A neat passing move on the left flank saw the ball rolled into Kelly’s path twenty yards from goal, but the goal-bound shot was painfully blocked. Blue Star responded with a rare, yet toothless attack, when top scorer Lee Novak fired a half volley yards wide from a good position. Soon after, a free kick was conceded by Newcastle on the left, and Luis de Melo’s low cross shot evaded all Town players when the deftest of touches would have converted the chance. Blue Star somehow escaped the first period with their clean sheet intact.
Garforth claimed all the early possession at the start of the second half, and while the preliminary passing movements were good, they were unable to apply the finishing touches. Finally, in the 52nd minute, Town managed to do that which they had threatened all afternoon, and broke the resistance of the Geordie defenders. Luis de Melo capitalised on poor goalkeeping after a Garforth attack seemed unsuccessful, and rounded the hapless Daniel Lowson before coolly slotting the ball low into the net.
Two minutes later, Greg Kelly burst through the centre from defence, and the ball was taken by de Melo. The former Spanish third division footballer committed the defender before playing in Adam Clark, who was unlucky not to score as his shot struck Lowson’s trailing leg as the keeper dived at his feet.
On the hour mark, an unjustly awarded free kick curled high over all Town defenders and was controlled by an opposition player. Somehow, Karl Spratt managed to maintain the parity with a fine save from point blank range, a fiercely struck seven-yard half volley. The grateful Town eventually cleared, and would soon benefit from the good fortune.
A Garforth attack caught Newcastle by surprise, and saw Simpkins attempt to head the ball through for Kelly. Fortunately, the nearby Blue Star defender slipped, and Greg capitalised by hopping over the stricken player before steadying himself with a touch and firing low past Lowson at the near post to send Town into raptures. Newcastle knew they were sunk, and offered no stern resistance from this point onwards.
After 81 minutes of play, assistant manager Vernol Blair was caught in a somewhat sensitive area, and a free kick was awarded after a subsequent Blue Star foul. Twenty five yards from goal on the right hand side, Kelly would find the net for the second time of the afternoon with a Rivaldo-esque curled top right corner finish. It’s just like watching Brazil.
Five minutes later, de Melo was marginally offside when he ran on to a measured through ball, and his delicate chip hit the crossbar.
With Town already anticipating their fine win, a stoppage time through ball by Blair saw the goalkeeper claim possession, and ineptly kick against the onrushing de Melo, who calmly watched Lowson’s frantic attempts to prevent the ball trickling into his goal, the culmination of a fine win for Garforth and a stepping stone to a formidable end to the season. Town were without their entire defence, and the only recognised defender Milton Turner was substituted with an injury at half time. Great credit must be apportioned to joint-managers Steve Nichol, Vernol Blair and Alan Billingham, who put together their side in the week to face a team with a budget eight times the size of that available to Town. This emphatic victory proved what Garforth Town are capable of, and should prove to pave the way for ensuing success at the Unibond level of the pyramid.
Clitheroe 1 - Garforth Town 2
9.2.2008
Garforth returned to winning form in rip-roaring fashion at the Shawbridge Stadium, overcoming Clitheroe FC at the Lancastrians home in a hot tempered fixture. Town surrendered the early lead they claimed through Luis de Melo, but continued to pressurise the home defence until a neat flicked finish from Greg Kelly claimed the all important three points for the Yorkshiremen.
Clitheroe immediately tested the defensive qualities of the Williams brother’s and Brett Renshaw with some speculative high through balls, but the young men showed their relative experience early, and Garforth took control. One of Clitheroe’s many hatchet men conceded a fourth minute free kick on the far left, which was directed by Chris Brown into the path of de Melo. The new recruit from Spain assuredly slotted the ball back across goal into the lower right hand corner, a first-time finish with aplomb.
The early lead served to rile sections of Clitheroe’s support, who incessantly bellowed at their team to respond. After more high balls, a Clitheroe cross evaded all Town defenders but the striker failed to find the target, the ball narrowly flying over. On the twenty minute mark, a carbon copy attack resulted in the same striker heading past the returning Carl Spratt, only for his own team-mate to block on the goal line. The grateful Town duly cleared.
