26-9-09
The White Rose triumphed in an ugly smash and grab battle in Lancashire, as Woodley Sports fell by one goal to zilcho at their own Neil Rourke stadium. The home side’s nickname is the Steelmen, but they were melted down on Saturday in a close game settled by a well-taken Duncan Williams goal.
An initial feeling out process saw many long balls, with the only sniff of a chance coming from a chased down header back to goalkeeper Morgan from the halfway line. The only noteworthy chance in the opening twenty minutes came from an excellent Woodley cross could have been converted from eight yards. The inept striker missed the ball. Save for that, Garforth’s makeshift defence performed well, marshalled by Milton Turner.
A low cross was drilled in by Town standout Chris Ovington to Carl Fox, but the defender did just enough to prevent him getting a clean strike. Greaves came close with a shot following a good set up from Ovington, and Woodley hit the post, missing the subsequent rebound.
Ovington carved the last two chances of the first half, with a side-foot effort that missed, then an eye-catching burst of pace to fire in a cross that was not met.
Duncan Williams tried a Paul Gascoigne circa 1996 when he tried setting up a shot after kick ups over a defender, but he overshot it. Woodley had a header saved by Morgan, who turned in a dependable performance. Both Greaves and Ovington tried shots from outside the area, and both were saved comfortably.
The magic moment occurred on the hour mark. A ball up the right wing to Darren Thornton saw the striker cross low to Williams, who turned away from goal to off put the defender. As it was, though the new angle was ostensibly more difficult, and that the ball had bobbled, Williams managed to lob the goalkeeper to his far post and open (and close) the scoring.
Tom Klaisse almost burst through the middle later in the game, only for the keeper to come out and claim. The match was not one of breathless exhilaration, of constant goal scoring opportunities and melodrama, but it was a valuable win. Barring a minor incident in which two Woodley players appeared to raise their hands and make contact with Garforth players (with no action taken) not much more happened, and Garforth closed out the game to return back to God’s Own Country east of the Pennines with the points.
An ugly win can be as good as a pretty loss, for morale. And in a long season, morale is important, particularly for a side that won two recent promotions with dramatic late surges up the table. This win could prove more vital than its smash and grab, unexciting features and characteristics implied or were felt at the time, and with plenty of points to play for, Town are only four wins away from the prize positions. It’s a crack, they’re back yeah and standing on the rooftops shouting, baby I’m ready to go…
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Thursday 24 September 2009
Garforth Town 0 - Halifax Town 1
21-9-09
Harold Brown asks the viewers ‘Who Gives You Extra?’ in the infamous Halifax bank advertisements on television, and ironically enough, tonight at the Genix Healthcare stadium in Garforth the other Halifax, Town FC, also had that little bit extra… in luck.
Garforth did not play badly – quite the opposite. There were several close chances, and the home side largely imposed their will on the visitors, despite the full time deficit. The Miner’s’ first early chance came from tenacious work in midfield from Craig Harding, who chased down a 50/50 ball and slid in to release Chris Ovington on the right. A dangerous dipping cross set up the lunging Greaves but at a stretch, and his contact sent the ball over the bar.
Greaves received a throw in soon after, with a quick turn and shot. The shot slid wide, but if a striker doesn’t shoot, he doesn’t score. Ovington was next, with a jinking run on the right which culminated with the new-boy cutting in to shoot across goal. The goalkeeper managed to parry it wide in a fingertips effort.
The only shot in anger during this first thirty minutes from a quiet Halifax came courtesy of an admittedly excellently taken free-kick from twenty-five yards. Morgan did well to save for the canary yellows.
Ovington tried to steer the ball into the path of Greaves, though the Halifax shot stopper was equal to it and came to intercept. Morgan cleared a backpass only for it to be headed back upfield, and Halifax came close to breaking the deadlock with the subsequent half volley. They almost had another bite at the metaphorical apple via a through ball up the wing, but Milton Turner darted over to win a 30/70 ball and clear the danger. Halifax did hit the crossbar, but only after the ref halted play for a foul. Thus ended the first half.
Garforth’s relative comfort and the ease with which they had dealt with an impotent Halifax attack thus far would be for nought, as the Plastic Wolverhampton Wanderers found the net ten minutes into the second period of play. The ball was played into Paul Whitehouse, who found space and shot from outside the box. He found the corner of the net, to the delight of an away bench now devoid of the blond muppet from last year.
Town responded with a handful of crosses, with the subsequent headers coming varyingly close to regaining parity in the scoreline. Greaves tried his luck with a shot that went wide, and slowly the confidence came back for the home players. The keeper for Halifax left his area to prevent a corner, and his poor clearance almost saw him lobbed from thirty yards and he hurtled back into position.
A ball to Thornton on the right found the striker in an expanse of space, as the attempted interception of an orange defender was mistimed. The chance was promising, but the cross was poor.
The same striker tried his luck with an overhead from an Ovington cross, but all in all it was to be ‘one of those nights’. A strong penalty claim for Garforth was ignored during the second half, and it is noteworthy that Halifax players dropped like flies crossing the motorway. On the plus side, Garforth’s last three performances have seen improvement, and with that ‘extra’ bit of luck, hopefully the Miner’s can start picking up some big wins. The next few games against Woodley, Prescott and Salford are winnable, and with three more good performances, Town can rock down to… Electric Avenue, and then we’ll take it higher.
Harold Brown asks the viewers ‘Who Gives You Extra?’ in the infamous Halifax bank advertisements on television, and ironically enough, tonight at the Genix Healthcare stadium in Garforth the other Halifax, Town FC, also had that little bit extra… in luck.
Garforth did not play badly – quite the opposite. There were several close chances, and the home side largely imposed their will on the visitors, despite the full time deficit. The Miner’s’ first early chance came from tenacious work in midfield from Craig Harding, who chased down a 50/50 ball and slid in to release Chris Ovington on the right. A dangerous dipping cross set up the lunging Greaves but at a stretch, and his contact sent the ball over the bar.
Greaves received a throw in soon after, with a quick turn and shot. The shot slid wide, but if a striker doesn’t shoot, he doesn’t score. Ovington was next, with a jinking run on the right which culminated with the new-boy cutting in to shoot across goal. The goalkeeper managed to parry it wide in a fingertips effort.
