An unlucky sucker punch of an equaliser robbed Garforth Town of two valuable points in an entertaining and heated league fixture at the Genix Healthcare stadium. Nearly five hundred people enjoyed the emotional affair, though only half would have appreciated the two scrappy headed goals that occurred in the dying minutes which allowed Halifax Town a share of the points that the Miner’s had worked so hard for.
The first ten minutes saw Garforth take the game to their well-supported visitors, though the strong Halifax defence prevented any penetrative break through. Halifax did claim a near miss with a curled lob that went narrowly wide, but the bulk of play was in the home sides favour. Both outfits attempted numerous through balls and lofted passes, many of which were over-hit and skidded away on the slippy surface.
Dom Blair was causing problems on the right with his pace and trickery, and one such jinking run led to Garforth taking the lead. Blair circumnavigated a group of defenders and darted into the penalty area. One delicate pass later, and Mark Piper drilled the bouncing ball back across Jon Kennedy in the Halifax goal to find the corner of the net and give Garforth the numerical advantage.
Halifax almost immediately responded with a curled free kick that missed by a lick of paint, but the next sequence of play would prove to be more memorable. Duncan Williams chased a lofted ball and was challenged by Kennedy, who injured the young utility man. The goalkeeper flew into Duncan, despite the ball being on the ground at time of challenge. Neither man was officially punished.
Half time saw a group of young Brazilian Soccer Schools children give a demonstration of their abilities on the pitch, with a small game. The children, watched by their coaches, gave a fine display that was pleasingly well received by the watching crowd.
The second half began with an amusing piece from one of the linesmen, and on the pitch the balance of play was even. It would be twenty minutes before there was a differentiation between the sides – Garforth began tackling hard, to which the visiting contingent roared their displeasure. Despite this, several nasty challenges were made by the visiting team, notably on Greg Kelly, Duncan Williams and Olly Hotchkiss, which were rather more well received.
Garforth deservedly doubled their advantage when Hotchkiss showed his undoubted ability with a neat turn and curled cross field ball to substitute Andy Rowan. The Town man manoeuvred himself into a position to score, but when Kennedy challenged him, the dependable Greg Kelly was on hand to convert the loose ball with the goal at his mercy.
Halifax, spurred on by their infuriated fans, pressured the Miner’s defence, winning a corner in the 86th minute. Their star man, Junior Brown managed to head the ball towards goal, and the deflected effort beat Phillis to give the visitors hope. Two minutes later, they scored a near identical goal, this time with the well-named Cavell Coo inflicting the damage. This episode saw the blonde member of the Halifax coaching staff leave his technical area to run around like a half witted idiot, gesturing towards the Garforth bench, kicking advertisement hoardings, swearing at home fans and being as moronic as it is conceivably possible for an adult human to be.
Town could not reverse the damage, and will look to bounce back against Woodley Sports away on Saturday. Lessons will be learned from this experience, and Town can take heart from their performance against a capable side and rejuvenate their season as they look to win promotion to the UniBond Premier League.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Sunday 5 October 2008
Garforth Town 2 - Belper Town 0 - FA Trophy
The cruise control pace of Garforth’s imperious FA Trophy victory over Belper Town could not have contrasted more with the passion and energy of the FA Cup ties with Guiseley. The indomitable hosts breezed to an early lead, added to it, and could easily have doubled their final tally after a dominant first half and a leisurely second.
With the heavy wind in their favour, Garforth started strongly and asked immediate questions of Belper goalkeeper Paul Pettenger. Dom Blair’s lively start culminated with good work that set up Mark Piper, who converted an easy chance in the eighth minute to begin Town’s march Wembley way.
Goal hungry, Piper would latch onto a through ball and lure Pettenger into a rash challenge. Rounding the shot stopper, Piper allowed Dom Blair the chance to convert the slightly overran ball, returning the earlier favour. With the high wind and light ball, the shot cleared the crossbar and flew over the gaping goal to collective groans.
Piper would almost set Blair up once more with a dipping cross from distance, but the attacker could not connect with his diving header. Notwithstanding, minutes later Blair fully redeemed himself with some good link up play with Callum Selby on the left (embarrassing and humiliating the right back in the process) before coolly squaring for Greg Kelly to slot home. Two and counting.
After further pressure, Garforth culminated the half with Greg latching onto another lofted ball and firing a half volley over Pettenger. The shot struck the crossbar and was cleared, but handclaps and an ‘easy, easy’ chant were by now in order as the Miner’s were in total control.
The industrious Piper and Duncan Williams were rested at half time, replaced by the Andy’s - Haywood and Rowan. Belper would claim more possession this time around, but the few chances they had were well dealt with by Gavin Phillis, whose shot stopping performance was excellent. His kicks suffered in the wind, but even with this disadvantageous weather Town did not look like conceding their initiative to vastly inferior visitors.