Soon after, a marauding Clitheroe midfielder was positioning himself to score when Duncan Williams gained possession with a crunching tackle. The versatile Brazilian Soccer School graduate played the ball downfield to de Melo, who when in acres of space and with two Town attackers in support was brought down in an atrocious tackle, one of many. The offender went unpunished, yet Town were denied a glorious chance to further enhance their lead.
Minutes later, an intelligent George Williams cross-field pass found de Melo in similar space, with exactly the same ugly outcome. The unsporting nature of Clitheroe surface in these moments of blatant cynicism.
Clitheroe took the ascendancy in the ensuing five minutes, and only stout defensive exertion from the Garforth men prevented the Lancastrians from scoring. With ten minutes left to play in the half, the ball was cleared high towards de Melo, whose marker’s high foot caught the Town attacker flush in the face. The injury sustained would constitute a replacement player being brought on, yet again the offender escaped punishment. Greg Kelly won the ball soon after, but was deemed to have used unnecessary force and was booked, after some disgraceful Clitheroe fouls.
Debutant Patrice Liberg was proving his defensive capabilities, yet conceded a free kick on the edge of the box for manhandling the home striker and a fracas almost ensued. The ill-tempered fixture was in serious danger of boiling over, and one was relieved to hear the half-time whistle from the incompetent referee.
Garforth began the second half much the stronger side, constantly probing and piercing the Clitheroe back line. Kelly was put through on three occasions by the industrious Mark Piper, but perhaps mindful of the booking already sustained was unwilling the overtly challenge the alert onrushing goalkeeper, who thrice saved his team. One such attack was followed by the goalkeeper throwing the ball to a centre circle placed midfielder, who in turn released Chris Lomax with a ball down the right channel. With Liberg mistiming his lunge, Lomax coolly slotted past Spratt to give the home side an unfair equality with the visitors.
Shortly after the hour mark, Piper ran out from defence on the right wing into the expanse of space, before cutting inside and directing the ball into the path of Greg Kelly’s run. The Town man positioned to shoot, but unfortunately mis-hit his shot, to the delight of the home support, who gave a rousing chorus of ‘Lancashire, la la la.’ The vocal visitors responded with calls for various counties, including Somerset, Staffordshire and Sussex. Not for the lispers.
Piper would fiercely tackle the niggling number 3 Clitheroe full back, who slid into the advertising hoardings. The infuriated, diminutive Lancastrian responded with aggression which, surprisingly, went unpunished. An episode of ‘handbags’ was followed by a free kick being taken by the same full back, who decided to reveal himself to the away support. The way in which this player conducted himself throughout the game was only overshadowed by the behaviour of the home supporters, and the fact that he went unchecked was a testament to the ineptitude of the officiating.
Garforth remained hungry for a winner, which eventually came with another combination between Kelly and Piper. A goal kick was headed on to the BSS Southampton winger, who committed the defender before unselfishly squaring the decisive through ball to Greg. Kelly approached the Clitheroe keeper before his deftly flicked finish found the bottom left corner of the goal. Town were back on course for that long awaited win.
With eight minutes left, a high curled free kick from Duncan was met by a towering Liberg header, which narrowly went over. A minute later, a fiercely struck yet mis-hit cross was goal-bound at the near post, but Spratt managed to tip the ball over. A volleyed shot seemed destined for that same top corner in the dying seconds, but Spratt again produced a spectacular save to send the loyal traveller’s home happy. The Garforth players applauded their support at the end, as the passing Clitheroe ‘fans’ inevitably disgraced themselves, but their abusive behaviour did not dampen the enjoyment of watching Town win, and claim the much needed maximum points in a hostile ground.
Garforth returned to winning form in rip-roaring fashion at the Shawbridge Stadium, overcoming Clitheroe FC at the Lancastrians home in a hot tempered fixture. Town surrendered the early lead they claimed through Luis de Melo, but continued to pressurise the home defence until a neat flicked finish from Greg Kelly claimed the all important three points for the Yorkshiremen.
Clitheroe immediately tested the defensive qualities of the Williams brother’s and Brett Renshaw with some speculative high through balls, but the young men showed their relative experience early, and Garforth took control. One of Clitheroe’s many hatchet men conceded a fourth minute free kick on the far left, which was directed by Chris Brown into the path of de Melo. The new recruit from Spain assuredly slotted the ball back across goal into the lower right hand corner, a first-time finish with aplomb.
