4-4-09
A valuable victory was secured that will send Garforth into their midweek cup final with boosted confidence, as the Miner’s sent Mossley back to Greater Man-ches-toh on the back of a 3-1 spanking.
A rip-roaring two goal lead was earned early doors, as first Duncan Williams opened the scoring with a low finish following an excellent four pass interchange with Dominic Blair, then Andy Hayward latched onto a bouncing ball, and capitalising on substandard defending, blazed home a second with a top corner effort.
On loan Chesterfield striker Lee Askham put forth an impressive display, and almost added to Mossley’s woes with a lightning burst through the middle and up the left channel, beating three players in a fifty-yard run before his shot was sliced wide.
Former Wolves man Hayward almost repeated his feat following an Askham curled cross, but Groundhog Day it ain’t, and the Predator blasted his volley into the side netting.
Luke Gibbons, eager to prove his superiority to Hutchinson in the Garforth goal, made a fine save on the half hour mark, but it was to be in vain, as a penalty was immediately conceded. The wonderfully named Clive Moyo-Modise finished well.
Askham almost instantly reclaimed the two-goal deficit as he burst through once more, but this time elected to try and round the goalkeeper. The Mossley shot-stopper did well to claim the ball.
Williams looked to be free on goal on 50minutes following a one-two with Hayward, but a fantastic Mossley challenge scuppered his progress. Soon after, Nathan Kamara was finally allowed to take a free kick delayed by the mouth and actions of one particularly mouthy Mossley man, and his cross was met by Connor who headed narrowly wide.
Returning substitute Mark Piper squeezed through a through ball for Williams, and Mossley’s #1 again made a game saving stop from 12 yards. Duncan and Mark made another interchange, and their multiple passes led to the award of a corner, though the wind this time scuppered the goal scoring opportunity.
With only five minutes to go, George Williams instigated a play down the left that led to Adam Clarke laying off the other Williams at the edge of the area. The much-courted youngster cut inside and was tripped, and placed the subsequent penalty into the bottom right corner to seal the game.
Garforth next face Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday in Swillington in the Final of the West Riding County Cup, and we hope to see you there.
Tuesday 7 April 2009
Thursday 2 April 2009
Clitheroe 3 - Garforth Town 1
31/3/09
A night in Clitheroe is never at the top of any self respecting Yorkshiremans’ list of priorities, and Tuesday the 31st turned out to be no different for those of the travelling Garforth contingent. Despite a first half lead and early, ahem, goalkeeping brilliance, the home side were able to overcome a negative deficit and plunder three goals to earn analogous league points.
Michael Bisping winning UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter reality television show may have been the worst thing to happen to his town, because now by proxy everyone in Clitheroe is a badass. Leading centre forward and excess testosterone sufferer Anthony Johnson had unpleasant sentiments and threats to direct towards the Garforth bench and defenders, and the Clitheroe coaching staff directed verbal diatribes towards Simon Clifford in front of his wife and young daughters.
Garforth began the game with a star of their own – recent cinematic release The Damned United star Chris Hutchinson – in goal. In homage to the film, Chris played without gloves.
Town began brightly, and like a bright star faded and burned out towards the end. Duncan Williams played an astute cross-field ball early on, and a cross from the right was latched onto by Lee Askham, who ran back into the danger zone before shooting with a placed effort that was saved.
Nathan Kamara was felled by a potential leg breaker of a challenge that audibly cracked off his shins. Luckily he was unscathed. Soon after, Renshaw showed kinaesthetic intelligence in reacting to a through ball and making a last ditch tackle to prevent a one on one chance for Clith.
Clitheroe responded with several crosses flashed in towards the obviously inexperienced stand in goalkeeper, but Renshaw and Connor were equal to each high ball. One low cross found its way through, but the point blank side-foot effort was saved well by Hutchinson, who parried it to safety.
Askham made a jinking run cutting in from the left, and was tripped. Andy Hayward duly finished the penalty kick to claim a lead for the Miner’s.
After claiming a through ball well, Hutchinson was replaced by late arrival Luke Gibbons, and ended his Hall of Fame goalkeeping career without making a single mistake, or ever conceding. Bravo.
