“Terminated”.
So spoke Arnold Schwarzenegger in T2 after destroying his hapless opponent, the T-1000. So too may Garforth utter similar sentiments after the complete and utter annihilation of capable Mancunians Trafford FC at their own Shawe View Stadium, producing another masterclass performance to sweep aside their adversaries in an entertaining UniBond league fixture.
Fast and Furious was another film that sprung to mind, as the title epitomised the start Garforth made in taking the lead in the fourth minute. A throw in caused confusion, and Andy Hayward managed to lay off Jason St Juste, presenting the former Southampton man with the easiest of finishes to earn an early lead for the visiting side.
Trafford appeared vulnerable to balls played into the box, and Garforth nearly exposed this once again when Duncan Williams almost scored from a header, forcing a corner. The youngster’s resulting curled effort was almost converted by midfielder Wayne Harratt, and the home side were undoubtedly on the ropes.
Shortly thereafter, Oliver Hotchkiss would flick the ball over the head of his marker and feed St Juste, whose subsequent burst through the centre led to Hayward being granted a free shot at goal, though his placed effort was saved.
Many players performed well today, but in the latter stages of the first half none caught the eye more than Carl Fox and Ross Wilkinson, both of whom defended brilliantly with well-timed challenges breaking up Trafford attacks.
On the brink of half time, the Miner’s claimed a deserved second through a Hotchkiss free kick that was met toweringly by Lee Connor. His pin point header again gifted St Juste the easiest of close range finishes, and Town now had a strong lead to hold going into the second period.
Williams caused the first of many problems for Trafford in the second, teasing a full back with trickery before cutting inside and firing a shot towards goal. Though the effort was blocked, Duncan reclaimed possession and elected to cross for Greg Kelly, who suffered the same fate though there were scattered shouts for handball in this incident.
Mere minutes later, a passing interchange between Kelly and Hotchkiss saw the Mackem man curl a cross towards Andy Hayward, whose flicked header was almost met by the onrushing Williams before the Trafford shot stopper claimed the ball.
Williams almost claimed an individual goal of the season award on the hour mark, unleashing a series of kick ups on the edge of the box before attempting an audacious overhead lobbed finish that nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard.
Ten minutes later Duncan would claim his goal, when a throw in yet again caused problems and he was able to capitalise on a ricochet to fire home for the third.
Williams would nearly add to his tally when latching onto a Hotchkiss lifted pass he blazed over from 18 yards. Needless to say, by this stage the chances of a mauling were looking increasingly likely.
Hotchkiss tried his luck with a shot preceded by a mazy run through several Trafford players, and narrowly missed. Then on 90 minutes, a Wilkinson ball up field fell kindly for late substitute Dom Blair to latch onto, and the Town man rounded the goalkeeper. Despite the ball straying a tad wide, Blair composed himself and unselfishly lifted a delicate curl over the Trafford no.1 for Hayward to volley home in the net for Town’s fourth.
The icing on the cake occurred in stoppage time, when a Hotchkiss ball was steered into the bottom right corner via the head of Captain Renshaw, who must be proud of his privat… erm, teammates, after such a dominant, ruthless display.
Garforth are next in action on Tuesday night away at Frickley, and given the recent performances in the Challenge Cup, not to mention today, no one will want to miss it. I know that… I’ll be back.
Saturday 22 November 2008
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Curzon Ashton 0 - Garforth Town 1 - Challenge Cup
A dominant, excellent performance saw Garforth return to winning ways in Greater Manchester, thoroughly outclassing the capable Curzon Ashton in an entertaining Monday night cup-tie.
The nature of the Town victory was all the more pleasing in that it was in such overwhelming fashion in a game littered with chances, most of which were for the visitors, though both sides played attractive football. Garforth threatened from the off, unleashing an immediate incisive attack when the industrious Jason St Juste beat his marker for pace – an omen of how the rest of the game would pan out – and fed Hotchkiss, whose through ball to the equally brilliant Dominic Blair almost led to a first minute goal. Soon after, St Juste would cause more problems, finding space to shoot though shot stopper David Carnell would prove equal to the effort. The first quarter of an hour would close out with five further minutes of Garforth pressure, most of which stemmed from Blair and St Juste from both wings and channels.