The early lead served to rile sections of Clitheroe’s support, who incessantly bellowed at their team to respond. After more high balls, a Clitheroe cross evaded all Town defenders but the striker failed to find the target, the ball narrowly flying over. On the twenty minute mark, a carbon copy attack resulted in the same striker heading past the returning Carl Spratt, only for his own team-mate to block on the goal line. The grateful Town duly cleared.
Soon after, a marauding Clitheroe midfielder was positioning himself to score when Duncan Williams gained possession with a crunching tackle. The versatile Brazilian Soccer School graduate played the ball downfield to de Melo, who when in acres of space and with two Town attackers in support was brought down in an atrocious tackle, one of many. The offender went unpunished, yet Town were denied a glorious chance to further enhance their lead.
Minutes later, an intelligent George Williams cross-field pass found de Melo in similar space, with exactly the same ugly outcome. The unsporting nature of Clitheroe surface in these moments of blatant cynicism.
Clitheroe took the ascendancy in the ensuing five minutes, and only stout defensive exertion from the Garforth men prevented the Lancastrians from scoring. With ten minutes left to play in the half, the ball was cleared high towards de Melo, whose marker’s high foot caught the Town attacker flush in the face. The injury sustained would constitute a replacement player being brought on, yet again the offender escaped punishment. Greg Kelly won the ball soon after, but was deemed to have used unnecessary force and was booked, after some disgraceful Clitheroe fouls.
Debutant Patrice Liberg was proving his defensive capabilities, yet conceded a free kick on the edge of the box for manhandling the home striker and a fracas almost ensued. The ill-tempered fixture was in serious danger of boiling over, and one was relieved to hear the half-time whistle from the incompetent referee.
Garforth began the second half much the stronger side, constantly probing and piercing the Clitheroe back line. Kelly was put through on three occasions by the industrious Mark Piper, but perhaps mindful of the booking already sustained was unwilling the overtly challenge the alert onrushing goalkeeper, who thrice saved his team. One such attack was followed by the goalkeeper throwing the ball to a centre circle placed midfielder, who in turn released Chris Lomax with a ball down the right channel. With Liberg mistiming his lunge, Lomax coolly slotted past Spratt to give the home side an unfair equality with the visitors.
Shortly after the hour mark, Piper ran out from defence on the right wing into the expanse of space, before cutting inside and directing the ball into the path of Greg Kelly’s run. The Town man positioned to shoot, but unfortunately mis-hit his shot, to the delight of the home support, who gave a rousing chorus of ‘Lancashire, la la la.’ The vocal visitors responded with calls for various counties, including Somerset, Staffordshire and Sussex. Not for the lispers.
Piper would fiercely tackle the niggling number 3 Clitheroe full back, who slid into the advertising hoardings. The infuriated, diminutive Lancastrian responded with aggression which, surprisingly, went unpunished. An episode of ‘handbags’ was followed by a free kick being taken by the same full back, who decided to reveal himself to the away support. The way in which this player conducted himself throughout the game was only overshadowed by the behaviour of the home supporters, and the fact that he went unchecked was a testament to the ineptitude of the officiating.
Garforth remained hungry for a winner, which eventually came with another combination between Kelly and Piper. A goal kick was headed on to the BSS Southampton winger, who committed the defender before unselfishly squaring the decisive through ball to Greg. Kelly approached the Clitheroe keeper before his deftly flicked finish found the bottom left corner of the goal. Town were back on course for that long awaited win.
With eight minutes left, a high curled free kick from Duncan was met by a towering Liberg header, which narrowly went over. A minute later, a fiercely struck yet mis-hit cross was goal-bound at the near post, but Spratt managed to tip the ball over. A volleyed shot seemed destined for that same top corner in the dying seconds, but Spratt again produced a spectacular save to send the loyal traveller’s home happy. The Garforth players applauded their support at the end, as the passing Clitheroe ‘fans’ inevitably disgraced themselves, but their abusive behaviour did not dampen the enjoyment of watching Town win, and claim the much needed maximum points in a hostile ground.