Gibbons cleared a cross with ‘the Superman punch’, and was abruptly lobbed to the far post. However, with the goal at his mercy, the Clitheroe attacked missed his header. And the ball.
The final chance of the half came from an excellent Clitheroe shot flashed low to the bottom right corner from 30 yards that missed by a foot at best. Garforth left the field a goal to the good.
Sadly, it didn’t last. Ten minutes into the second half of an (up to this point) even game, Clith forced home a scruffy, nondescript equaliser.
Clitheroe managed to nullify Town in the subsequent twenty minutes, and tested Renshaw, Connor and Fox with numerous crosses and through balls.
Duncan fed Greg Kelly with a ball over the top for the former Huddersfield man to finish with aplomb, yet his lob was nullified with a suspect flag for offside. A later Garforth attack saw a through ball from Adam Clarke intercepted before reaching Williams, yet the ball fell kindly and into the path of Kelly. Inexplicably, the linesman again flagged for offside.
The game was lost in the 73rd, when Clitheroe intelligently used their horribly sloped pitch for long balls pitched up the right wing. Given the near impossibility of the ball going out, the winger claimed one such ball and fired in a low cross that clipped off a Garforth shin (despite the celebration of Mark Sharples) and into the away net, to the delight of the home idi… support.
An innocuous and tepid shoulder block on Dave Hankin led to the award of a penalty to Clith, and the same man fired in his sides third. At 3-1 the game was lost. Still, at least we had the pleasure of visiting Clitheroe on a late Tuesday night.
Best of luck to Michael Bisping at UFC 100. And to all his friends at the Shawbridge stadium, living vicariously through his exploits, and threatening their guests. Cheers for your hospitality. It’s been emotional.
A night in Clitheroe is never at the top of any self respecting Yorkshiremans’ list of priorities, and Tuesday the 31st turned out to be no different for those of the travelling Garforth contingent. Despite a first half lead and early, ahem, goalkeeping brilliance, the home side were able to overcome a negative deficit and plunder three goals to earn analogous league points.
Michael Bisping winning UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter reality television show may have been the worst thing to happen to his town, because now by proxy everyone in Clitheroe is a badass. Leading centre forward and excess testosterone sufferer Anthony Johnson had unpleasant sentiments and threats to direct towards the Garforth bench and defenders, and the Clitheroe coaching staff directed verbal diatribes towards Simon Clifford in front of his wife and young daughters.
Garforth began the game with a star of their own – recent cinematic release The Damned United star Chris Hutchinson – in goal. In homage to the film, Chris played without gloves.
Town began brightly, and like a bright star faded and burned out towards the end. Duncan Williams played an astute cross-field ball early on, and a cross from the right was latched onto by Lee Askham, who ran back into the danger zone before shooting with a placed effort that was saved.
Nathan Kamara was felled by a potential leg breaker of a challenge that audibly cracked off his shins. Luckily he was unscathed. Soon after, Renshaw showed kinaesthetic intelligence in reacting to a through ball and making a last ditch tackle to prevent a one on one chance for Clith.
Clitheroe responded with several crosses flashed in towards the obviously inexperienced stand in goalkeeper, but Renshaw and Connor were equal to each high ball. One low cross found its way through, but the point blank side-foot effort was saved well by Hutchinson, who parried it to safety.
Askham made a jinking run cutting in from the left, and was tripped. Andy Hayward duly finished the penalty kick to claim a lead for the Miner’s.
After claiming a through ball well, Hutchinson was replaced by late arrival Luke Gibbons, and ended his Hall of Fame goalkeeping career without making a single mistake, or ever conceding. Bravo.
Gibbons cleared a cross with ‘the Superman punch’, and was abruptly lobbed to the far post. However, with the goal at his mercy, the Clitheroe attacked missed his header. And the ball.
The final chance of the half came from an excellent Clitheroe shot flashed low to the bottom right corner from 30 yards that missed by a foot at best. Garforth left the field a goal to the good.
Sadly, it didn’t last. Ten minutes into the second half of an (up to this point) even game, Clith forced home a scruffy, nondescript equaliser.