Andy Rowan tried his luck with a well-saved shot, and the subsequent Curzon attack was dealt with by a last ditch Brett Renshaw tackle. On the half hour mark, St Juste outmanoeuvred Curzon’s Michael Russell twice on the left, exchanging passes with Rowan en route to shooting at goal. Then, the proverbial moment of Garforth controversy when Dom Blair – through on goal – committed the wicked crime of diving, the sinner. Actually no, he was clipped en route to a mano e mano with Carnell, though no penalty, red card, yellow card, pink green polka dot card, trump card, student id card, screen actors guild SAG card nor any alternate form of card was awarded to the offender.
The fact that Michael Norton almost scored for Curzon immediately after this incident did not help matters.
Another period of pressure followed, with crosses being rained in at the Curzon rear guard, Blair St Juste et al basically having their way with their markers. One play saw Dom released into space, electing to lay off Hotchkiss who unselfishly laid off St Juste in turn who was unlucky to hit the post with his fiercely struck effort, Carnell well beaten. The ball was recovered, and a Jason cross was flicked by Rowan to Blair, whose volley would have earned Town the lead had it been placed anywhere else in the goal but at the keeper. Needless to say Garforth ended the half in the ascendancy.
So, to the second. Hotchkiss played a neat 1-2 with Blair (who was taken out in the process) and fired in a low shot that once more struck the post. Garforth are now all too familiar with UniBond woodwork. Jason skinned his man (again) and cut a low cross across goal, though some good covering allowed Curzon to clear. Now, Curzon upped the ante and produced some clear chances to score, though Renshaw, Lee Connor, Ross Wilkinson and Carl Fox all defended aggressively and effectively.
On 70’, a good passing interchange saw play spread wide right by Wayne Harratt, back left by Connor and culminated with St Juste unleashing a swerving shot from 25 yards that Carnell managed to catch.
Soon after Wayne attempted what could kindly be referred to as a ‘dipping shot from distance’.
With ten minutes to go, Rowan – who worked tirelessly with St Juste and Blair in harrying defenders – chased down one such Ashton player and tackled him, before haring after the loose ball and keeping possession to cross for Jason, whose shot was blocked, in a move that pleased fans and staff for its persistence and endeavour.
They saved the best ‘till last. Curzon worked some clear chances that were snuffed out, before Garforth broke down the right with Dom. The youngster did not heed the contingent of away fans – six men – screaming at him to run towards goal, instead electing to cross high over the stranded Carnell brilliantly for his partner in crime, Jason St Juste, to nod home.
This claimed entry to the next round of the Challenge Cup, and marked a second emphatic, victorious performance in this competition. Curzon played some attractive football and were worthy foes, but Town on this night were excellent throughout, and deservedly won.
The nature of the Town victory was all the more pleasing in that it was in such overwhelming fashion in a game littered with chances, most of which were for the visitors, though both sides played attractive football. Garforth threatened from the off, unleashing an immediate incisive attack when the industrious Jason St Juste beat his marker for pace – an omen of how the rest of the game would pan out – and fed Hotchkiss, whose through ball to the equally brilliant Dominic Blair almost led to a first minute goal. Soon after, St Juste would cause more problems, finding space to shoot though shot stopper David Carnell would prove equal to the effort. The first quarter of an hour would close out with five further minutes of Garforth pressure, most of which stemmed from Blair and St Juste from both wings and channels.
Andy Rowan tried his luck with a well-saved shot, and the subsequent Curzon attack was dealt with by a last ditch Brett Renshaw tackle. On the half hour mark, St Juste outmanoeuvred Curzon’s Michael Russell twice on the left, exchanging passes with Rowan en route to shooting at goal. Then, the proverbial moment of Garforth controversy when Dom Blair – through on goal – committed the wicked crime of diving, the sinner. Actually no, he was clipped en route to a mano e mano with Carnell, though no penalty, red card, yellow card, pink green polka dot card, trump card, student id card, screen actors guild SAG card nor any alternate form of card was awarded to the offender.
The fact that Michael Norton almost scored for Curzon immediately after this incident did not help matters.
Another period of pressure followed, with crosses being rained in at the Curzon rear guard, Blair St Juste et al basically having their way with their markers. One play saw Dom released into space, electing to lay off Hotchkiss who unselfishly laid off St Juste in turn who was unlucky to hit the post with his fiercely struck effort, Carnell well beaten. The ball was recovered, and a Jason cross was flicked by Rowan to Blair, whose volley would have earned Town the lead had it been placed anywhere else in the goal but at the keeper. Needless to say Garforth ended the half in the ascendancy.