Lancaster City 1 - Garforth Town 1
2.2.2008
Garforth successfully halted their recent losing streak with a hard fought score draw against Lancashire outfit Lancaster City FC at the Giant Axe stadium. The Miner’s side, revitalized with the temporary managerial return of Simon Clifford and fired up by the prospect of recapturing the hard work ethos of early season, duly produced a battling performance on which to build on in the coming fixtures.
The opening stanza offered some tit for tat exchanges between two teams clearly comfortable at this level of football, and both were able to operate to almost their best abilities. City, who were a Blue Square Conference team as late as last summer, had the best chance of the first ten minutes of play when a headed attempt from a curled free kick was expertly dealt with by stand in goalkeeper Gavin Phillis. Greg Kelly was booked after an ill timed lunge, doing nothing to improve Garforth’s disciplinary record, and the subsequent free kick was met by Lancaster claims for a penalty. Town answered with some penetrative wing attacks, and the entertaining first quarter of an hour was concluded when a spectacular overhead shot was parried over by Phillis.
The sprucely suited Clifford endured insulting chants of ‘Who the ******* **** are you?’ from a section of the Lancaster support, and responded with similar sentiments.
After a short period of bruising midfield clashes, Duncan Williams curled a high free kick into the Lancaster area, which would have resulted in a goal due to the unresponsive City defenders were it not for the goalkeeper proving himself adept under pressure, decisively claiming the ball. Lancaster immediately conceded possession from the ensuing up-field kick, and a through ball to Mark Piper saw the BSS graduate force the keeper into an impressive save. The curled corner was met by Chris Brown, who directed a header back across goal and past the stationary defenders. Brown’s second goal in consecutive games sent Garforth’s travelling contingent into raptures, who showed their appreciation with a rendition of ‘there’s only one Chris Brown’.
Lancaster responded to the set back, and upped the ante with exclusively ground based attacks from the wings. Phillis made another eye-catching save from a header put back across his goal, which he managing to reflexively divert wide despite his momentum carrying him away from the ball. The City no. 7, donning a fetching Alice band, volleyed over from close range and the Lancashire side were slowly claiming the ascendancy. Town withstood the pressure and fought back at the climax of the half.
A neat passing movement on the left flank between Mark Piper, Seb Muddel – making his final appearance for the club – and Chris Brown allowed Chris an opportunity to extend his goal tally. Brown fiercely swung his left foot in an attempt to volley the ball into the Lancaster net – yet his foot found both the ball and the abdomen of an unfortunate City defender who intercepted the shot. With the incapacitated player writhing on the floor, Williams coolly slotted the ball into the Lancaster goal but the referee, perhaps deciding that to permit the perfectly legal goal would likely incite a riot, disallowed the effort. Garforth nevertheless ended the first period of play a goal to the good.
The second half would prove to be more of a battle of physicality, as the midfielders of the game intensified their approach to tackling and possession gaining. After four minutes of resumed play Brown won the ball on the right and set Piper free, who unselfishly squared across the box to Williams. Duncan out-muscled his challenger to position himself to score, but was denied by a last ditch tackle from a City centre back.
Williams would again take advantage of his more advanced role for the second half and try his luck in front of goal, running from midfield before narrowly missing the target with a shot from 18 yards.
Garforth were now undeniably in the ascendancy both physically and football wise, and it was against the run of play that Lancaster equalised on the hour mark with a thunderous top corner shot from Tom Entwistle. The well taken goal was unfair on gutsy Town, but was pleasing on the eye and worthy of the entry fee alone.
A ten minute midfield battle ensued, and City arguably had the run of play in this stanza, though no clear cut chances were forced or created. With fifteen minutes to go a Muddel free kick evaded every opposing player and fell to the feet of Piper, eight yards from goal who was unable to reposition himself to shoot before the goalkeeper smothered the ball. Lancaster recovered from this scare with a counter attack that led to a cross being met by Entwistle, whose header was pushed onto the crossbar by Gavin Phillis. The scorer of such a long distance beauty only quarter of an hour earlier was unable to convert the undemanding rebound, which Phillis gratefully claimed.