With Town defenders Renshaw, Kamara, Jagger and Turner all staunch in the face of lacklustre attacks, Garforth’s attack looked to add to the tally. Andy Rowan burst through up the left channel but his driven shot was well saved. Belper almost scored with a near post shot, but Town’s subsequent counter attack forced them back into their shells. In the dying minutes, Rowan rounded Pettenger but the ball overran, and the Town man unselfishly squared inside to Hotchkiss, whose swivel and drive beat the goalkeeper but was denied by a last ditch block from a desperate defender. Greg would also try his luck with a late shot, but the two goal advantage would last until the final whistle that heralded Garforth’s progression in the FA Trophy tournament.
With the heavy wind in their favour, Garforth started strongly and asked immediate questions of Belper goalkeeper Paul Pettenger. Dom Blair’s lively start culminated with good work that set up Mark Piper, who converted an easy chance in the eighth minute to begin Town’s march Wembley way.
Goal hungry, Piper would latch onto a through ball and lure Pettenger into a rash challenge. Rounding the shot stopper, Piper allowed Dom Blair the chance to convert the slightly overran ball, returning the earlier favour. With the high wind and light ball, the shot cleared the crossbar and flew over the gaping goal to collective groans.
Piper would almost set Blair up once more with a dipping cross from distance, but the attacker could not connect with his diving header. Notwithstanding, minutes later Blair fully redeemed himself with some good link up play with Callum Selby on the left (embarrassing and humiliating the right back in the process) before coolly squaring for Greg Kelly to slot home. Two and counting.
After further pressure, Garforth culminated the half with Greg latching onto another lofted ball and firing a half volley over Pettenger. The shot struck the crossbar and was cleared, but handclaps and an ‘easy, easy’ chant were by now in order as the Miner’s were in total control.
The industrious Piper and Duncan Williams were rested at half time, replaced by the Andy’s - Haywood and Rowan. Belper would claim more possession this time around, but the few chances they had were well dealt with by Gavin Phillis, whose shot stopping performance was excellent. His kicks suffered in the wind, but even with this disadvantageous weather Town did not look like conceding their initiative to vastly inferior visitors.
With Town defenders Renshaw, Kamara, Jagger and Turner all staunch in the face of lacklustre attacks, Garforth’s attack looked to add to the tally. Andy Rowan burst through up the left channel but his driven shot was well saved. Belper almost scored with a near post shot, but Town’s subsequent counter attack forced them back into their shells. In the dying minutes, Rowan rounded Pettenger but the ball overran, and the Town man unselfishly squared inside to Hotchkiss, whose swivel and drive beat the goalkeeper but was denied by a last ditch block from a desperate defender. Greg would also try his luck with a late shot, but the two goal advantage would last until the final whistle that heralded Garforth’s progression in the FA Trophy tournament.
Garforth Town 1 - Guiseley 3 - FA Cup
Sadly, the FA Cup dream has prematurely ended for Garforth, as the plucky Miner’s fell to a lucky Guiseley outfit from the top of a higher league. Three disastrous goals sank the hostile hosts, two of which occurred in the very late stages of a very evenly contested game that Garforth fully deserved to get something from.
The first half saw no real close calls from a Town perspective, though the play saw neither side claim any real dominance. The stars of the show seemed to be the Town old guard of yesteryear; namely Renshaw, Piper, Williams. All showed great determination and composure, even more impressively considering the young age of the latter two.
The best opportunity to take the lead for the home side would come when Dominic Blair managed to turn his marker, but was unlawfully taken down. This went with impunity. Guiseley would respond later in the half with a fiercely struck effort that sailed wide.
The second would prove to be a frustrating half for the Miner’s, as several bizarre official decisions had both sets of fans howling in derision, and Town boss Simon Clifford howling in rage. Earning his ire did nothing to improve the quality of officiating – sadly, given the excellent officiating just three days previous.
After twenty even minutes of second period play, a speculative through ball was improperly cleared, and the Town faithful groaned as the inevitable steady and shot saw Phillis beaten at his far post from ten yards. The lead was almost doubled as a good shooting chance was scuffed well wide somewhat less impressively.
Ten Garforth dominated minutes later, a lucky and innocuous Guiseley breakaway saw a Town clearance fly at high speed into the head of Brett Renshaw, unfortunately laying off a Guiseley shot that Phillis did well to save. Alas, the subsequent rebound broke Garforth hearts.
Guiseley immediately altered their outlook, and several attempts to time-waste were used. The unlikable conduct of former Town man Simian Bambrook in particular was strange over the two ties, acts of treachery so great that Judas Iscariot would have spat in the mans face.