The only shot in anger during this first thirty minutes from a quiet Halifax came courtesy of an admittedly excellently taken free-kick from twenty-five yards. Morgan did well to save for the canary yellows.
Ovington tried to steer the ball into the path of Greaves, though the Halifax shot stopper was equal to it and came to intercept. Morgan cleared a backpass only for it to be headed back upfield, and Halifax came close to breaking the deadlock with the subsequent half volley. They almost had another bite at the metaphorical apple via a through ball up the wing, but Milton Turner darted over to win a 30/70 ball and clear the danger. Halifax did hit the crossbar, but only after the ref halted play for a foul. Thus ended the first half.
Garforth’s relative comfort and the ease with which they had dealt with an impotent Halifax attack thus far would be for nought, as the Plastic Wolverhampton Wanderers found the net ten minutes into the second period of play. The ball was played into Paul Whitehouse, who found space and shot from outside the box. He found the corner of the net, to the delight of an away bench now devoid of the blond muppet from last year.
Town responded with a handful of crosses, with the subsequent headers coming varyingly close to regaining parity in the scoreline. Greaves tried his luck with a shot that went wide, and slowly the confidence came back for the home players. The keeper for Halifax left his area to prevent a corner, and his poor clearance almost saw him lobbed from thirty yards and he hurtled back into position.
A ball to Thornton on the right found the striker in an expanse of space, as the attempted interception of an orange defender was mistimed. The chance was promising, but the cross was poor.
The same striker tried his luck with an overhead from an Ovington cross, but all in all it was to be ‘one of those nights’. A strong penalty claim for Garforth was ignored during the second half, and it is noteworthy that Halifax players dropped like flies crossing the motorway. On the plus side, Garforth’s last three performances have seen improvement, and with that ‘extra’ bit of luck, hopefully the Miner’s can start picking up some big wins. The next few games against Woodley, Prescott and Salford are winnable, and with three more good performances, Town can rock down to… Electric Avenue, and then we’ll take it higher.
Sunday 20 September 2009
Colwyn Bay 3 - Garforth Town 1
19-9-09
Throughout history, foreign occupations have been repelled with both strong-arm assaults and guerrilla violence. Today, on foreign soil, Garforth’s seemingly easy, surefire victory was not overturned by the strong-arm, decisive play of the home side at all, but solely through the guerrilla tactics of poor officiating and strikers capitalising on our bad luck, as The Miner’s were toppled by two dubious second half sucker punches to the metaphorical chin. We played ‘The Seagulls’, and were left feeling like we’d just walked beneath a huge flock of them flying directly after a bad dose of Blackpool chippy scraps.
In a game where Garforth were violated by the duo of fate and human error (the officials) it was a situation where defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory. Tellingly, Colwyn manager Neil Young (that is his name) was quoted as saying “You have to give Garforth credit for coming here with a game plan and making it tough - other teams have found it hard to break them down this season, with Halifax only beating them 1-0.” And in legal goals, I scored today as a score draw, personally…
The first half saw no real clear cut chances fashioned by either team, as the home and away defences held out well and the midfield area saw both passing interchanges and sporadic, niggly battles for the ball. From the Garforth perspective, Tom Claisse had an effort that diverted off his own man, and for our hosts, a triple whammy of saved shot, a header from the subsequent corner, and a rebound effort that went narrowly wide.
Nathan Kamara looked to be injured after a ball through to Darren Thornton, but the defender returned, and showed more of the form that has seen him arguably the best player in the team thus far in 09/10.
One such fine moment from that man led to the goal in the fifty-fifth minute. A hopeful Colwyn ball was curled upfield, and Kamara showed composure in controlling the ball. Chesting it before bursting past a Bay man, Nathan sent Thornton free down the left channel, and the striker played an inch perfect ball across the grey area between goalkeeper and defender, setting up Tom Greaves for a foregone conclusion of a three inch finish at the back post. 1-0 to the English team.
The Seagulls did not look capable of converting one of their non-existent chances at this point, but less than a quarter of an hour later something went down that didn’t ‘fly’ with what we all saw. A shot sent well wide saw a striker scrambling to claim a ball he couldn’t, went sailing, and a penalty was awarded. The player was perhaps making the most of slight contact, but is he to blame? Premier League Italians dive weekly with impunity, and earn beaucoup bucks in the process. Television poisons minds. The penalty was converted, flawlessly taken.
Outrageously, a ball up the right channel could not be intercepted due to a very apparent obstruction on the nearest defender, yet again things ‘flew’ for the Gulls. The striker – using the expanse afforded to him – angled to shoot, took a quiz, fell asleep, danced a jig, then finished off the chance that may never have occurred were it not for a clear and blatant obstruction made on a player who was involved with play, by a man who was affecting play. 1-2 it was to the Welshmen.
Kamara sent a carbon copy ball to Thornton, but unfortunately the end product wasn’t identical as the former Ossett man elected to cut the ball back for Greaves, who could not adjust in time.
A nice interchange across the pitch that carved Colwyn open climaxed with a professional foul. Fox, Harding, Kamara and Ormsby combined to feed Thornton on the right wing, but as he dextrously passed his man, he was cynically hacked down.
As the game was chased, the final nail in the coffin came with an excellently taken goal, as a cut in from the left preceded a sharp near post finish. Tom Greaves almost replied for the visitors after turning his man, but while beating the keeper, his shot slid agonisingly wide.
Ultimately, this game represented a nailed down, signed sealed delivered clean sheet, and but for some shoddy officiating, it probably would have been. Performance wise though, another step in the right direction.
Throughout history, foreign occupations have been repelled with both strong-arm assaults and guerrilla violence. Today, on foreign soil, Garforth’s seemingly easy, surefire victory was not overturned by the strong-arm, decisive play of the home side at all, but solely through the guerrilla tactics of poor officiating and strikers capitalising on our bad luck, as The Miner’s were toppled by two dubious second half sucker punches to the metaphorical chin. We played ‘The Seagulls’, and were left feeling like we’d just walked beneath a huge flock of them flying directly after a bad dose of Blackpool chippy scraps.