Clitheroe managed to nullify Town in the subsequent twenty minutes, and tested Renshaw, Connor and Fox with numerous crosses and through balls.
Duncan fed Greg Kelly with a ball over the top for the former Huddersfield man to finish with aplomb, yet his lob was nullified with a suspect flag for offside. A later Garforth attack saw a through ball from Adam Clarke intercepted before reaching Williams, yet the ball fell kindly and into the path of Kelly. Inexplicably, the linesman again flagged for offside.
The game was lost in the 73rd, when Clitheroe intelligently used their horribly sloped pitch for long balls pitched up the right wing. Given the near impossibility of the ball going out, the winger claimed one such ball and fired in a low cross that clipped off a Garforth shin (despite the celebration of Mark Sharples) and into the away net, to the delight of the home idi… support.
An innocuous and tepid shoulder block on Dave Hankin led to the award of a penalty to Clith, and the same man fired in his sides third. At 3-1 the game was lost. Still, at least we had the pleasure of visiting Clitheroe on a late Tuesday night.
Best of luck to Michael Bisping at UFC 100. And to all his friends at the Shawbridge stadium, living vicariously through his exploits, and threatening their guests. Cheers for your hospitality. It’s been emotional.
Lancaster City 3 - Garforth Town 1
24/3/09
The best side of the night were unable to deal the deathblow to Lancaster at The Giant Axe stadium, and were subsequently executed in the final stages of the game. Though the travelling Miner’s are closely associated with Brazilian football, there was little flair on show given the conditions, yet several Garforth players did show the indomitable spirit of Brazilian fighter Wanderlei Silva – ironically nicknamed ‘The Axe Murderer’.
A defeat for Lancaster at The Giant Axe would have surely murdered City’s chances of promotion, but two late goals ensured an exciting end of season finish for the Lancastrians, some of whom gave their trademark warm welcome to the Garforth contingent.
Strangely, the hosts employed a disconcertingly defensive 4-5-1 formation early doors, given their promotional dream. The rainfall caused conditions where any shot or through ball became dangerous, with a wet yet moderately hard pitch and slippery ball. Chris Hutchinson and George Williams made impressive starts, breaking up play and making telling passes. Williams hit the post with a speculative strike from distance, and Town were looking comfortable at the 20-minute mark.
An innocuous Lancaster pass skidded through Towns defence, highlighting the danger of the condition. Brett Renshaw read it well, and made a goal-saving challenge. Minutes later, a Duncan Williams in-swinging free kick was helped into Andy Hayward’s path by Lee Askham. While ‘The Predator’ finished well, the veteran striker was in an offside position and the goal was disallowed.
Luke Gibbons made a terrific save following a goalmouth scramble, but it was to be in vain as City scored against the run of play. Another slide pass – this time well placed – evaded a yellow shirt and former Conference youngster Lee Dodgeson finished low, and finished well.
Garforth were awarded a free kick 20 yards out. Wayne Harratt shaped to shoot. Steve Nichol; “Don’t let Wayne Harratt bloody take it.” GOAL!!
An interchange between Greg Kelly and Lee in the 50th led to a cross that Graham Marchant almost converted with a powered header. Soon after that, Graham fashioned himself another chance but failed to convert his shot. And in the 70th, Garforth arguably DID convert a chance, when Hayward latched onto Marchant’s guided ball and lobbed the Lancaster shot-stopper. The ball bounced off the inside of the post, and along the line before being cleared. Controversially, the behaviour of all nearby players indicated that the ball crossed the line, but the award of a goal was not forthcoming.
Not only did a pleasant contingent behind the dugouts voice their opinions, but also the Lancaster coaching staff engaged in a verbal spat with Dominic Blair during the game for ‘not fetching a ball’. At Garforth, we are proud to have several balls pitchside for such emergencies. But I digress.
Lee Dodgeson came into his own in the final thirty minutes, making runs and causing problems on the wing, the left channel and around the box. Sure enough, the inevitable occurred – or at least ‘sod’s law’ – and Garforth conceded. A dart inside from the right wing led to a slide rule pass for Dodgeson, and the winger blasted past Gibbons in the 80th minute.