Lancaster indisputably enjoyed the clearer cut chances in the final five minutes, with several headers shooting over or being saved, a goal rightly disallowed for offside and a short distance shot blasted preposterously wide, though Casa Simpkins did try to claim the extra two points with a run inside from the wing and an 18 yard attempt on goal, which narrowly missed. The scoreline was ultimately fair, and reflected an even game between two teams capable of attractive Unibond football. The sides left the field to appreciative applause, and a rendition of ‘there’s only one Simon Clifford’ from the travelling Garforth contingent, who were heard throughout the game and will undoubtedly welcome his impending return to managerial status in the summer. Clifford opined that the display was ‘much better’, and forcefully assured the Town faithful that he is ‘ready for next season.’
And so, like the Battle of Ferrybridge in 1461, this fiercely fought War of the Roses produced no loser with an indecisive outcome.
Garforth successfully halted their recent losing streak with a hard fought score draw against Lancashire outfit Lancaster City FC at the Giant Axe stadium. The Miner’s side, revitalized with the temporary managerial return of Simon Clifford and fired up by the prospect of recapturing the hard work ethos of early season, duly produced a battling performance on which to build on in the coming fixtures.
The opening stanza offered some tit for tat exchanges between two teams clearly comfortable at this level of football, and both were able to operate to almost their best abilities. City, who were a Blue Square Conference team as late as last summer, had the best chance of the first ten minutes of play when a headed attempt from a curled free kick was expertly dealt with by stand in goalkeeper Gavin Phillis. Greg Kelly was booked after an ill timed lunge, doing nothing to improve Garforth’s disciplinary record, and the subsequent free kick was met by Lancaster claims for a penalty. Town answered with some penetrative wing attacks, and the entertaining first quarter of an hour was concluded when a spectacular overhead shot was parried over by Phillis.
The sprucely suited Clifford endured insulting chants of ‘Who the ******* **** are you?’ from a section of the Lancaster support, and responded with similar sentiments.
After a short period of bruising midfield clashes, Duncan Williams curled a high free kick into the Lancaster area, which would have resulted in a goal due to the unresponsive City defenders were it not for the goalkeeper proving himself adept under pressure, decisively claiming the ball. Lancaster immediately conceded possession from the ensuing up-field kick, and a through ball to Mark Piper saw the BSS graduate force the keeper into an impressive save. The curled corner was met by Chris Brown, who directed a header back across goal and past the stationary defenders. Brown’s second goal in consecutive games sent Garforth’s travelling contingent into raptures, who showed their appreciation with a rendition of ‘there’s only one Chris Brown’.
Lancaster responded to the set back, and upped the ante with exclusively ground based attacks from the wings. Phillis made another eye-catching save from a header put back across his goal, which he managing to reflexively divert wide despite his momentum carrying him away from the ball. The City no. 7, donning a fetching Alice band, volleyed over from close range and the Lancashire side were slowly claiming the ascendancy. Town withstood the pressure and fought back at the climax of the half.
A neat passing movement on the left flank between Mark Piper, Seb Muddel – making his final appearance for the club – and Chris Brown allowed Chris an opportunity to extend his goal tally. Brown fiercely swung his left foot in an attempt to volley the ball into the Lancaster net – yet his foot found both the ball and the abdomen of an unfortunate City defender who intercepted the shot. With the incapacitated player writhing on the floor, Williams coolly slotted the ball into the Lancaster goal but the referee, perhaps deciding that to permit the perfectly legal goal would likely incite a riot, disallowed the effort. Garforth nevertheless ended the first period of play a goal to the good.
The second half would prove to be more of a battle of physicality, as the midfielders of the game intensified their approach to tackling and possession gaining. After four minutes of resumed play Brown won the ball on the right and set Piper free, who unselfishly squared across the box to Williams. Duncan out-muscled his challenger to position himself to score, but was denied by a last ditch tackle from a City centre back.
Williams would again take advantage of his more advanced role for the second half and try his luck in front of goal, running from midfield before narrowly missing the target with a shot from 18 yards.
Garforth were now undeniably in the ascendancy both physically and football wise, and it was against the run of play that Lancaster equalised on the hour mark with a thunderous top corner shot from Tom Entwistle. The well taken goal was unfair on gutsy Town, but was pleasing on the eye and worthy of the entry fee alone.