In a game where Garforth were violated by the duo of fate and human error (the officials) it was a situation where defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory. Tellingly, Colwyn manager Neil Young (that is his name) was quoted as saying “You have to give Garforth credit for coming here with a game plan and making it tough - other teams have found it hard to break them down this season, with Halifax only beating them 1-0.” And in legal goals, I scored today as a score draw, personally…
The first half saw no real clear cut chances fashioned by either team, as the home and away defences held out well and the midfield area saw both passing interchanges and sporadic, niggly battles for the ball. From the Garforth perspective, Tom Claisse had an effort that diverted off his own man, and for our hosts, a triple whammy of saved shot, a header from the subsequent corner, and a rebound effort that went narrowly wide.
Nathan Kamara looked to be injured after a ball through to Darren Thornton, but the defender returned, and showed more of the form that has seen him arguably the best player in the team thus far in 09/10.
One such fine moment from that man led to the goal in the fifty-fifth minute. A hopeful Colwyn ball was curled upfield, and Kamara showed composure in controlling the ball. Chesting it before bursting past a Bay man, Nathan sent Thornton free down the left channel, and the striker played an inch perfect ball across the grey area between goalkeeper and defender, setting up Tom Greaves for a foregone conclusion of a three inch finish at the back post. 1-0 to the English team.
The Seagulls did not look capable of converting one of their non-existent chances at this point, but less than a quarter of an hour later something went down that didn’t ‘fly’ with what we all saw. A shot sent well wide saw a striker scrambling to claim a ball he couldn’t, went sailing, and a penalty was awarded. The player was perhaps making the most of slight contact, but is he to blame? Premier League Italians dive weekly with impunity, and earn beaucoup bucks in the process. Television poisons minds. The penalty was converted, flawlessly taken.
Outrageously, a ball up the right channel could not be intercepted due to a very apparent obstruction on the nearest defender, yet again things ‘flew’ for the Gulls. The striker – using the expanse afforded to him – angled to shoot, took a quiz, fell asleep, danced a jig, then finished off the chance that may never have occurred were it not for a clear and blatant obstruction made on a player who was involved with play, by a man who was affecting play. 1-2 it was to the Welshmen.
Kamara sent a carbon copy ball to Thornton, but unfortunately the end product wasn’t identical as the former Ossett man elected to cut the ball back for Greaves, who could not adjust in time.
A nice interchange across the pitch that carved Colwyn open climaxed with a professional foul. Fox, Harding, Kamara and Ormsby combined to feed Thornton on the right wing, but as he dextrously passed his man, he was cynically hacked down.
As the game was chased, the final nail in the coffin came with an excellently taken goal, as a cut in from the left preceded a sharp near post finish. Tom Greaves almost replied for the visitors after turning his man, but while beating the keeper, his shot slid agonisingly wide.
Ultimately, this game represented a nailed down, signed sealed delivered clean sheet, and but for some shoddy officiating, it probably would have been. Performance wise though, another step in the right direction.
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Garforth Town 4 - Radcliffe Borough 2
15-9-09
Fourceful Garforth rebounded well from a malfunction at the junction on Saturday in Geordie Land with a ring a ding dong dandy of a first half match-winning four goal performance against Greater, or Lesser, Mancunians Radcliffe Borough at the Genix Healthcare stadium. Ten men Garforth defended well against the expected second half siege, and shut out their frustrated, niggly foes on a warm Tuesday night in West Yorkshire.
An early ball through to a blatantly offside lurker almost resulted in a harsh disadvantage for Garforth, but the defence recovered well. It would be for nought though, as only a minute later a bouncing throw-in was not dealt with, falling kindly for Mark Drew who finished well with a half volley.
Soon after the visitor’s lead was doubled; an unjustly awarded free kick was curled right to the back post, evading all and sundry. Tom Brookes converted. 0-2.
From here Garforth turned the heat up, and snatched victory from the snapping jaws of defeat. Captain Renshaw sailed a peach up to new boy Chris Ovington, and with the striker tripped, Darren Thornton claimed his first goal for Garforth with the consequent penalty. He bagged his brace when the Borough goalkeeper controlled a back-pass poorly and the ball fell to him; the striker simply sidestepped a defender to place the ball into an empty net. 2-2.
Town placed Borough’s defence under some pressure; the ball was stroked about the midfield before Greaves angled to shoot, Tom Klass tried his luck and a header went wide. Then the third arrived; a cross from a corner was headed back out, and was soon sent back in. Borough players stepped out in an offside trap attempt that failed miserably, Renshaw fairly challenged the goalkeeper for the high ball, and it fell for Luke Woodall to put it in. In a time when so many referees blow the whistle for the slightest contact with a keeper, this one allowed for Brett’s legal challenge, and a legit goal stood. Good call, ref.
Craig Harding, though, didn’t have the same luck as Renshaw. A 50/50 tackle contested with a Borough man sparked a skirmish, in the aftermath of which Harding was sent for an early shower. Though the studs of one boot may have been showing on his slide tackle, it was difficult to surmise the reasons that Radcliffe players who impeached rules by raising hands to faces in anger during the skirmish did not join Mr Harding in his early walk.
However, Town claimed a fourth, when Greaves finished off an interchange by beating the shot stopper in the one on one. Radcliffe, a man to the good were left mourning a 4-2 deficit having claimed an early two-goal lead. But that is football; take your eye off the ball and your foot off the pedal, and like the song says; in an mmm-bop, it’s gone.
In the stoppage time of a six goal half, Thornton was – wittingly or otherwise – stamped on. The incident went with no punishment meted out. After, Greaves closed out the half when he sidestepped a challenge, and shot well over. Thus ended a great half for Garforth.
With 11 against 10, a second half siege was expected, and that is what we got. Town dug in their trenches and battled it out, and did very well to end the half with only the two earlier goals conceded. A header from a Radcliffe corner struck the crossbar, but with nearly every outfield Town player blocking the goal like an army defending the city gates, the visitors could not convert from the ensuing penalty box scramble.
