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!!!