With quarter of an hour on the clock Greg Kelly burst past the last line of defence, but with only the Lions numero uno to beat, fired his shot over the cross bar to widespread groans.
Redemption. Ten minutes to go, Mr Kelly cuts in from the left, fires a low shot straight at the keeper, and lo and behold, Guiseley goalie plays Taibi to Greg’s Le Tissier. Cheers mate, game on.
Sadly, beyond a cross that was intercepted, Garforth did not have much opportunity to build on the goal when a silly, inept loss of possession outside the Garforth box led to a low Guiseley shot finding the corner, ending hopes and shattering the Garforth cup dream. Kelly tried his luck with a free kick, Andy Haywood brought down a curled ball from Hotchkiss and managed to shoot, and Phillis pulled off an eye catching save before the final whistle blew time on an enjoyable 180 minute tussle with local rivals. Garforth must now look to continue this form in the league so that we can avenge this sickening but honourable reverse with league points on the line in the near future.
The first half saw no real close calls from a Town perspective, though the play saw neither side claim any real dominance. The stars of the show seemed to be the Town old guard of yesteryear; namely Renshaw, Piper, Williams. All showed great determination and composure, even more impressively considering the young age of the latter two.
The best opportunity to take the lead for the home side would come when Dominic Blair managed to turn his marker, but was unlawfully taken down. This went with impunity. Guiseley would respond later in the half with a fiercely struck effort that sailed wide.
The second would prove to be a frustrating half for the Miner’s, as several bizarre official decisions had both sets of fans howling in derision, and Town boss Simon Clifford howling in rage. Earning his ire did nothing to improve the quality of officiating – sadly, given the excellent officiating just three days previous.
After twenty even minutes of second period play, a speculative through ball was improperly cleared, and the Town faithful groaned as the inevitable steady and shot saw Phillis beaten at his far post from ten yards. The lead was almost doubled as a good shooting chance was scuffed well wide somewhat less impressively.
Ten Garforth dominated minutes later, a lucky and innocuous Guiseley breakaway saw a Town clearance fly at high speed into the head of Brett Renshaw, unfortunately laying off a Guiseley shot that Phillis did well to save. Alas, the subsequent rebound broke Garforth hearts.
Guiseley immediately altered their outlook, and several attempts to time-waste were used. The unlikable conduct of former Town man Simian Bambrook in particular was strange over the two ties, acts of treachery so great that Judas Iscariot would have spat in the mans face.
With quarter of an hour on the clock Greg Kelly burst past the last line of defence, but with only the Lions numero uno to beat, fired his shot over the cross bar to widespread groans.
Redemption. Ten minutes to go, Mr Kelly cuts in from the left, fires a low shot straight at the keeper, and lo and behold, Guiseley goalie plays Taibi to Greg’s Le Tissier. Cheers mate, game on.
Sadly, beyond a cross that was intercepted, Garforth did not have much opportunity to build on the goal when a silly, inept loss of possession outside the Garforth box led to a low Guiseley shot finding the corner, ending hopes and shattering the Garforth cup dream. Kelly tried his luck with a free kick, Andy Haywood brought down a curled ball from Hotchkiss and managed to shoot, and Phillis pulled off an eye catching save before the final whistle blew time on an enjoyable 180 minute tussle with local rivals. Garforth must now look to continue this form in the league so that we can avenge this sickening but honourable reverse with league points on the line in the near future.
Guiseley 2 - Garforth Town 2 - FA Cup
*disclaimer* author of work was hammered at time of writing.
Garforth travelled to the outskirts of the Leeds boundary to inflict a mentally punishing draw on local rivals Guiseley in a barnburner of an FA Cup preliminary. The visitors turned out in good numbers, and overwhelmed their hosts both on and off the field as a packed Nethermoor Park saw the Miner’s run rampant over strong and capable opposition.
Town were ultimately unable to claim their place as Yorkshire’s number two club, as the final even score-line means the tussle is merely half way finished. However, the spate of late chances that Garforth fashioned resembled the spate of robberies that epitomised the career of Ryan’s younger, and Guiseley were visibly relieved to hear the final whistle bring an end to a reign of terror that resembled the one R… you get the gist.
After some closely contested play for the initial period, Guiseley demonstrated their undoubted class by carving out several chances. Garforth pushed back, and were looking composed when they were sucker punched by the unbeaten hosts. A shot was well saved by Phillis, then as luck would have it the rebound fell for a Guiseley attacker in a penalty area full of yellow shirts. Shortly after the shell shocked visitors conceded when Adam Muller squeezed a shot in at the near post. Town now faced an uphill struggle against their historically superior rivals. Historically – as Dylan said, the times they are a’changin.