Later on, after sustained pressure, Garforth would again threaten. A seemingly innocuous ball up the left wing was somehow latched onto by Renshaw, when the centre-back careered up the pitch to reach it. Unfortunately, his cross inside would not be quite as good. Radcliffe tried another cross, and on the counter attack Darren Thornton released Greaves into the box, whose shot was saved point blank by the onrushing keeper. In a subsequent counter-attack, substitute veteran Andy Hayward played Thornton into space with an overhead pass, and the striker cut inside and shot wide.
Radcliffe ultimately could not break the resilient Town defence, and that ol’ junction seemed somewhat repaired and reorganisation. A good game, a good victory.
Fletch.
Fourceful Garforth rebounded well from a malfunction at the junction on Saturday in Geordie Land with a ring a ding dong dandy of a first half match-winning four goal performance against Greater, or Lesser, Mancunians Radcliffe Borough at the Genix Healthcare stadium. Ten men Garforth defended well against the expected second half siege, and shut out their frustrated, niggly foes on a warm Tuesday night in West Yorkshire.
An early ball through to a blatantly offside lurker almost resulted in a harsh disadvantage for Garforth, but the defence recovered well. It would be for nought though, as only a minute later a bouncing throw-in was not dealt with, falling kindly for Mark Drew who finished well with a half volley.
Soon after the visitor’s lead was doubled; an unjustly awarded free kick was curled right to the back post, evading all and sundry. Tom Brookes converted. 0-2.
From here Garforth turned the heat up, and snatched victory from the snapping jaws of defeat. Captain Renshaw sailed a peach up to new boy Chris Ovington, and with the striker tripped, Darren Thornton claimed his first goal for Garforth with the consequent penalty. He bagged his brace when the Borough goalkeeper controlled a back-pass poorly and the ball fell to him; the striker simply sidestepped a defender to place the ball into an empty net. 2-2.
Town placed Borough’s defence under some pressure; the ball was stroked about the midfield before Greaves angled to shoot, Tom Klass tried his luck and a header went wide. Then the third arrived; a cross from a corner was headed back out, and was soon sent back in. Borough players stepped out in an offside trap attempt that failed miserably, Renshaw fairly challenged the goalkeeper for the high ball, and it fell for Luke Woodall to put it in. In a time when so many referees blow the whistle for the slightest contact with a keeper, this one allowed for Brett’s legal challenge, and a legit goal stood. Good call, ref.
Craig Harding, though, didn’t have the same luck as Renshaw. A 50/50 tackle contested with a Borough man sparked a skirmish, in the aftermath of which Harding was sent for an early shower. Though the studs of one boot may have been showing on his slide tackle, it was difficult to surmise the reasons that Radcliffe players who impeached rules by raising hands to faces in anger during the skirmish did not join Mr Harding in his early walk.
However, Town claimed a fourth, when Greaves finished off an interchange by beating the shot stopper in the one on one. Radcliffe, a man to the good were left mourning a 4-2 deficit having claimed an early two-goal lead. But that is football; take your eye off the ball and your foot off the pedal, and like the song says; in an mmm-bop, it’s gone.
In the stoppage time of a six goal half, Thornton was – wittingly or otherwise – stamped on. The incident went with no punishment meted out. After, Greaves closed out the half when he sidestepped a challenge, and shot well over. Thus ended a great half for Garforth.
With 11 against 10, a second half siege was expected, and that is what we got. Town dug in their trenches and battled it out, and did very well to end the half with only the two earlier goals conceded. A header from a Radcliffe corner struck the crossbar, but with nearly every outfield Town player blocking the goal like an army defending the city gates, the visitors could not convert from the ensuing penalty box scramble.
Later on, after sustained pressure, Garforth would again threaten. A seemingly innocuous ball up the left wing was somehow latched onto by Renshaw, when the centre-back careered up the pitch to reach it. Unfortunately, his cross inside would not be quite as good. Radcliffe tried another cross, and on the counter attack Darren Thornton released Greaves into the box, whose shot was saved point blank by the onrushing keeper. In a subsequent counter-attack, substitute veteran Andy Hayward played Thornton into space with an overhead pass, and the striker cut inside and shot wide.
Radcliffe ultimately could not break the resilient Town defence, and that ol’ junction seemed somewhat repaired and reorganisation. A good game, a good victory.
Fletch.
Saturday 12 September 2009
Jarrow Roofing 1 - Garforth Town 0
12-9-09
The Football Association Cup is often spoken of with reverence and misty eyed wonder as the giant killings of the past and classic cup memories flood the minds of the nostalgic. There was little of this mystical romance in the northeast today, as Garforth dominated a team of natural athletes only to lose by a goal due to impotent finishing. And how ironic it was, that it would be Jarrow vs. The Miner’s in a crusade to qualify for the cup! Sadly, Jarrow are the ones marching on.
Jarrow fired the first shot in anger at their Yorkshire guests, a dipping drive from distance, but that would be as good as it got for the plastic Geordies until the claimed the match-winning second half strike. Duncan Williams curled an excellent through ball from his own half into the path of striker Tom Greaves, though the forward could not find the finishing touch. It was to epitomise the jarrowing experience that Garforth had all day. (Budum-ch)
Williams, Nathan Kamara and Milton Turner fired several balls upfield, testing the particularly chiselled Jarrow defenders, and a handful of semi-chances fell to the visitors. Duncan embarked on a weaving run from the left wing, but ultimately came short in his ambitious attempt to fashion a clear shot at goal. Minutes later he almost set upwith a run and through ball, but once more the opportunity went begging. Jarrow’s only other crack at goal in the first half hour came from a criminally awarded free kick that was curled well wide by a lefty.
Darren Thornton showed good pace off the mark when he left his man for dead on the left wing and curled in a cross. Unfortunately, nobody took the chance on it and Greaves could not quite latch onto it, though it only seemed a matter of time before the yellow’s found the net.
Thornton next entertained us with a tactical debate with the Town management, as the referee blew for the first of what would be several extended periods of non-play in both halves. Why is your guess, I haven’t a clue. After this break, Liam Ormsby tried his luck with a shot following a passing interchange and layoff. The Jarrow shot stopper saved well.