So, to the second. Hotchkiss played a neat 1-2 with Blair (who was taken out in the process) and fired in a low shot that once more struck the post. Garforth are now all too familiar with UniBond woodwork. Jason skinned his man (again) and cut a low cross across goal, though some good covering allowed Curzon to clear. Now, Curzon upped the ante and produced some clear chances to score, though Renshaw, Lee Connor, Ross Wilkinson and Carl Fox all defended aggressively and effectively.
On 70’, a good passing interchange saw play spread wide right by Wayne Harratt, back left by Connor and culminated with St Juste unleashing a swerving shot from 25 yards that Carnell managed to catch.
Soon after Wayne attempted what could kindly be referred to as a ‘dipping shot from distance’.
With ten minutes to go, Rowan – who worked tirelessly with St Juste and Blair in harrying defenders – chased down one such Ashton player and tackled him, before haring after the loose ball and keeping possession to cross for Jason, whose shot was blocked, in a move that pleased fans and staff for its persistence and endeavour.
They saved the best ‘till last. Curzon worked some clear chances that were snuffed out, before Garforth broke down the right with Dom. The youngster did not heed the contingent of away fans – six men – screaming at him to run towards goal, instead electing to cross high over the stranded Carnell brilliantly for his partner in crime, Jason St Juste, to nod home.
This claimed entry to the next round of the Challenge Cup, and marked a second emphatic, victorious performance in this competition. Curzon played some attractive football and were worthy foes, but Town on this night were excellent throughout, and deservedly won.
Sunday 16 November 2008
Garforth Town 1 - Warrington Town 1
A scruffy stoppage time equaliser robbed Garforth of the win they have long deserved, and with it two points as visiting Warrington snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat and cost the Miner’s an overdue victory in front of their home fans at the Genix.
The home Town enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early doors, and most of the chances throughout. Garforth first came close when a lofted cross was lifted an inch too high for Andy Hayward to convert at the far post. Shortly thereafter Jason St Juste latched onto a through ball down the wing, and cut inside before unleashing a shot that was blocked. Most outlandishly of all, Oliver Hotchkiss tried making his tenure at Town that bit more memorable with an attempt to recreate the goal against Wimbledon that launched David Beckham to superstardom. Sadly, he couldn’t quite Bend It Like Beckham, and though the goalkeeper would have been bested by his fifty-yard effort, the shot sailed wide.
Controversy reared its head when a Warrington miscreant clearly kicked Duncan Williams after the Garforth youngster had been bundled to the ground right in front of his own bench, and the linesman. No official punishment was meted out.
St Juste almost scored with another penalty box effort, and el capitano Brett Renshaw proved the there is life in the old legs after his recent Mexican sojourn with a brilliant burst upfield leading to a Duncan Williams inswinger that caused confusion in the Warrington box, though Garforth could not force the goal.
The best chance of the first half occurred when Greg Kelly found himself through on goal, but last seasons 17 goal wing back was unable to apply the scoring touch, and his shot was well saved. The half concluded with a blatant trip on Jason St Juste, though no penalty was awarded.
By now Garforth were lining up to take shots at the Warrington shot stopper, and it would not be long before one such opportunity presented itself to be converted. That duly occurred in the first play of the second half, when penalty box confusion allowed the hard working Renshaw to fire home with a fine finish on forty-six minutes.
Hotchkiss tested the goalkeeper with a curled free kick on the hour mark, to which Warrington finally responded with a Giggs-esque mazy run (Ryan, the good one) from an attacker followed by a low shot that blazed wide. Ross and Brett were proving assured at the back, and they needed to be as the visiting plastic Scousers finally strung together some attacking plays to test the Garforth back line.
A lifted pass found Williams on the far post, but the chance was hard and his header was saved. Duncan was finding himself in some dangerous positions, which was reassuring as Warrington maintained a good ten minutes of pressure leading up to this point. Best of all, Renshaw released substitute Dom Blair on 85 minutes, who ran and fed Kelly on the left. The versatile winger laid off Hotchkiss, whose curled effort agonisingly drifted an inch wide.
Even so, Town looked to have bagged a confidence boosting win until a shockingly scrappy, ugly, brutal, horrible, nasty, horrifying, atrocious, ghastly, unseemly goal emanating from a scramble that saw the ball travel through a mass of players in the Garforth box several times before ricocheting off a leg and into the net on 96 minutes. Regardless, there are positives to take from the performance, and every step in the right direction is one worth taking.