In the later stages of the half, Duncan Williams ran and fed Olly Hotchkiss for a shot that was well saved, but Mark Piper converted the resulting rebound cleverly. Back of the net daddy-o.
This period was made memorable by the incident involving Simian Bambrook and Hotchkiss, where Guiseley’s Bambrook allegedly elbowed the Mackem in the throat and insulted his northeastern heritage. Both men went without punishment.
Hotchkiss would curl a free kick narrowly over on the hour mark, and would continue his solid performance throughout. Lee Connor had a great opportunity to level with a headed effort, and James Hanson struck a tremendous overhead kick against the crossbar. But you have to take those chances to win, as like his namesake’s song says; In an MmmBop – they’re gone.
Andy Haywood received yet another beautifully lofted ball from the Garforth rear, and elected to lob the keeper. In a hearts in mouths moment, the ball struck the post and bounced away to be cleared safely. Haywood…would… be through again, but his sliced effort missed by a yard. Third time lucky came true though, as Haywood would be the recipient of a perfectly drilled Andy Rowan penetrative through ball. He would not miss. Game on.
Ugliness would again rear its head when Adam Muller went from hero to zero, absolute zero, when he allegedly attacked Garforth captain Brett Renshaw with a variety of body parts, such as forehead and feet, all of which reportedly flew into Renshaw’s torso at high speed without warning. Brett was booked. He took it well.
Garforth’s chance to seal the deal and make Tuesday’s inevitable victory a non-event came when Haywood was again through on goal, but unselfishly elected to square the ball to Williams. Sadly it was intercepted en route, and Town can now look to a replay at the Genix Coliseum against Guiseley’s ‘Lions’, and bearing in mind our managers’ religious beliefs, lets see if this time the Christians can do it and win the big one. Either way, ‘Nethermoor’ will Guiseley overlook their cross town rivals again, as the only way is up, bay beh, for Garforth Town now.
Garforth travelled to the outskirts of the Leeds boundary to inflict a mentally punishing draw on local rivals Guiseley in a barnburner of an FA Cup preliminary. The visitors turned out in good numbers, and overwhelmed their hosts both on and off the field as a packed Nethermoor Park saw the Miner’s run rampant over strong and capable opposition.
Town were ultimately unable to claim their place as Yorkshire’s number two club, as the final even score-line means the tussle is merely half way finished. However, the spate of late chances that Garforth fashioned resembled the spate of robberies that epitomised the career of Ryan’s younger, and Guiseley were visibly relieved to hear the final whistle bring an end to a reign of terror that resembled the one R… you get the gist.
After some closely contested play for the initial period, Guiseley demonstrated their undoubted class by carving out several chances. Garforth pushed back, and were looking composed when they were sucker punched by the unbeaten hosts. A shot was well saved by Phillis, then as luck would have it the rebound fell for a Guiseley attacker in a penalty area full of yellow shirts. Shortly after the shell shocked visitors conceded when Adam Muller squeezed a shot in at the near post. Town now faced an uphill struggle against their historically superior rivals. Historically – as Dylan said, the times they are a’changin.
In the later stages of the half, Duncan Williams ran and fed Olly Hotchkiss for a shot that was well saved, but Mark Piper converted the resulting rebound cleverly. Back of the net daddy-o.
This period was made memorable by the incident involving Simian Bambrook and Hotchkiss, where Guiseley’s Bambrook allegedly elbowed the Mackem in the throat and insulted his northeastern heritage. Both men went without punishment.
Hotchkiss would curl a free kick narrowly over on the hour mark, and would continue his solid performance throughout. Lee Connor had a great opportunity to level with a headed effort, and James Hanson struck a tremendous overhead kick against the crossbar. But you have to take those chances to win, as like his namesake’s song says; In an MmmBop – they’re gone.
Andy Haywood received yet another beautifully lofted ball from the Garforth rear, and elected to lob the keeper. In a hearts in mouths moment, the ball struck the post and bounced away to be cleared safely. Haywood…would… be through again, but his sliced effort missed by a yard. Third time lucky came true though, as Haywood would be the recipient of a perfectly drilled Andy Rowan penetrative through ball. He would not miss. Game on.
Ugliness would again rear its head when Adam Muller went from hero to zero, absolute zero, when he allegedly attacked Garforth captain Brett Renshaw with a variety of body parts, such as forehead and feet, all of which reportedly flew into Renshaw’s torso at high speed without warning. Brett was booked. He took it well.
Garforth’s chance to seal the deal and make Tuesday’s inevitable victory a non-event came when Haywood was again through on goal, but unselfishly elected to square the ball to Williams. Sadly it was intercepted en route, and Town can now look to a replay at the Genix Coliseum against Guiseley’s ‘Lions’, and bearing in mind our managers’ religious beliefs, lets see if this time the Christians can do it and win the big one. Either way, ‘Nethermoor’ will Guiseley overlook their cross town rivals again, as the only way is up, bay beh, for Garforth Town now.