From bad to worse – Gibbons contested a high ball and landed awkwardly, dropping it. Despite his apparent injury, Lancaster still tried to score, and would have but for a block from George Williams. There is a God.
Fidel Mholo replaced Hutchinson for a late attacking surge. However, Town were unable to score, and Dodgeson launched a counter attack run and adeptly placed the ball past Gibbons to claim his hat-trick, and give his side an unfair numerical slant with the last kick of the game. As Alex Ferguson famously said; “Football eh? Bloody hell.” With games like this you have to agree.
Garforth Man of the Match
George Williams
Noteworthy
Brett Renshaw
Chris Hutchinson
Renshaw, Askham, Williams, Hutchinson, Hayward, Gibbons, Williams, Kelly, Marchant, Harratt, Blair
The best side of the night were unable to deal the deathblow to Lancaster at The Giant Axe stadium, and were subsequently executed in the final stages of the game. Though the travelling Miner’s are closely associated with Brazilian football, there was little flair on show given the conditions, yet several Garforth players did show the indomitable spirit of Brazilian fighter Wanderlei Silva – ironically nicknamed ‘The Axe Murderer’.
A defeat for Lancaster at The Giant Axe would have surely murdered City’s chances of promotion, but two late goals ensured an exciting end of season finish for the Lancastrians, some of whom gave their trademark warm welcome to the Garforth contingent.
Strangely, the hosts employed a disconcertingly defensive 4-5-1 formation early doors, given their promotional dream. The rainfall caused conditions where any shot or through ball became dangerous, with a wet yet moderately hard pitch and slippery ball. Chris Hutchinson and George Williams made impressive starts, breaking up play and making telling passes. Williams hit the post with a speculative strike from distance, and Town were looking comfortable at the 20-minute mark.
An innocuous Lancaster pass skidded through Towns defence, highlighting the danger of the condition. Brett Renshaw read it well, and made a goal-saving challenge. Minutes later, a Duncan Williams in-swinging free kick was helped into Andy Hayward’s path by Lee Askham. While ‘The Predator’ finished well, the veteran striker was in an offside position and the goal was disallowed.
Luke Gibbons made a terrific save following a goalmouth scramble, but it was to be in vain as City scored against the run of play. Another slide pass – this time well placed – evaded a yellow shirt and former Conference youngster Lee Dodgeson finished low, and finished well.
Garforth were awarded a free kick 20 yards out. Wayne Harratt shaped to shoot. Steve Nichol; “Don’t let Wayne Harratt bloody take it.” GOAL!!
An interchange between Greg Kelly and Lee in the 50th led to a cross that Graham Marchant almost converted with a powered header. Soon after that, Graham fashioned himself another chance but failed to convert his shot. And in the 70th, Garforth arguably DID convert a chance, when Hayward latched onto Marchant’s guided ball and lobbed the Lancaster shot-stopper. The ball bounced off the inside of the post, and along the line before being cleared. Controversially, the behaviour of all nearby players indicated that the ball crossed the line, but the award of a goal was not forthcoming.
Not only did a pleasant contingent behind the dugouts voice their opinions, but also the Lancaster coaching staff engaged in a verbal spat with Dominic Blair during the game for ‘not fetching a ball’. At Garforth, we are proud to have several balls pitchside for such emergencies. But I digress.
Lee Dodgeson came into his own in the final thirty minutes, making runs and causing problems on the wing, the left channel and around the box. Sure enough, the inevitable occurred – or at least ‘sod’s law’ – and Garforth conceded. A dart inside from the right wing led to a slide rule pass for Dodgeson, and the winger blasted past Gibbons in the 80th minute.
From bad to worse – Gibbons contested a high ball and landed awkwardly, dropping it. Despite his apparent injury, Lancaster still tried to score, and would have but for a block from George Williams. There is a God.