The home Town enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early doors, and most of the chances throughout. Garforth first came close when a lofted cross was lifted an inch too high for Andy Hayward to convert at the far post. Shortly thereafter Jason St Juste latched onto a through ball down the wing, and cut inside before unleashing a shot that was blocked. Most outlandishly of all, Oliver Hotchkiss tried making his tenure at Town that bit more memorable with an attempt to recreate the goal against Wimbledon that launched David Beckham to superstardom. Sadly, he couldn’t quite Bend It Like Beckham, and though the goalkeeper would have been bested by his fifty-yard effort, the shot sailed wide.
Controversy reared its head when a Warrington miscreant clearly kicked Duncan Williams after the Garforth youngster had been bundled to the ground right in front of his own bench, and the linesman. No official punishment was meted out.
St Juste almost scored with another penalty box effort, and el capitano Brett Renshaw proved the there is life in the old legs after his recent Mexican sojourn with a brilliant burst upfield leading to a Duncan Williams inswinger that caused confusion in the Warrington box, though Garforth could not force the goal.
The best chance of the first half occurred when Greg Kelly found himself through on goal, but last seasons 17 goal wing back was unable to apply the scoring touch, and his shot was well saved. The half concluded with a blatant trip on Jason St Juste, though no penalty was awarded.
By now Garforth were lining up to take shots at the Warrington shot stopper, and it would not be long before one such opportunity presented itself to be converted. That duly occurred in the first play of the second half, when penalty box confusion allowed the hard working Renshaw to fire home with a fine finish on forty-six minutes.
Hotchkiss tested the goalkeeper with a curled free kick on the hour mark, to which Warrington finally responded with a Giggs-esque mazy run (Ryan, the good one) from an attacker followed by a low shot that blazed wide. Ross and Brett were proving assured at the back, and they needed to be as the visiting plastic Scousers finally strung together some attacking plays to test the Garforth back line.
A lifted pass found Williams on the far post, but the chance was hard and his header was saved. Duncan was finding himself in some dangerous positions, which was reassuring as Warrington maintained a good ten minutes of pressure leading up to this point. Best of all, Renshaw released substitute Dom Blair on 85 minutes, who ran and fed Kelly on the left. The versatile winger laid off Hotchkiss, whose curled effort agonisingly drifted an inch wide.
Even so, Town looked to have bagged a confidence boosting win until a shockingly scrappy, ugly, brutal, horrible, nasty, horrifying, atrocious, ghastly, unseemly goal emanating from a scramble that saw the ball travel through a mass of players in the Garforth box several times before ricocheting off a leg and into the net on 96 minutes. Regardless, there are positives to take from the performance, and every step in the right direction is one worth taking.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
Durham City 5 - Garforth Town 2
Town travelled away to Durham in high hopes, and returned dejected after two more contentious penalties were awarded to the excellent home side, tarnishing an otherwise close encounter between two outfits largely consisting of young players. Garforth started brightly, City responded with gusto and good free flowing football and the crowd were treated to a well-contested game ruined by official incompetence and ineptitude.
The visitors were almost immediately in the ascendancy, with good interlinking play leading to a Jason St Juste shot from 18 yards being blocked, as were the subsequent two shots from Andy Hayward - both desperately so - in only the second minute of play. Two minutes later the dependable Olly Hotchkiss tried his luck with a dipping thunderbolt from distance that was well saved.
Durham responded with a well-struck free kick that Gavin Phillis did well to save. The youngster’s long kick up field was laid off by Hayward for Chris Brown to strike at goal, narrowly missing.
The hosts were now coming into their own, playing football that was pleasing on the eye with good pace and movement. Phillis made another good save from a low shot and the ball was spread wide. Wayne Harratt received the ball 25 yards from goal and, after riding a challenge, fired an accurate strike into the top right corner to the delight of the travelling contingent.
After some enjoyable end-to-end fare Town conceded a corner, and the inswinger was cleared to Adam Johnston, who somehow rifled the ball through the mass of players and into the net to regain parity for his team.
Some excellent distribution by the busy Hotchkiss brought play into the Durham half, where Jason St Juste was fed the ball out on the left wing. St Juste beat his man for pace before firing a dangerous low cross into the six yard box, though the keeper claimed it before Hayward could. Five minutes later, the same keeper was lured out of position from a dangerous cross and Brown fired over under pressure.
On the very threshold of half time, a fiercely struck low ball struck a Town man on the arm, and a penalty was awarded in the wake of 230 screaming Geord… no, Mack…erm, Durham fans. Phillis did well to deny Johnston, but the rebounding ball sadly rolled straight out for the home striker to convert.