Mossley 3 - Garforth Town 4
Garforth travelled once more to Lancashire, and returned with three points after an entertaining tussle with table toppers Mossley. Four well taken goals sealed the points for Town, who were thoroughly dominant over extremely capable opposition.
The visiting Yorkshiremen almost claimed the ascendancy early when a speculative through ball from prodigal son Milton Turner caused unease in the Mossley defence, leaving captain Brett Renshaw with the opportunity to steal in and clatter the goalkeeper. Unfortunately the ball rolled clear, but it served as an early signal of intent.
Mossley won a corner, and the resulting effort was cleared to Greg Kelly who burst up the left wing and almost scored at the climax of a mazy run. After three hellacious minutes, the home side were quickly realising they had a game on their hands.
Still in the first five minutes of the game, Duncan Williams and Greg linked up well down the left in a move that led to the ball falling kindly for Milton to try his luck with a ferocious drive from twenty yards. Mossley numero uno Liam Higginbotham did well to deny Town a lead.
Mossley managed to stifle Town in the following ten minutes, despite Brett coming close with a blasted effort after a neat Cruyff turn. Finally though, Garforth struck true on 26 minutes when a Renshaw clash allowed Oliver Hotchkiss to burst forwards and lure in a challenge. Oliver managed to release the ball in time, and Nathan Kamara was on hand to slide the ball low to Higginbotham’s left, and give Garforth a deserved lead.
Another incisive Town move saw Renshaw released to smash the ball home, but the linesman’s flag put paid to celebrations. Soon after, a speculative through ball saw Mossley man Mike Fish lob Gavin Phillis to regain an undeserved parity for the home side in the dying stages of the first half. Justly though, the Almighty Father proved his existence when a throw in led to Brett finding the left corner of the Mossley net with a cool finish.
Five minutes into the second period, substitute Andy Rowan latched onto a lifted ball and powered home a shot back across hapless Higginbotham from outside the area. The finish with aplomb effectively sank Mossley, who were being well outplayed. Rowan would leave the field soon after, job done!
With half an hour to go, Mossley made a game of it with a surprise goal from distance. Town would respond mere minutes later, when a Lee Connor clearance helped sink his old club, as it found Greg Kelly who beat his man for pace before sliding a finish under poor Higginbotham to put the fixture beyond doubt at 4-2.
With the points all but sealed, Garforth players took turns to attempt to find the score sheet. Kamara tried to add to his tally with a determined run and shot, and Duncan Williams hit the post after a Hotchkiss through ball. Williams would curl a ball upfield that was teed off for Dom Blair to try his luck. Against this backdrop, Mossley would steal a third goal from an ungainly goalmouth scramble, but it clearly did not improve their mood, as an undignified spat soon occurred involving several Mossley men and Ben Small.
While they may have been Ready to Rumble, the official wasn’t, and soon signalled the end of the game and thus the gain of three valuable points for the Miner’s. Garforth can look at this win as proof they can match the top teams in the division, no matter how hot their form may be. Similar performances will surely culminate in a high league standing come April/May at the season’s climax.
The visiting Yorkshiremen almost claimed the ascendancy early when a speculative through ball from prodigal son Milton Turner caused unease in the Mossley defence, leaving captain Brett Renshaw with the opportunity to steal in and clatter the goalkeeper. Unfortunately the ball rolled clear, but it served as an early signal of intent.
Mossley won a corner, and the resulting effort was cleared to Greg Kelly who burst up the left wing and almost scored at the climax of a mazy run. After three hellacious minutes, the home side were quickly realising they had a game on their hands.
Still in the first five minutes of the game, Duncan Williams and Greg linked up well down the left in a move that led to the ball falling kindly for Milton to try his luck with a ferocious drive from twenty yards. Mossley numero uno Liam Higginbotham did well to deny Town a lead.
Mossley managed to stifle Town in the following ten minutes, despite Brett coming close with a blasted effort after a neat Cruyff turn. Finally though, Garforth struck true on 26 minutes when a Renshaw clash allowed Oliver Hotchkiss to burst forwards and lure in a challenge. Oliver managed to release the ball in time, and Nathan Kamara was on hand to slide the ball low to Higginbotham’s left, and give Garforth a deserved lead.
Another incisive Town move saw Renshaw released to smash the ball home, but the linesman’s flag put paid to celebrations. Soon after, a speculative through ball saw Mossley man Mike Fish lob Gavin Phillis to regain an undeserved parity for the home side in the dying stages of the first half. Justly though, the Almighty Father proved his existence when a throw in led to Brett finding the left corner of the Mossley net with a cool finish.