Garforth did find the net before the first half climax, as a rebounding header was converted by Ormsby, but the flag was raised for an impeachment. Town would hit the woodwork once more as Greaves headed a cross against the Jarrow bar in the last noteworthy play of the opening period.
The second half took on the same format, though with both players and fans now getting increasingly frustrated and restless. The ball was worked to Greaves, who angled and shot, though Jarrow numero uno saved again. Kamara burst forwards from defence in a rush of adrenaline and evaded challenges well, until a well-timed slide sent him flying through the air. Ormsby picked up the loose ball and tried a shot. By now Jarrow were hanging on.
More long balls tested the now tiring Balti kings of the JR back line, as Garforth entered their most comfortable period in the game. Passing interchanges were completed with ease, yet Town still could not find the back of the net. It was to be one of those days.
Following Town’s best chance of the game, another one on one that was skied, sod’s law struck. A Jarrow break upfield caught Garforth unawares, and when a ball into the box saw the recipient fortuitously ride a challenge, it was a simple conversion to sink the spirits of the Yorkshire visitors.
missed a one on one. His subsequent chip was cleared off the line. Captain Brett Renshaw was ludicrously sent off for ‘dissent’. The Jarrow defenders hit the red, cardio wise. Milton Turner came close with a header. Duncan was tripped with the sure-fire penalty not awarded to Town, which the official later claimed was due to ‘no Garforth players appealing’. Duncan was fouled, shrugged his assailant off and was booked. Kamara tried his luck with a long shot. The End.
The magic of the cup. Jarrow’s cup crusade continues, and The Miner’s fall. Football can be a funny game.
The Football Association Cup is often spoken of with reverence and misty eyed wonder as the giant killings of the past and classic cup memories flood the minds of the nostalgic. There was little of this mystical romance in the northeast today, as Garforth dominated a team of natural athletes only to lose by a goal due to impotent finishing. And how ironic it was, that it would be Jarrow vs. The Miner’s in a crusade to qualify for the cup! Sadly, Jarrow are the ones marching on.
Jarrow fired the first shot in anger at their Yorkshire guests, a dipping drive from distance, but that would be as good as it got for the plastic Geordies until the claimed the match-winning second half strike. Duncan Williams curled an excellent through ball from his own half into the path of striker Tom Greaves, though the forward could not find the finishing touch. It was to epitomise the jarrowing experience that Garforth had all day. (Budum-ch)
Williams, Nathan Kamara and Milton Turner fired several balls upfield, testing the particularly chiselled Jarrow defenders, and a handful of semi-chances fell to the visitors. Duncan embarked on a weaving run from the left wing, but ultimately came short in his ambitious attempt to fashion a clear shot at goal. Minutes later he almost set up
Darren Thornton showed good pace off the mark when he left his man for dead on the left wing and curled in a cross. Unfortunately, nobody took the chance on it and Greaves could not quite latch onto it, though it only seemed a matter of time before the yellow’s found the net.
Thornton next entertained us with a tactical debate with the Town management, as the referee blew for the first of what would be several extended periods of non-play in both halves. Why is your guess, I haven’t a clue. After this break, Liam Ormsby tried his luck with a shot following a passing interchange and layoff. The Jarrow shot stopper saved well.
Garforth did find the net before the first half climax, as a rebounding header was converted by Ormsby, but the flag was raised for an impeachment. Town would hit the woodwork once more as Greaves headed a cross against the Jarrow bar in the last noteworthy play of the opening period.
The second half took on the same format, though with both players and fans now getting increasingly frustrated and restless. The ball was worked to Greaves, who angled and shot, though Jarrow numero uno saved again. Kamara burst forwards from defence in a rush of adrenaline and evaded challenges well, until a well-timed slide sent him flying through the air. Ormsby picked up the loose ball and tried a shot. By now Jarrow were hanging on.
More long balls tested the now tiring Balti kings of the JR back line, as Garforth entered their most comfortable period in the game. Passing interchanges were completed with ease, yet Town still could not find the back of the net. It was to be one of those days.
Following Town’s best chance of the game, another one on one that was skied, sod’s law struck. A Jarrow break upfield caught Garforth unawares, and when a ball into the box saw the recipient fortuitously ride a challenge, it was a simple conversion to sink the spirits of the Yorkshire visitors.
The magic of the cup. Jarrow’s cup crusade continues, and The Miner’s fall. Football can be a funny game.
Saturday 5 September 2009
Garforth Town 1 - Woodley Sports 1
5-9-09
Gallant Garforth gave Woodley a drubbing in a one-sided score draw at the Genix Healthcare Stadium. Despite creating the best chances, and dominating general play, Town could not pull the trigger on the goal scoring revolver and the Greater Mancunian visitors escaped with a share of the points.
The best chance early doors came for striker Tom Greaves, who tried to capitalise on a goalkeeping fumble but was denied. Frank Zalo chased down a loose ball through and managed to keep it in play, setting up a cross that Duncan Williams headed narrowly wide. Other half chances were fashioned, and the first thirty minutes belonged entirely to Garforth, the only side with attacking intent.
Woodley’s closest chance came from a Bentley-esque effort, a forty-yard volley that almost embarrassed the home keeper and sailed wide of the post. This goal scoring opportunity was enterprising, but rare.
In the later stages of the first, Man of the Match Nathan Kamara played an excellent ball through diagonally to the right channel for Greaves, but Ben Connett was equal to the striker’s slid effort. The last near effort came from Darren Thornton, who persevered after a botched free kick to fashion a position to shoot, though he could not muster a powerful enough strike to trouble the opposing shot stopper.
After half time entertainment courtesy of the Leeds Brazilian Soccer School, a second half began that did not see the same number of good chances, yet ironically contained both goals that decided the match. Duncan Williams could not finish a move culminating from a deflected cross, and Greaves came close with a later header that flashed wide. The pivotal moment of the game came when both the exceptionally tall linesman and the referee failed to spot a blatant push which led to an unmarked Woodley forward slotting the ball home. Football can be cruel sometimes…
However, God’s benevolent existence was proved by the just equaliser that followed, when a corner and lay off was converted well by Milton Turner from 25 yards. That great finish earned Garforth a point, but it could and really should have been more. Garforth next play at home when they welcome Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday September 15th, when kick-off will be at 7:45pm.