The second half saw a Hotchkiss free kick met by a Lee Connor header that beat the Durham shot stopper only to be cleared off the goal line by last ditch defending. Durham won a corner shortly after and in the wake of two horrible ricochets, the loose ball was fired into the Garforth goal.
The entertainment factor of the game was successfully killed off by the Man In Black on 73 minutes when a clear slip from a Durham attacker resulted in a ludicrous penalty, completing Johnston’s hat-trick.
Two minutes later, the disheartened visitors saw a nasty bounce allow Tommy English to try his luck with a lobbed effort that found the far corner of the net. Garforth responded with a Wayne Harratt header that was tipped onto the post, and a slightly more successful repeat that found the net to bring the score ultimately to 2-3, minus the penalties. Town next look to welcome Warrington to the Genix Healthcare Stadium on Saturday, after this test against an excellent Durham side with a hospitable club president. See you Saturday.
The visitors were almost immediately in the ascendancy, with good interlinking play leading to a Jason St Juste shot from 18 yards being blocked, as were the subsequent two shots from Andy Hayward - both desperately so - in only the second minute of play. Two minutes later the dependable Olly Hotchkiss tried his luck with a dipping thunderbolt from distance that was well saved.
Durham responded with a well-struck free kick that Gavin Phillis did well to save. The youngster’s long kick up field was laid off by Hayward for Chris Brown to strike at goal, narrowly missing.
The hosts were now coming into their own, playing football that was pleasing on the eye with good pace and movement. Phillis made another good save from a low shot and the ball was spread wide. Wayne Harratt received the ball 25 yards from goal and, after riding a challenge, fired an accurate strike into the top right corner to the delight of the travelling contingent.
After some enjoyable end-to-end fare Town conceded a corner, and the inswinger was cleared to Adam Johnston, who somehow rifled the ball through the mass of players and into the net to regain parity for his team.
Some excellent distribution by the busy Hotchkiss brought play into the Durham half, where Jason St Juste was fed the ball out on the left wing. St Juste beat his man for pace before firing a dangerous low cross into the six yard box, though the keeper claimed it before Hayward could. Five minutes later, the same keeper was lured out of position from a dangerous cross and Brown fired over under pressure.
On the very threshold of half time, a fiercely struck low ball struck a Town man on the arm, and a penalty was awarded in the wake of 230 screaming Geord… no, Mack…erm, Durham fans. Phillis did well to deny Johnston, but the rebounding ball sadly rolled straight out for the home striker to convert.
The second half saw a Hotchkiss free kick met by a Lee Connor header that beat the Durham shot stopper only to be cleared off the goal line by last ditch defending. Durham won a corner shortly after and in the wake of two horrible ricochets, the loose ball was fired into the Garforth goal.
The entertainment factor of the game was successfully killed off by the Man In Black on 73 minutes when a clear slip from a Durham attacker resulted in a ludicrous penalty, completing Johnston’s hat-trick.
Two minutes later, the disheartened visitors saw a nasty bounce allow Tommy English to try his luck with a lobbed effort that found the far corner of the net. Garforth responded with a Wayne Harratt header that was tipped onto the post, and a slightly more successful repeat that found the net to bring the score ultimately to 2-3, minus the penalties. Town next look to welcome Warrington to the Genix Healthcare Stadium on Saturday, after this test against an excellent Durham side with a hospitable club president. See you Saturday.
Saturday 8 November 2008
Rossendale United 2 - Garforth Town 2
Garforth Town produced a dominant performance to thoroughly outclass Lancastrians Rossendale United at their own Dark Lane Stadium in a ridiculous 2-2 draw. The Miner’s – who enjoyed approximately 75% of the possession, and an even steeper percentage of goal scoring chances – neutralised their hosts and hit the back of the net three times but were undone by two penalties, the second of which was an extremely controversial call.
After an initial feeling out process, Town took the initiative and then some. Andy Hayward came close with a volley on twelve minutes from a long throw in, and Duncan Williams tried his luck with an effort from distance. Wayne Harrat almost converted a curled free kick with a header, and a mere minute later Jason St Juste fizzed a dangerous ball into the six-yard box that was gratefully claimed by the goalkeeper.
With five minutes of first half action left Garforth found the net for the first time. Another throw in caused problems, and when the United shot stopper produced a good save Andy Hayward was on hand to convert the ball. For reasons unbeknownst to me at present, this goal was disallowed.