Five minutes into the second period, substitute Andy Rowan latched onto a lifted ball and powered home a shot back across hapless Higginbotham from outside the area. The finish with aplomb effectively sank Mossley, who were being well outplayed. Rowan would leave the field soon after, job done!
With half an hour to go, Mossley made a game of it with a surprise goal from distance. Town would respond mere minutes later, when a Lee Connor clearance helped sink his old club, as it found Greg Kelly who beat his man for pace before sliding a finish under poor Higginbotham to put the fixture beyond doubt at 4-2.
With the points all but sealed, Garforth players took turns to attempt to find the score sheet. Kamara tried to add to his tally with a determined run and shot, and Duncan Williams hit the post after a Hotchkiss through ball. Williams would curl a ball upfield that was teed off for Dom Blair to try his luck. Against this backdrop, Mossley would steal a third goal from an ungainly goalmouth scramble, but it clearly did not improve their mood, as an undignified spat soon occurred involving several Mossley men and Ben Small.
While they may have been Ready to Rumble, the official wasn’t, and soon signalled the end of the game and thus the gain of three valuable points for the Miner’s. Garforth can look at this win as proof they can match the top teams in the division, no matter how hot their form may be. Similar performances will surely culminate in a high league standing come April/May at the season’s climax.
Garforth 0 - Durham City 3
Garforth glimpsed potential promotion rivals this cold Tuesday night, as Durham City produced a clinical display to counter the rough, ready and willing hosts. While a stoppage time goal gave the visitors an unfairly commanding scoreline, the ability of Durham is indisputable.
Town created some moderately good ‘striker’s’ chances from time to time, but were unable to apply the final golden touch. The incessant rain throughout the day made the grass wet and slippy, which was illustrated by the sliding two footed challenge made on Nathan Kamara’s shins after only six minutes, a move known in professional wrestling as ‘the baseball slide’. This would prove to be a feature, as many balls were slightly overhit only to skid out of play, and many overzealous, dangerous tackles committed.
The first incisive move came from Town; Greg Kelly turned sharply in his own half and released captain Renshaw. Garforth’s man of the match held the ball up before cutting back inside, though his cross was too strongly hit. Minutes later on the quarter-hour mark, Durham responded with a viciously struck shot that sailed over.
The dependable Mark Piper darted past his man on the right, surviving a clipped heel before gently curling a through ball into Brett’s path. The skipper took the ball in his stride, but his effort when sliding was cut wide.
Soon after, Greg left his marker to chase a through ball, but the wet grass was his undoing, and the chance went begging. The first twenty-five minutes belonged to Garforth, and the points seemed in reach.
A lean period followed, though the 149 in attendance were vociferous and seemed to enjoy the fare. As the half neared its end, the newly frisky Greg tried his luck with two speculative shots, the second of which from a neat cut in that slid wide, the first sailing just over. Durham came close with a cheeky daisy cutter of a free kick that almost caught keeper Phillis by surprise, but Town ended the first in the ascendancy.
Several people voiced this opinion, and it was the kiss of death. Five minutes in, Town were stunned when a cross fell kindly to be drilled back in, and the ball deflected past Phillis off the knee of Malcolm Holihue.
Ten minutes later, and Town shot themselves in the foot when they were countered by a quick break. The bounce of the ball on the wet surface wrong-footed a Town defender, and an inadvertent touch lifted the ball over Phillis, and the pursuing Durham attacker was able to cut the ball across the box to be converted by …erm… Johnny English. He braved several challenges to tuck the ball home, but then - he knows no fear.
Town were not dead, however, and a beautifully curled Duncan Williams in-swinger was almost headed in, and the following cross saw a shot blocked before the ball fell to Renshaw. Sadly, the ball was skied from ten yards, but Garforth were pressing and looking to score.
On halfway, Nathan Kamara was elbowed, and Durham elected to play on, though with great composure Piper claimed the ball, turned and played it out smoothly. Disaster soon struck however, as Ben Small made a perfectly fair tackle. Unfortunately, the recipient of this slide ended up smacking into the advertising boards, and the referee promptly sent Small off. This ended Garforth hopes.
The death knell sounded and the proverbial fat lady piped up in stoppage time with the Bananarama classic, when Durham claimed a breakaway goal through Callum Smith. This effectively made a closely contested match appear like a whitewash, but Town can look to bounce back from this with another spirited F.A Cup performance on Saturday, and we hope to see you all there.