Gallant Garforth gave Woodley a drubbing in a one-sided score draw at the Genix Healthcare Stadium. Despite creating the best chances, and dominating general play, Town could not pull the trigger on the goal scoring revolver and the Greater Mancunian visitors escaped with a share of the points.
The best chance early doors came for striker Tom Greaves, who tried to capitalise on a goalkeeping fumble but was denied. Frank Zalo chased down a loose ball through and managed to keep it in play, setting up a cross that Duncan Williams headed narrowly wide. Other half chances were fashioned, and the first thirty minutes belonged entirely to Garforth, the only side with attacking intent.
Woodley’s closest chance came from a Bentley-esque effort, a forty-yard volley that almost embarrassed the home keeper and sailed wide of the post. This goal scoring opportunity was enterprising, but rare.
In the later stages of the first, Man of the Match Nathan Kamara played an excellent ball through diagonally to the right channel for Greaves, but Ben Connett was equal to the striker’s slid effort. The last near effort came from Darren Thornton, who persevered after a botched free kick to fashion a position to shoot, though he could not muster a powerful enough strike to trouble the opposing shot stopper.
After half time entertainment courtesy of the Leeds Brazilian Soccer School, a second half began that did not see the same number of good chances, yet ironically contained both goals that decided the match. Duncan Williams could not finish a move culminating from a deflected cross, and Greaves came close with a later header that flashed wide. The pivotal moment of the game came when both the exceptionally tall linesman and the referee failed to spot a blatant push which led to an unmarked Woodley forward slotting the ball home. Football can be cruel sometimes…
However, God’s benevolent existence was proved by the just equaliser that followed, when a corner and lay off was converted well by Milton Turner from 25 yards. That great finish earned Garforth a point, but it could and really should have been more. Garforth next play at home when they welcome Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday September 15th, when kick-off will be at 7:45pm.
Garforth Town 0 - Farsley Celtic 2
28-7-09
East has met West for battle and conflict many times in history, from the twelfth century Mongolians sweeping westwards under Genghis Khan, to the Cold War and deterrence that encompassed the entire second half of the twentieth century. Tonight at the Genix, the east and west of Leeds met as two of the three biggest teams the city boasts went head to head in a pre-season friendly, with Garforth sadly succumbing to two first half goals from the visiting, triumphant western club.
Farsley quickly claimed the ascendancy with a scruffy and unsightly effort, and doubled their numerical advantage with a half-volleyed shot from a cross. Twenty minutes in, Garforth were facing an uphill task against their Blue Square Conference city neighbours.
This didn’t deter the Town players, who would visibly pick up their game. In particular towards the end of the half, new father Brett Renshaw relished the rain, sliding in to make several crunching tackles unflinchingly. Milton Turner did well to prevent a goal-scoring chance.
Garforth did muster several opportunities, as new strikers Darren Thornton and Neil Towler tried their luck with shots, a header was saved, and finally a bouncing ball somehow evaded every player as it travelled past, acrobatics be damned.
One Farsley attacker – mindful of the contingent of Brazilian Soccer Schools coaches in attendance – earned applause with a Cruyff turn and curled shot that sailed wide, and Farsley ended the half comfortably playing some neat and concise attacking football.
The second did not begin well for Garforth, as a highly questionable penalty was awarded to the away team, though Town shot-stopperassuredly saved the spot-kick and kept his team within reach of parity.
After a prolonged period with neat midfield play but no clear-cut chances, Garforth broke down the left and Thornton attempted to slide the ball under the Farsley goalkeeper. Though said shot-stopper saved well, the subsequent pirouette and scrabbling suggested that he did not make the save with a part of his anatomy he intended to use, and the sympathies of all went out to him.
Andy Hayward showed a veteran’s head with a good ball down the left channel, and it was latched onto and turned in. The resulting desperation challenge led to the just award of a penalty. It was blasted over. Two points. Metaphorically.
The final chance of the game also went to Garforth, as Hayward didn’t show a veteran’s head when he sent the ball sailing over. But it was a good performance against a Conference outfit, and local friendly rivals, and two promotions would be surely welcomed by the city of Leeds.
East has met West for battle and conflict many times in history, from the twelfth century Mongolians sweeping westwards under Genghis Khan, to the Cold War and deterrence that encompassed the entire second half of the twentieth century. Tonight at the Genix, the east and west of Leeds met as two of the three biggest teams the city boasts went head to head in a pre-season friendly, with Garforth sadly succumbing to two first half goals from the visiting, triumphant western club.
Farsley quickly claimed the ascendancy with a scruffy and unsightly effort, and doubled their numerical advantage with a half-volleyed shot from a cross. Twenty minutes in, Garforth were facing an uphill task against their Blue Square Conference city neighbours.
This didn’t deter the Town players, who would visibly pick up their game. In particular towards the end of the half, new father Brett Renshaw relished the rain, sliding in to make several crunching tackles unflinchingly. Milton Turner did well to prevent a goal-scoring chance.
Garforth did muster several opportunities, as new strikers Darren Thornton and Neil Towler tried their luck with shots, a header was saved, and finally a bouncing ball somehow evaded every player as it travelled past, acrobatics be damned.
One Farsley attacker – mindful of the contingent of Brazilian Soccer Schools coaches in attendance – earned applause with a Cruyff turn and curled shot that sailed wide, and Farsley ended the half comfortably playing some neat and concise attacking football.
The second did not begin well for Garforth, as a highly questionable penalty was awarded to the away team, though Town shot-stopper
After a prolonged period with neat midfield play but no clear-cut chances, Garforth broke down the left and Thornton attempted to slide the ball under the Farsley goalkeeper. Though said shot-stopper saved well, the subsequent pirouette and scrabbling suggested that he did not make the save with a part of his anatomy he intended to use, and the sympathies of all went out to him.
Andy Hayward showed a veteran’s head with a good ball down the left channel, and it was latched onto and turned in. The resulting desperation challenge led to the just award of a penalty. It was blasted over. Two points. Metaphorically.