Brett Renshaw – excellent throughout – was released with a through ball soon after but was unable to finish the half chance under pressure. Then, Olly Hotchkiss adroitly held off several players to keep possession, and spread the play to St Juste. Jason beat his man for pace and released another dangerous cross, though Hayward’s headed effort went narrowly wide.
As the half drew to a close, a Hotchkiss free kick unintentionally struck the referee in the face. He lived.
Town began the second as they had ended the first – on top. Ben Small fed Williams a ball up the left channel, and the youngster cut in to lay off Hotchkiss for a shot that almost deflected in via Renshaw. It was the height of injustice when the hosts actually took the lead – a mistimed tackle leading to a penalty that Phil Eastwood converted on fifty minutes.
Williams and Hotchkiss constantly proved their worth to the team, combining well to set up Olly for a shot that missed by a lick of paint. Then, the games best moment occurred when Renshaw latched onto a through ball he was not favourite to win, excellently holding off two defenders before back heeling the ball for Hayward to flick past the keeper to regain parity.
Both Hayward and Williams would come close in the next ten minutes, before a curled cross was met toweringly by Renshaw, whose header struck the post. By now it was a foregone conclusion; sooner or later the visitors would score again and kill this mismatch of a game off.
Things got better for Garforth when an atrocious lunge at Gavin Phillis saw a Rossendale hot head get sent for an early shower. The writing truly appeared to be on the wall for United as Garforth promptly scored, Wayne Harrat placing a header into the top right corner with only ten minutes of play to go.
Disaster duly struck. Slight contact with a United attacker in the area saw the referee wave play on to give said striker the advantage, then four seconds later when the chance went begging abruptly awarded a penalty. Eastwood converted again, and though Town almost clawed back their deserved three points when a Hotchkiss free kick struck the post, the tie somehow ended up all square. At least Garforth have produced two dominant displays back to back, finding the net seven times in those outings, and will look to carry this form into the Tuesday fixture away at Durham. Howay the lads!
After an initial feeling out process, Town took the initiative and then some. Andy Hayward came close with a volley on twelve minutes from a long throw in, and Duncan Williams tried his luck with an effort from distance. Wayne Harrat almost converted a curled free kick with a header, and a mere minute later Jason St Juste fizzed a dangerous ball into the six-yard box that was gratefully claimed by the goalkeeper.
With five minutes of first half action left Garforth found the net for the first time. Another throw in caused problems, and when the United shot stopper produced a good save Andy Hayward was on hand to convert the ball. For reasons unbeknownst to me at present, this goal was disallowed.
Brett Renshaw – excellent throughout – was released with a through ball soon after but was unable to finish the half chance under pressure. Then, Olly Hotchkiss adroitly held off several players to keep possession, and spread the play to St Juste. Jason beat his man for pace and released another dangerous cross, though Hayward’s headed effort went narrowly wide.
As the half drew to a close, a Hotchkiss free kick unintentionally struck the referee in the face. He lived.
Town began the second as they had ended the first – on top. Ben Small fed Williams a ball up the left channel, and the youngster cut in to lay off Hotchkiss for a shot that almost deflected in via Renshaw. It was the height of injustice when the hosts actually took the lead – a mistimed tackle leading to a penalty that Phil Eastwood converted on fifty minutes.
Williams and Hotchkiss constantly proved their worth to the team, combining well to set up Olly for a shot that missed by a lick of paint. Then, the games best moment occurred when Renshaw latched onto a through ball he was not favourite to win, excellently holding off two defenders before back heeling the ball for Hayward to flick past the keeper to regain parity.
Both Hayward and Williams would come close in the next ten minutes, before a curled cross was met toweringly by Renshaw, whose header struck the post. By now it was a foregone conclusion; sooner or later the visitors would score again and kill this mismatch of a game off.
Things got better for Garforth when an atrocious lunge at Gavin Phillis saw a Rossendale hot head get sent for an early shower. The writing truly appeared to be on the wall for United as Garforth promptly scored, Wayne Harrat placing a header into the top right corner with only ten minutes of play to go.
Disaster duly struck. Slight contact with a United attacker in the area saw the referee wave play on to give said striker the advantage, then four seconds later when the chance went begging abruptly awarded a penalty. Eastwood converted again, and though Town almost clawed back their deserved three points when a Hotchkiss free kick struck the post, the tie somehow ended up all square. At least Garforth have produced two dominant displays back to back, finding the net seven times in those outings, and will look to carry this form into the Tuesday fixture away at Durham. Howay the lads!