Town created some moderately good ‘striker’s’ chances from time to time, but were unable to apply the final golden touch. The incessant rain throughout the day made the grass wet and slippy, which was illustrated by the sliding two footed challenge made on Nathan Kamara’s shins after only six minutes, a move known in professional wrestling as ‘the baseball slide’. This would prove to be a feature, as many balls were slightly overhit only to skid out of play, and many overzealous, dangerous tackles committed.
The first incisive move came from Town; Greg Kelly turned sharply in his own half and released captain Renshaw. Garforth’s man of the match held the ball up before cutting back inside, though his cross was too strongly hit. Minutes later on the quarter-hour mark, Durham responded with a viciously struck shot that sailed over.
The dependable Mark Piper darted past his man on the right, surviving a clipped heel before gently curling a through ball into Brett’s path. The skipper took the ball in his stride, but his effort when sliding was cut wide.
Soon after, Greg left his marker to chase a through ball, but the wet grass was his undoing, and the chance went begging. The first twenty-five minutes belonged to Garforth, and the points seemed in reach.
A lean period followed, though the 149 in attendance were vociferous and seemed to enjoy the fare. As the half neared its end, the newly frisky Greg tried his luck with two speculative shots, the second of which from a neat cut in that slid wide, the first sailing just over. Durham came close with a cheeky daisy cutter of a free kick that almost caught keeper Phillis by surprise, but Town ended the first in the ascendancy.
Several people voiced this opinion, and it was the kiss of death. Five minutes in, Town were stunned when a cross fell kindly to be drilled back in, and the ball deflected past Phillis off the knee of Malcolm Holihue.
Ten minutes later, and Town shot themselves in the foot when they were countered by a quick break. The bounce of the ball on the wet surface wrong-footed a Town defender, and an inadvertent touch lifted the ball over Phillis, and the pursuing Durham attacker was able to cut the ball across the box to be converted by …erm… Johnny English. He braved several challenges to tuck the ball home, but then - he knows no fear.
Town were not dead, however, and a beautifully curled Duncan Williams in-swinger was almost headed in, and the following cross saw a shot blocked before the ball fell to Renshaw. Sadly, the ball was skied from ten yards, but Garforth were pressing and looking to score.
On halfway, Nathan Kamara was elbowed, and Durham elected to play on, though with great composure Piper claimed the ball, turned and played it out smoothly. Disaster soon struck however, as Ben Small made a perfectly fair tackle. Unfortunately, the recipient of this slide ended up smacking into the advertising boards, and the referee promptly sent Small off. This ended Garforth hopes.
The death knell sounded and the proverbial fat lady piped up in stoppage time with the Bananarama classic, when Durham claimed a breakaway goal through Callum Smith. This effectively made a closely contested match appear like a whitewash, but Town can look to bounce back from this with another spirited F.A Cup performance on Saturday, and we hope to see you all there.
Garforth Town v Tow Law Town - FA Cup
Garforth began their march to Wembley with a revitalising victory over Tow Law Town in the early stages of the world famous Football Association Cup. The visitors have tasted success in FA competitions – FA Vase finalists a decade ago – yet boasted no Chris Waddle’s in their new generation, who fell by a goal to nought in the Genix Coliseum to Garforth’s lions.
The Lawyers were outfought and out-thought in an entertaining tussle between two sides who know full well the financial benefits of cup runs. One in particular, Garforth’s Mark Piper, reached the Vase final at Wembley with AFC Totton in 2007 as a 17 year old, and today played with maturity and an assuredness that belies his age. Piper and fellow youngster Duncan Williams excelled against limited but strong opposition, and worked tirelessly in their given fields.
Throughout the first half, Town pressed to no avail, facing an ageing goalkeeper of Southall-esque proportions. A shot-stopping masterclass notwithstanding, the Town frontline were linking up well, with Andy Heywood, Dom Blair (yes, Vernol’s kid) and the aforementioned Piper playing off one another at ease. All Tow Law could muster in response was a weak half volley from thirty yards that culminated with a Garforth throw in. Oh, for the days of Waddle.
A reportedly furious Clifford admonishment in the interval visibly awakened the home side, and added urgency to their endeavours. Captain Renshaw found the woodwork, and had another near miss when a corner ricocheted into his path, and Brett’s low drive was deflected wide. This sparked a resurgent period, as Blair began causing problems on the left with his pace and movement, and Town began to exert control.
The Lawyers finally managed an offensive move, and it almost resulted in a goal when a kind bounce led to a prodded half volley that hit the crossbar. It only served as a wake up call to Garforth, and shocked them into establishing dominance.
A Town corner fell to Andy Heywood on seventy minutes, and his sliced half volley rasped over the top right corner. By now Law had disintegrated, and were clutching on for the replay that would never come.
Tow Law adopted an interesting management tactic that involved one coach going behind the goals to give players instructions. This would continue throughout, drawing the ire of Clifford.