A ten minute midfield battle ensued, and City arguably had the run of play in this stanza, though no clear cut chances were forced or created. With fifteen minutes to go a Muddel free kick evaded every opposing player and fell to the feet of Piper, eight yards from goal who was unable to reposition himself to shoot before the goalkeeper smothered the ball. Lancaster recovered from this scare with a counter attack that led to a cross being met by Entwistle, whose header was pushed onto the crossbar by Gavin Phillis. The scorer of such a long distance beauty only quarter of an hour earlier was unable to convert the undemanding rebound, which Phillis gratefully claimed.
Lancaster indisputably enjoyed the clearer cut chances in the final five minutes, with several headers shooting over or being saved, a goal rightly disallowed for offside and a short distance shot blasted preposterously wide, though Casa Simpkins did try to claim the extra two points with a run inside from the wing and an 18 yard attempt on goal, which narrowly missed. The scoreline was ultimately fair, and reflected an even game between two teams capable of attractive Unibond football. The sides left the field to appreciative applause, and a rendition of ‘there’s only one Simon Clifford’ from the travelling Garforth contingent, who were heard throughout the game and will undoubtedly welcome his impending return to managerial status in the summer. Clifford opined that the display was ‘much better’, and forcefully assured the Town faithful that he is ‘ready for next season.’
And so, like the Battle of Ferrybridge in 1461, this fiercely fought War of the Roses produced no loser with an indecisive outcome.
Garforth Town 1 - Bradford Park Avenue 4
29.1.2008
Garforth missed a vital opportunity to take the initiative in their Unibond promotion push, crashing to third placed Bradford Park Avenue by an emphatic if disproportionate 4-1 deficit in front of their home fans. The Miner’s outfit were narrowly outthought and outfought in an absorbing encounter, as the Bradford club mounted further pressure on league leaders Curzon Ashton, thus increasing the distance between themselves and Garforth.
Bradford immediately pressurised the Garforth defence, taking the ascendancy quick and effectively shellshocking Town. Were it not for the assured defending of Duncan Williams, Mark Piper and captain Brett Renshaw, Avenue would have broken through the resistance early and achieved that which they deserved – an early goal. Avenue grew in confidence, and the marauding Bradford right back could have scored from a long, relatively unchallenged run but for a well timed Williams tackle. Piper and Renshaw each blocked a dangerous low cross and a goal bound shot.
The dominant nature of Avenue’s play led to the Garforth midfield playing further back than perhaps accustomed, subsequently leaving Town striker Jason St Juste isolated upfield. The marooned forward resorted to fruitlessly harrying the Bradford midfield, but to no avail. Garforth’s infrequent first half attacks consisted of hopeful long balls played to St Juste and the aforementioned Piper, but with the strong wind affecting these passes the ball inevitably overran. At one point the crowd were abruptly roused – Williams picked up a stray Avenue pass and ran downfield into the expanse of open space before him; however, the following through ball was intercepted and the ensuing Avenue attack almost led to a goal. A corner saw Town keeper Spratt fumble the ball into the path of Avenue winger Chris Williams, who struck over.
Garforth were, however, unfortunate when a set in stone penalty claim was somehow dismissed by the insufferably pedantic referee, as Carl Simpkins was bundled over in the Bradford area in what would be regarded by police as sufficient for an attempted GBH charge, yet the seemingly imminent penalty kick was not given.
After gargantuan attempts to maintain parity, disaster struck as Duncan Williams tried to dribble the ball out from the edge of the Town penalty area, was tackled, regained the ball and unwisely attempted the same feat, conceding a free kick. Duncan’s Avenue namesake struck a low shot which somehow eluded the wall, the Town defence and the goalkeeper and nestled in the bottom left corner. The goal was unremarkable, unfortunate but somewhat inevitable.
With stranded striker St Juste substituted in favour of a new approach, Garforth began the second half much the stronger side, forcing Avenue onto the back foot and playing with more flair and guile than was on show in the first period of play. After several heartening attacks on the Avenue goal Chris Brown found himself on the ball 25 yards from goal, and with Bradford’s left sided players apparently unwilling to challenge him, duly tried a speculative shot. To the delight of the crowd, the fiercely struck ball soon hit the net of the top left corner, completing what must surely rank as a goal of the season contender.