The final chance of the game also went to Garforth, as Hayward didn’t show a veteran’s head when he sent the ball sailing over. But it was a good performance against a Conference outfit, and local friendly rivals, and two promotions would be surely welcomed by the city of Leeds.
Garforth Town 1 - Chesterfield FC 2
20-7-09
Garforth welcomed celebrated visitors to the Genix Healthcare Stadium, as former Division Three Playoff winners and FA Cup semi-finalists Chesterfield F.C came to engage in a game they took right to the wire to win, as two second half goals proved too much for their arguably unlucky hosts. Spirited displays from Garforth players against a side of League Two first-teamers, and a period of domination that was not capitalised on gave the home fans some hope for the season to come, and certainly helped make today’s spectacle an enjoyable one.
Garforth were unexpectedly more than comfortable early doors, save for a through ball attempt and sprint for goal that Milton Turner emphatically impeded the progress of. Garforth pressed down the right flank minutes later with George Williams, and a high ball contested by his brother Duncan and The Spireites’ goalkeeper Nathan Malak saw the shot-stopper play Schumacher to the youngsters’ Battison, though Williams was not seriously hurt.
Mark Piper intercepted a loose ball in the Chesterfield defence, and exchanged a quick one-two with veteran Andy Hayward before a well-saved shot. Soon after a long kick from Peter Skiba fell into Hayward’s’ own path, though the former Wolves striker could not manoeuvre for a clear enough shot on goal, and the chance went begging. The same man would get another chance not too long after that, as he was maliciously and disgustingly taken out in the area. Malak saved another shot soon after that Chesterfield coach Mark Crossley (in attendance) would have been proud of in his prime. Regardless, half an hour of gameplay had passed, and Garforth had controlled it in its entirety on cruise control, against League Two opposition.
Another passing interchange saw the Miner’s penetrate the Chesterfield rear… defence, as the impressive Liam Ormsby exchanged with Williams though his shot was deflected wide. The next attack culminated with a free kick that Malak did well to deny the rampaging Garforth, and on forty minutes Wayne Harratt tried his audacious luck with a thirty-five yard driven effort.
Chesterfield gave only two hints that they were to make a game of it in the second period, as an individual only recorded on the team sheet as ‘Youseff’ sold a dummy in the Town box, angled and shot just over. And on the brink of half time, a precise through ball saw Skiba chipped, and as the ball bounced back from the bar, Town defender Luke Woodall dived in to save his team before the break. The two Chesterfield chances were interspersed between a near post effort from Hayward, and a Harratt head from a corner that sailed just wide.
Sadly, Garforth would not enjoy the same dominance as in the first half, as their visitors stepped up their game. Ten minutes in they found the net; Scot Bowden tucked in a cross that slid agonisingly under the nearest defender in yellow, and the visitors were a goal to the good.
Lackadaisical passing in their own half saw Mark Piper steal the ball from the Chesterfield defence, and feed it into Hayward who rasped it against the bar. In typical footballing Sod’s Law, Chesterfield found the net within minutes, as they claimed a corner, then scored from a placed finish inside the area.
Garforth didn’t go down without a fight. The hard working Piper fed a fine ball through for Duncan Williams, who ran on to round the keeper and give the scoreline some more respectability, though it was already deserved. The Miner’s could not claw their way back into the game, but it was a fairly contested friendly match, and the football on offer did not disappoint. Garforth supporters were undoubtedly the happier at its conclusion.
Garforth welcomed celebrated visitors to the Genix Healthcare Stadium, as former Division Three Playoff winners and FA Cup semi-finalists Chesterfield F.C came to engage in a game they took right to the wire to win, as two second half goals proved too much for their arguably unlucky hosts. Spirited displays from Garforth players against a side of League Two first-teamers, and a period of domination that was not capitalised on gave the home fans some hope for the season to come, and certainly helped make today’s spectacle an enjoyable one.
Garforth were unexpectedly more than comfortable early doors, save for a through ball attempt and sprint for goal that Milton Turner emphatically impeded the progress of. Garforth pressed down the right flank minutes later with George Williams, and a high ball contested by his brother Duncan and The Spireites’ goalkeeper Nathan Malak saw the shot-stopper play Schumacher to the youngsters’ Battison, though Williams was not seriously hurt.
Mark Piper intercepted a loose ball in the Chesterfield defence, and exchanged a quick one-two with veteran Andy Hayward before a well-saved shot. Soon after a long kick from Peter Skiba fell into Hayward’s’ own path, though the former Wolves striker could not manoeuvre for a clear enough shot on goal, and the chance went begging. The same man would get another chance not too long after that, as he was maliciously and disgustingly taken out in the area. Malak saved another shot soon after that Chesterfield coach Mark Crossley (in attendance) would have been proud of in his prime. Regardless, half an hour of gameplay had passed, and Garforth had controlled it in its entirety on cruise control, against League Two opposition.
Another passing interchange saw the Miner’s penetrate the Chesterfield rear… defence, as the impressive Liam Ormsby exchanged with Williams though his shot was deflected wide. The next attack culminated with a free kick that Malak did well to deny the rampaging Garforth, and on forty minutes Wayne Harratt tried his audacious luck with a thirty-five yard driven effort.
Chesterfield gave only two hints that they were to make a game of it in the second period, as an individual only recorded on the team sheet as ‘Youseff’ sold a dummy in the Town box, angled and shot just over. And on the brink of half time, a precise through ball saw Skiba chipped, and as the ball bounced back from the bar, Town defender Luke Woodall dived in to save his team before the break. The two Chesterfield chances were interspersed between a near post effort from Hayward, and a Harratt head from a corner that sailed just wide.
Sadly, Garforth would not enjoy the same dominance as in the first half, as their visitors stepped up their game. Ten minutes in they found the net; Scot Bowden tucked in a cross that slid agonisingly under the nearest defender in yellow, and the visitors were a goal to the good.
Lackadaisical passing in their own half saw Mark Piper steal the ball from the Chesterfield defence, and feed it into Hayward who rasped it against the bar. In typical footballing Sod’s Law, Chesterfield found the net within minutes, as they claimed a corner, then scored from a placed finish inside the area.