Fidel Mholo replaced Hutchinson for a late attacking surge. However, Town were unable to score, and Dodgeson launched a counter attack run and adeptly placed the ball past Gibbons to claim his hat-trick, and give his side an unfair numerical slant with the last kick of the game. As Alex Ferguson famously said; “Football eh? Bloody hell.” With games like this you have to agree.
Garforth Man of the Match
George Williams
Noteworthy
Brett Renshaw
Chris Hutchinson
Renshaw, Askham, Williams, Hutchinson, Hayward, Gibbons, Williams, Kelly, Marchant, Harratt, Blair
Garforth Town 1 - Chorley 0
21/3/09
Garforth Town returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win courtesy of a wonderful strike from winger Lee Askham in the 69th minute of play. The Miner’s overcame The Magpie’s in a 50/50 game between two sides with ten victories each, both eager to finish the season strong in the final months and claim some points and bragging rights.
An initial feeling out process was ended when Garforth began to string together several plays attempting to break down the usually dogged defence of Chorley, bereft of their usual array of bald giants. Greg Kelly was clipped while positioning to shoot, and captain Renshaw blazed the subsequent free kick awarded over the goal.
No clear cut chances were fashioned in a first half – arguably a full game – contested in midfield, on the wings and in the air. Moments into the second half Chorley guided a dangerous cross/pass into the Town area, which Nathan Kamara intercepted and cleared. A later play saw a cut back into Garforth’s area, and the resulting shot was skied.
The moment of the match occurred on 69; on-loan Lee Askham cut in from the left and powered a piledriver of a left footed strike into the top left corner of the Chorley goal, to rapturous applause. Pick that one out junior.
Greg Kelly was put through on goal ten minutes later but the goalkeeper alertly cleared, only for the ball to fall to substitute Bryce Tiani who tried an audacious lofted effort from 40 yards. With the keeper beat, Bryce saw his shot agonizingly dip too late to count, but the effort was commendable.
Things went from bad to worse for the Magpie’s, who couldn’t snatch a bit of luck. One Magpie snatched at a Garforth head though, and not only was his elbow a demonstration of sub-standard Thai boxing technique, it earned him his second yellow and an early shower. Stick to football son.
Garforth saw out the final minutes imperiously to claim a much needed three points, thus avenging a stinging defeat to the Lancastrians earlier in the season. The Miner’s next travel to Lancaster City on Tuesday night, looking to string a second successive win to their bow and to return from the enemy side of the Pennines with three points – war Garforth!
Garforth Town returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win courtesy of a wonderful strike from winger Lee Askham in the 69th minute of play. The Miner’s overcame The Magpie’s in a 50/50 game between two sides with ten victories each, both eager to finish the season strong in the final months and claim some points and bragging rights.
An initial feeling out process was ended when Garforth began to string together several plays attempting to break down the usually dogged defence of Chorley, bereft of their usual array of bald giants. Greg Kelly was clipped while positioning to shoot, and captain Renshaw blazed the subsequent free kick awarded over the goal.
No clear cut chances were fashioned in a first half – arguably a full game – contested in midfield, on the wings and in the air. Moments into the second half Chorley guided a dangerous cross/pass into the Town area, which Nathan Kamara intercepted and cleared. A later play saw a cut back into Garforth’s area, and the resulting shot was skied.
The moment of the match occurred on 69; on-loan Lee Askham cut in from the left and powered a piledriver of a left footed strike into the top left corner of the Chorley goal, to rapturous applause. Pick that one out junior.
Greg Kelly was put through on goal ten minutes later but the goalkeeper alertly cleared, only for the ball to fall to substitute Bryce Tiani who tried an audacious lofted effort from 40 yards. With the keeper beat, Bryce saw his shot agonizingly dip too late to count, but the effort was commendable.
Things went from bad to worse for the Magpie’s, who couldn’t snatch a bit of luck. One Magpie snatched at a Garforth head though, and not only was his elbow a demonstration of sub-standard Thai boxing technique, it earned him his second yellow and an early shower. Stick to football son.
Garforth saw out the final minutes imperiously to claim a much needed three points, thus avenging a stinging defeat to the Lancastrians earlier in the season. The Miner’s next travel to Lancaster City on Tuesday night, looking to string a second successive win to their bow and to return from the enemy side of the Pennines with three points – war Garforth!