Garforth were now performing much better, and the crowd numbering hundreds duly responded. Bradford responded to the recurrence of honours even, and countered with incisive attacks, adding to the viewing spectacle of the game. Lewis? of Garforth conceded a free kick and the exellent Chris Williams, who despite playing a side with ties to Brazilian football showed the games most dextrous skills, curled a high ball into the Garforth area, which Chris Gaghan thunderously fired past Parry.
Mark Piper attempted an ambitious through ball to Seb Muddel after the restart, but the Bradford defence proved adept at covering for each other, and continued to do so over the course of thirty minutes. Town continued to try and implement the decisive attack in this period whilst looking to regain equality with Avenue, but paid dearly when a counter-attack caught the advanced Garforth by surprise, and Bradford won a corner. A Bradford header was met by a goalline clearance from Muddel, but which was to no avail as Avenue immediately played the ball wide, and the cross was successfully converted into the net via the head of Stuart Howson. With less than ten minutes to play, battling Town sensed that the day was not theirs.
Garforth rallied but found themselves facing a revitalised Park Avenue buoyed on by their success. With mere minutes left a measured, curled through ball from Bradford caught Town cold, and when keeper Spratt beat the lunging Avenue forward to the ball, the outstretched foot of the attacker caught the shotstopper’s hand, injuring his ligaments. As the agonised keeper fell to the floor, Avenue’s Mike Moseley slotted the ball into the net, thus perhaps unfairly completing the rout. Duncan Williams oversaw the final moments in net, and was lucky not to concede as another Moseley shot struck the post, the final occurrence of note in an eventually intriguing affair whose scoreline suggested otherwise.
Garforth missed a vital opportunity to take the initiative in their Unibond promotion push, crashing to third placed Bradford Park Avenue by an emphatic if disproportionate 4-1 deficit in front of their home fans. The Miner’s outfit were narrowly outthought and outfought in an absorbing encounter, as the Bradford club mounted further pressure on league leaders Curzon Ashton, thus increasing the distance between themselves and Garforth.
Bradford immediately pressurised the Garforth defence, taking the ascendancy quick and effectively shellshocking Town. Were it not for the assured defending of Duncan Williams, Mark Piper and captain Brett Renshaw, Avenue would have broken through the resistance early and achieved that which they deserved – an early goal. Avenue grew in confidence, and the marauding Bradford right back could have scored from a long, relatively unchallenged run but for a well timed Williams tackle. Piper and Renshaw each blocked a dangerous low cross and a goal bound shot.
The dominant nature of Avenue’s play led to the Garforth midfield playing further back than perhaps accustomed, subsequently leaving Town striker Jason St Juste isolated upfield. The marooned forward resorted to fruitlessly harrying the Bradford midfield, but to no avail. Garforth’s infrequent first half attacks consisted of hopeful long balls played to St Juste and the aforementioned Piper, but with the strong wind affecting these passes the ball inevitably overran. At one point the crowd were abruptly roused – Williams picked up a stray Avenue pass and ran downfield into the expanse of open space before him; however, the following through ball was intercepted and the ensuing Avenue attack almost led to a goal. A corner saw Town keeper Spratt fumble the ball into the path of Avenue winger Chris Williams, who struck over.
Garforth were, however, unfortunate when a set in stone penalty claim was somehow dismissed by the insufferably pedantic referee, as Carl Simpkins was bundled over in the Bradford area in what would be regarded by police as sufficient for an attempted GBH charge, yet the seemingly imminent penalty kick was not given.
After gargantuan attempts to maintain parity, disaster struck as Duncan Williams tried to dribble the ball out from the edge of the Town penalty area, was tackled, regained the ball and unwisely attempted the same feat, conceding a free kick. Duncan’s Avenue namesake struck a low shot which somehow eluded the wall, the Town defence and the goalkeeper and nestled in the bottom left corner. The goal was unremarkable, unfortunate but somewhat inevitable.
With stranded striker St Juste substituted in favour of a new approach, Garforth began the second half much the stronger side, forcing Avenue onto the back foot and playing with more flair and guile than was on show in the first period of play. After several heartening attacks on the Avenue goal Chris Brown found himself on the ball 25 yards from goal, and with Bradford’s left sided players apparently unwilling to challenge him, duly tried a speculative shot. To the delight of the crowd, the fiercely struck ball soon hit the net of the top left corner, completing what must surely rank as a goal of the season contender.