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Garforth Town 3 - Bamber Bridge 4
A dramatic late comeback from Garforth Town could not overturn an early and unfair deficit in a heated and highly entertaining affair between two determined sides. Some outrageous officiating sadly tarnished a game in which either outfit could have claimed all the points, but the end result was an engrossing spectacle that saw Town display some impressive grit.
The worst possible start occurred for the hosts when a throw in led to a soft back post goal. Garforth regrouped to the point where Hotchkiss, Williams and Kelly were picking at the Bamber defensive lines, looking for openings to penetrate. Duncan Williams managed to fashion a chance out of nothing with a jinking run, bursting into the penalty box from the left channel before his driven shot was saved.
Jason St Juste showed flashes of his industrious nature, one such incident occurring when he turned his marker and tried to score with a speculative curled effort from 25 yards. A mere minute later, a through ball was latched onto by a suspiciously advanced Bamber striker, and, sickeningly, the opportunity was taken.
The second half began with a questionable free kick awarded to the visitors, and what commenced was a goal so soft it would be hard for the written word to do justice to it. At this point the fixture appeared dead and buried.
The Miner’s began to produce what they are capable of with a play of real quality. Hotchkiss curled an inch perfect ball across the field to St Juste, who controlled, cut inside and slid a cool finish into the Bamber goal to give the home side a real incentive to fight for the final third.
Not long after, an exchange on the left saw Mark Piper delicately chip straight to Greg Kelly’s head, and though his effort struck the crossbar the versatile Town man was able to convert the rebound, and the game was well and truly on.
Town created a plethora of chances with Haywood, Piper and Kelly all coming close to equalising. Captain Brett Renshaw met a corner with a towering header that struck the post and was scrambled up by a grateful goalkeeper.
The uphill struggle was worsened when Bamber snatched a late goal with a deflected header, but Town would further regroup. Kelly fizzed a ball across the Bamber goal, but St Juste arrived a fraction too late in a Gascoigne-esque moment. The icing on the cake occurred when a Town free kick was halted when a Bamber defended blatantly kicked Andy Rowan, and was sent off for his offence. Bizarrely, a penalty was NOT given, and instead the free kick was retaken. Readers are advised to youtube the Fabien Barthez/Ian Harte incident where Harte was kicked in the box away from play, and a penalty was rightly awarded, for more understanding of why a penalty should have been given.
Still, Garforth found the net again. A drifted corner was converted by Renshaw, who used his aerial threat well to power home a headed effort. Sadly, a fourth was out of the question with almost no time left, but there were encouraging signs from this high scoring match with another gutsy second half performance from a capable and determined Garforth Town outfit.
The worst possible start occurred for the hosts when a throw in led to a soft back post goal. Garforth regrouped to the point where Hotchkiss, Williams and Kelly were picking at the Bamber defensive lines, looking for openings to penetrate. Duncan Williams managed to fashion a chance out of nothing with a jinking run, bursting into the penalty box from the left channel before his driven shot was saved.
Jason St Juste showed flashes of his industrious nature, one such incident occurring when he turned his marker and tried to score with a speculative curled effort from 25 yards. A mere minute later, a through ball was latched onto by a suspiciously advanced Bamber striker, and, sickeningly, the opportunity was taken.
The second half began with a questionable free kick awarded to the visitors, and what commenced was a goal so soft it would be hard for the written word to do justice to it. At this point the fixture appeared dead and buried.
The Miner’s began to produce what they are capable of with a play of real quality. Hotchkiss curled an inch perfect ball across the field to St Juste, who controlled, cut inside and slid a cool finish into the Bamber goal to give the home side a real incentive to fight for the final third.
Not long after, an exchange on the left saw Mark Piper delicately chip straight to Greg Kelly’s head, and though his effort struck the crossbar the versatile Town man was able to convert the rebound, and the game was well and truly on.
Town created a plethora of chances with Haywood, Piper and Kelly all coming close to equalising. Captain Brett Renshaw met a corner with a towering header that struck the post and was scrambled up by a grateful goalkeeper.