Garforth Town 2 - Osset Albion 1
3/3/09
Ossett Albion were blown away by gale-force Garforth on a windy Tuesday night at the Genix. With the decisive victory, the home side booked a place in the finals of the West Riding County Cup, where they may face local rivals Bradford Park Avenue in a heated semi-derby for the honours.
An early injury ominously highlighted the dangers of the slippery surface while battling heavy winds, and foreshadowed the viewing spectacle of the first half, with numerous overhit passes and long balls. Captain Brett ‘Reinstated’ Renshaw earned his place in Simon Clifford’s good books with the equalising goal in the 29th; forcing home a leveller after Gareth Hamlet had opened the visitors account only two minutes previous.
Once more, the opposing coaching staff behaved like, as one fan put it, “little punks” when they were in the ascendancy. There is something about Garforth…
Garforth defended stoutly throughout the first half, as Albion aimed to take advantage of the wind with aerial bombardments and wing plays. Arguably Garforth were on the back foot in this period, though Greg Kelly and Hayward produced indefatigable displays up front both in attack and through pressurising defenders.
The Miner’s were next to enjoy the way of the wind, and it proved influential as a brace from Hayward would see Town outscore their visitors two-to-nothing in the second half, thus earning a final berth in the cup.
A legitimate challenge from youngster Adam Clarke saw a ludicrous penalty awarded to Albion, but a subsequently nervy run up and mediocre technique led to goalkeeper Luke Gibbons producing a game-saving stop.
Still alive and kicking, Town scored on 73, as Hayward converted his first to further sink Ossett spirits.
The final minutes saw a returning Garforth alumni, as Joe Fella donned the blue and yella’ for the first time since 2006. Welcome back, saddlebags.
Reinstated Renshaw showed why he is captain material, as a left-footed chip wrong footed Gibbons, and only a goal line headed clearance from Brett prevented it being the equalising effort from Albion. Moments later, Hayward was put through on goal and he calmly converted at the near post to secure a 3-1 victory and a final to look forward to in the near future. War Garforth!!!
Ossett Albion were blown away by gale-force Garforth on a windy Tuesday night at the Genix. With the decisive victory, the home side booked a place in the finals of the West Riding County Cup, where they may face local rivals Bradford Park Avenue in a heated semi-derby for the honours.
An early injury ominously highlighted the dangers of the slippery surface while battling heavy winds, and foreshadowed the viewing spectacle of the first half, with numerous overhit passes and long balls. Captain Brett ‘Reinstated’ Renshaw earned his place in Simon Clifford’s good books with the equalising goal in the 29th; forcing home a leveller after Gareth Hamlet had opened the visitors account only two minutes previous.
Once more, the opposing coaching staff behaved like, as one fan put it, “little punks” when they were in the ascendancy. There is something about Garforth…
Garforth defended stoutly throughout the first half, as Albion aimed to take advantage of the wind with aerial bombardments and wing plays. Arguably Garforth were on the back foot in this period, though Greg Kelly and Hayward produced indefatigable displays up front both in attack and through pressurising defenders.
The Miner’s were next to enjoy the way of the wind, and it proved influential as a brace from Hayward would see Town outscore their visitors two-to-nothing in the second half, thus earning a final berth in the cup.
A legitimate challenge from youngster Adam Clarke saw a ludicrous penalty awarded to Albion, but a subsequently nervy run up and mediocre technique led to goalkeeper Luke Gibbons producing a game-saving stop.
Still alive and kicking, Town scored on 73, as Hayward converted his first to further sink Ossett spirits.
The final minutes saw a returning Garforth alumni, as Joe Fella donned the blue and yella’ for the first time since 2006. Welcome back, saddlebags.
Reinstated Renshaw showed why he is captain material, as a left-footed chip wrong footed Gibbons, and only a goal line headed clearance from Brett prevented it being the equalising effort from Albion. Moments later, Hayward was put through on goal and he calmly converted at the near post to secure a 3-1 victory and a final to look forward to in the near future. War Garforth!!!
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