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
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