The uphill struggle was worsened when Bamber snatched a late goal with a deflected header, but Town would further regroup. Kelly fizzed a ball across the Bamber goal, but St Juste arrived a fraction too late in a Gascoigne-esque moment. The icing on the cake occurred when a Town free kick was halted when a Bamber defended blatantly kicked Andy Rowan, and was sent off for his offence. Bizarrely, a penalty was NOT given, and instead the free kick was retaken. Readers are advised to youtube the Fabien Barthez/Ian Harte incident where Harte was kicked in the box away from play, and a penalty was rightly awarded, for more understanding of why a penalty should have been given.
Still, Garforth found the net again. A drifted corner was converted by Renshaw, who used his aerial threat well to power home a headed effort. Sadly, a fourth was out of the question with almost no time left, but there were encouraging signs from this high scoring match with another gutsy second half performance from a capable and determined Garforth Town outfit.
Garforth Town 3 - Romulus 4 - FA Vase
Garforth suffered an unlucky reverse in questionable circumstances at the hands of Midlands outfit Romulus, after staging a brave second half comeback. The fates were against the home side, as seemingly every deflection, decision and decisive moment went against, and it was to the credit of Town that they mounted such an impressive and spirited showing when the chips were down.
A much-changed line-up started the match, with Town bereft of SIX key players. Proceedings did not improve when the visitors bagged three horrendous goals, all of which stemmed from unfortunate mistakes. At this stage the game seemed unsalvageable.
A spirited showing saw Garforth find the visitors net on no less than five occasions. Chris Brown seemed to have scored his first of the season, only for his header to be disallowed on the grounds that another player was offside. Wasn’t there an alteration to the offside rule two years ago? Ruud van Nistlerooy would have scored about six career goals had this ruling been in effect.
Garforth, galvanised, found the net again when Wayne Harrat converted a header from a corner. The ball was diverted into the roof of the net via the hand of a Romulus defender, who was NOT sent off. The goal did not stand either, and with the subsequent penalty missed, it seemed that the gods of Olympus were against Town, laughing from afar.
Garforth’s third, and first officially recognised goal was adroitly taken. Olly Hotchkiss curled a sweet ball into the box, and Andy Rowan powered a volley back across goal that lashed in off the post to give Town hope.
Jason St Juste, in his best effort since returning, jinked past several Romulus midfielders on the left channel before firing a Kewell-esque low left footed drive that found the bottom right corner. The tie was now well and truly on.
Sadly, the dramatic late finish was ruined when a blatantly offside attacker was free to beat Phillis from a one on one encounter. Garforth showed spunk to fire back once more, with Hotchkiss finding the net from outside the area with a driven effort.
The visiting players and management were responsible for a substantial amount of criminal damage after the game, it should be noted.
The game may well represent the end of a cup run, but the feisty and uncompromising late performance was affirming of the spirit and potential of the squad. These aforementioned qualities and the return of several key players should mark the beginning of some dominant form in the league games to come as Garforth look to move up to bigger and better.
A much-changed line-up started the match, with Town bereft of SIX key players. Proceedings did not improve when the visitors bagged three horrendous goals, all of which stemmed from unfortunate mistakes. At this stage the game seemed unsalvageable.
A spirited showing saw Garforth find the visitors net on no less than five occasions. Chris Brown seemed to have scored his first of the season, only for his header to be disallowed on the grounds that another player was offside. Wasn’t there an alteration to the offside rule two years ago? Ruud van Nistlerooy would have scored about six career goals had this ruling been in effect.
Garforth, galvanised, found the net again when Wayne Harrat converted a header from a corner. The ball was diverted into the roof of the net via the hand of a Romulus defender, who was NOT sent off. The goal did not stand either, and with the subsequent penalty missed, it seemed that the gods of Olympus were against Town, laughing from afar.
Garforth’s third, and first officially recognised goal was adroitly taken. Olly Hotchkiss curled a sweet ball into the box, and Andy Rowan powered a volley back across goal that lashed in off the post to give Town hope.
Jason St Juste, in his best effort since returning, jinked past several Romulus midfielders on the left channel before firing a Kewell-esque low left footed drive that found the bottom right corner. The tie was now well and truly on.
Sadly, the dramatic late finish was ruined when a blatantly offside attacker was free to beat Phillis from a one on one encounter. Garforth showed spunk to fire back once more, with Hotchkiss finding the net from outside the area with a driven effort.
The visiting players and management were responsible for a substantial amount of criminal damage after the game, it should be noted.
The game may well represent the end of a cup run, but the feisty and uncompromising late performance was affirming of the spirit and potential of the squad. These aforementioned qualities and the return of several key players should mark the beginning of some dominant form in the league games to come as Garforth look to move up to bigger and better.
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