Garforth were now performing much better, and the crowd numbering hundreds duly responded. Bradford responded to the recurrence of honours even, and countered with incisive attacks, adding to the viewing spectacle of the game. Lewis? of Garforth conceded a free kick and the exellent Chris Williams, who despite playing a side with ties to Brazilian football showed the games most dextrous skills, curled a high ball into the Garforth area, which Chris Gaghan thunderously fired past Parry.
Mark Piper attempted an ambitious through ball to Seb Muddel after the restart, but the Bradford defence proved adept at covering for each other, and continued to do so over the course of thirty minutes. Town continued to try and implement the decisive attack in this period whilst looking to regain equality with Avenue, but paid dearly when a counter-attack caught the advanced Garforth by surprise, and Bradford won a corner. A Bradford header was met by a goalline clearance from Muddel, but which was to no avail as Avenue immediately played the ball wide, and the cross was successfully converted into the net via the head of Stuart Howson. With less than ten minutes to play, battling Town sensed that the day was not theirs.
Garforth rallied but found themselves facing a revitalised Park Avenue buoyed on by their success. With mere minutes left a measured, curled through ball from Bradford caught Town cold, and when keeper Spratt beat the lunging Avenue forward to the ball, the outstretched foot of the attacker caught the shotstopper’s hand, injuring his ligaments. As the agonised keeper fell to the floor, Avenue’s Mike Moseley slotted the ball into the net, thus perhaps unfairly completing the rout. Duncan Williams oversaw the final moments in net, and was lucky not to concede as another Moseley shot struck the post, the final occurrence of note in an eventually intriguing affair whose scoreline suggested otherwise.
Garforth Town vs Bradford Park Avenue - preview
On Saturday, East Leeds outfit Garforth Town will host three time FA Cup quarter finalists and rival Yorkshiremen Bradford Park Avenue, in what promises to be a full blooded affair at the Genix Healthcare stadium. The two sides met earlier in the season, with Bradford edging a closely fought encounter by a single goal, and the return promises to be a hot ticket to the followers of BPA and the Miner’s fans alike.
Garforth have been inconsistent as of late – an impressive victory over FC United of Manchester has been followed by eight wins, four draws and eleven losses, a record which conjures connotations of a talented but unreliable journeyman boxer. Avenue are flying – third in the league table on 42 points with five games in hand over second placed Osset Albion and a two game advantage over current pacesetters Curzon. A win would elevate Garforth right back in promotion contention – currently somewhat jeopardised by the inability to win the most recent games played, thus handing the initiative to teams with games in hand. To capitalise on their advantage in matches played would firmly place Bradford in the title race, and create a more comfortable gap between themselves and FC United, just outside the playoff zone.
The miserable weather should suit Bradford better – Garforth’s now inextricable link with Brazilian football has given the Miner’s side a reputation for comparative flair in English amateur football. Should the outfit gain promotion it would be for the third time in four seasons – a Clifford inspired rise from the tenth pyramid level of English football to the seventh. As improbable as it sounds, try suggesting a former Brazil captain would ever be enticed to an NCE league club....
Daniel Fletcher
Garforth have been inconsistent as of late – an impressive victory over FC United of Manchester has been followed by eight wins, four draws and eleven losses, a record which conjures connotations of a talented but unreliable journeyman boxer. Avenue are flying – third in the league table on 42 points with five games in hand over second placed Osset Albion and a two game advantage over current pacesetters Curzon. A win would elevate Garforth right back in promotion contention – currently somewhat jeopardised by the inability to win the most recent games played, thus handing the initiative to teams with games in hand. To capitalise on their advantage in matches played would firmly place Bradford in the title race, and create a more comfortable gap between themselves and FC United, just outside the playoff zone.
The miserable weather should suit Bradford better – Garforth’s now inextricable link with Brazilian football has given the Miner’s side a reputation for comparative flair in English amateur football. Should the outfit gain promotion it would be for the third time in four seasons – a Clifford inspired rise from the tenth pyramid level of English football to the seventh. As improbable as it sounds, try suggesting a former Brazil captain would ever be enticed to an NCE league club....
Daniel Fletcher
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)