Finally, the breakthrough occurred in the dying stages of the game, when on 87 minutes a poorly conceded free kick from Law led to Duncan Williams curling a fine ball which was steered back across goal into the left corner by Callum Selby. Garforth players, management and fans alike went ballistic, with Simon ‘Broken Ribs’ Clifford the recipient of a plethora of passionate embraces from his staff.
Town could have added to the tally. Williams latched onto a flick on to try and lift the ball over the keeper, and Chris ‘Tevez’ Brown drew applause when he harried the Law no.1, having sprinted from the other side of the field. The dispossession did not lead to a goal, but was good for some shredded nerves of the visitors who were desperately trying to muster the semblance of a late counter offensive.
Deep in stoppage time, with the distant scent of Wembley in Town nostrils, Piper cut a cross-field pass to Dean Mitchell on the right. Dean unselfishly stroked the ball through into Duncan’s path, and the younger Williams brother rounded the TL shot-stopper and tried to find Brown with a lifted cut back. With the goal at his mercy, the ball was over hit for the Geordie, but it was a fine team attack, with good passing and movement.
The raucous crowd rose in volume as the referee concluded a fine FA Cup qualifier between two hungry non-leaguers, an enjoyable affair that saw a lively, loud crowd with hardly any unpleasantness and more camaraderie with the County Durham flag wavers than usually seen with the good inhabitants of Lancashire. Garforth will look to build on this victory with a similarly inspired showing in league form, and turn their ground into The Fortress Genix in the coming months, in a Town Called Malice.
The Lawyers were outfought and out-thought in an entertaining tussle between two sides who know full well the financial benefits of cup runs. One in particular, Garforth’s Mark Piper, reached the Vase final at Wembley with AFC Totton in 2007 as a 17 year old, and today played with maturity and an assuredness that belies his age. Piper and fellow youngster Duncan Williams excelled against limited but strong opposition, and worked tirelessly in their given fields.
Throughout the first half, Town pressed to no avail, facing an ageing goalkeeper of Southall-esque proportions. A shot-stopping masterclass notwithstanding, the Town frontline were linking up well, with Andy Heywood, Dom Blair (yes, Vernol’s kid) and the aforementioned Piper playing off one another at ease. All Tow Law could muster in response was a weak half volley from thirty yards that culminated with a Garforth throw in. Oh, for the days of Waddle.
A reportedly furious Clifford admonishment in the interval visibly awakened the home side, and added urgency to their endeavours. Captain Renshaw found the woodwork, and had another near miss when a corner ricocheted into his path, and Brett’s low drive was deflected wide. This sparked a resurgent period, as Blair began causing problems on the left with his pace and movement, and Town began to exert control.
The Lawyers finally managed an offensive move, and it almost resulted in a goal when a kind bounce led to a prodded half volley that hit the crossbar. It only served as a wake up call to Garforth, and shocked them into establishing dominance.
A Town corner fell to Andy Heywood on seventy minutes, and his sliced half volley rasped over the top right corner. By now Law had disintegrated, and were clutching on for the replay that would never come.
Tow Law adopted an interesting management tactic that involved one coach going behind the goals to give players instructions. This would continue throughout, drawing the ire of Clifford.
Finally, the breakthrough occurred in the dying stages of the game, when on 87 minutes a poorly conceded free kick from Law led to Duncan Williams curling a fine ball which was steered back across goal into the left corner by Callum Selby. Garforth players, management and fans alike went ballistic, with Simon ‘Broken Ribs’ Clifford the recipient of a plethora of passionate embraces from his staff.
Town could have added to the tally. Williams latched onto a flick on to try and lift the ball over the keeper, and Chris ‘Tevez’ Brown drew applause when he harried the Law no.1, having sprinted from the other side of the field. The dispossession did not lead to a goal, but was good for some shredded nerves of the visitors who were desperately trying to muster the semblance of a late counter offensive.
Deep in stoppage time, with the distant scent of Wembley in Town nostrils, Piper cut a cross-field pass to Dean Mitchell on the right. Dean unselfishly stroked the ball through into Duncan’s path, and the younger Williams brother rounded the TL shot-stopper and tried to find Brown with a lifted cut back. With the goal at his mercy, the ball was over hit for the Geordie, but it was a fine team attack, with good passing and movement.
The raucous crowd rose in volume as the referee concluded a fine FA Cup qualifier between two hungry non-leaguers, an enjoyable affair that saw a lively, loud crowd with hardly any unpleasantness and more camaraderie with the County Durham flag wavers than usually seen with the good inhabitants of Lancashire. Garforth will look to build on this victory with a similarly inspired showing in league form, and turn their ground into The Fortress Genix in the coming months, in a Town Called Malice.
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