Garforth didn’t go down without a fight. The hard working Piper fed a fine ball through for Duncan Williams, who ran on to round the keeper and give the scoreline some more respectability, though it was already deserved. The Miner’s could not claw their way back into the game, but it was a fairly contested friendly match, and the football on offer did not disappoint. Garforth supporters were undoubtedly the happier at its conclusion.
Garforth Town 2 - Leeds Met Carnegie 1
11-7-09
New look Town strolled to a victory over the tax dodgers of Leeds Metropolitan University, on a sunny summer’s day at the Genix. Prodigal son Milton Turner drove home a low finish in the first half, and old fox Andy Hayward taught his whippersnapper opponents that age isn’t everything by claiming the match-winning goal from distance… six yards distance.
An initial feeling out process began, and lasted a full fifteen minutes before the home side started to thread balls through both in the air and on the ground. On twenty minutes, full back Milton burst forward into an inviting expanse of space on the right channel, exchanged a short one-two and ran on to score, driving the ball across the goal and home, low to the left. Uno–Cero.
The play was broken up in the interregnum between goals – niggly challenges and misplaced passes replaced free flowing football, topped off by a Garforth debutant attacker being accidentally kicked in the face. But, que sera…
Garforth’s attacks somewhat lost their fizz and spark – one such play involving Mark Piper and Duncan Williams saw several players manoeuvring to shoot, unable to get off a clear shot at goal. Perhaps credit should be given to the student defence. But not here.
Carnegie staked a claim when their full back powered a driven shot just over the top right corner from outside the area, and soon after regained parity with an excellent goal. darted up the right flank and cut inside, leaving the yellows for dead, and slid the ball inside for the easiest of tap in conversions. Uno-Uno, and deserved.
The whistle blew to end a fairly contested and clean first half, with both sides level.
That would change only minutes into the second period; new boy A.Wordsfold volleyed a clearance from a cross back into the Carnegie box, into the path of Andy Hayward. The former professional proved that coffin dodgers can beat tax dodgers any day of the week, hooking the ball back over his shoulder to earn a lead for his side. Dos-Uno.
Dominic Blair – back despite rumours of a switch to Blackburn Rovers – almost doubled the one goal lead with an effort from the right wing after a lay off. As the ensuing goal kick took place, the sun came out in force, as it should in July anyway, giving one player an immediately noticeable tan.
Blair almost set up Williams with a curled free kick, as the youngster headed just wide. The same Williams almost scored ten minutes later, when he avoided the offside trap as Hayward slid him through. Sadly, his own slide rule effort slid wide.
The game ended, a game with no controversy, ugly or hilarious scenes, no outward aggression, no tempers flared, no awful decisions and no penalties awarded. I must have come to the wrong ground this aft…
New look Town strolled to a victory over the tax dodgers of Leeds Metropolitan University, on a sunny summer’s day at the Genix. Prodigal son Milton Turner drove home a low finish in the first half, and old fox Andy Hayward taught his whippersnapper opponents that age isn’t everything by claiming the match-winning goal from distance… six yards distance.
An initial feeling out process began, and lasted a full fifteen minutes before the home side started to thread balls through both in the air and on the ground. On twenty minutes, full back Milton burst forward into an inviting expanse of space on the right channel, exchanged a short one-two and ran on to score, driving the ball across the goal and home, low to the left. Uno–Cero.
The play was broken up in the interregnum between goals – niggly challenges and misplaced passes replaced free flowing football, topped off by a Garforth debutant attacker being accidentally kicked in the face. But, que sera…
Garforth’s attacks somewhat lost their fizz and spark – one such play involving Mark Piper and Duncan Williams saw several players manoeuvring to shoot, unable to get off a clear shot at goal. Perhaps credit should be given to the student defence. But not here.
Carnegie staked a claim when their full back powered a driven shot just over the top right corner from outside the area, and soon after regained parity with an excellent goal.
The whistle blew to end a fairly contested and clean first half, with both sides level.
That would change only minutes into the second period; new boy A.Wordsfold volleyed a clearance from a cross back into the Carnegie box, into the path of Andy Hayward. The former professional proved that coffin dodgers can beat tax dodgers any day of the week, hooking the ball back over his shoulder to earn a lead for his side. Dos-Uno.
Dominic Blair – back despite rumours of a switch to Blackburn Rovers – almost doubled the one goal lead with an effort from the right wing after a lay off. As the ensuing goal kick took place, the sun came out in force, as it should in July anyway, giving one player an immediately noticeable tan.
Blair almost set up Williams with a curled free kick, as the youngster headed just wide. The same Williams almost scored ten minutes later, when he avoided the offside trap as Hayward slid him through. Sadly, his own slide rule effort slid wide.
The game ended, a game with no controversy, ugly or hilarious scenes, no outward aggression, no tempers flared, no awful decisions and no penalties awarded. I must have come to the wrong ground this aft…
Garforth Town 3 - Woodley Sports 1
22-4-09
Visiting Greater Mancunians Woodley Sports may be called ‘The Steelmen’, but they were melted down pretty quickly by the Miner’s, as an imperious Garforth opening saw two goals flashed into the away goal courtesy of Greg Kelly and budding professional Duncan Williams.
The Chesterfield bound youngster started strongly, holding the ball up well, and earning Garforth their first chance early doors with an overhead effort that missed by inches. Andy Hayward, with another performance that belied his years, sent Williams scampering through minutes later, though the ball overran. And finally after quarter of an hour of pressure, Greg Kelly latched onto a bouncing ball upfield from Carl Fox to head past his man and direct a low volley past the keeper to claim the opening goal for his side.
Ninety seconds later the numerical lead was doubled, as Hayward received a pass to feet beautifully, lifting an incisive ball into Williams’ path for the midfielder to fire in a second goal.
By this point, it was reported that Greater Manchester no longer wanted Woodley, and by half time the team belonged to Cheshire again.
Hayward was hacked down savagely in front of goal, and this act of viciousness was followed by a similar mauling of the dangerous Williams mere seconds later. Sadly, a double penalty was not awarded. Hayward generously played the ball back to the goalkeeper from the spot, in the interests of sportsmanship and a more closely contested game.
A long ball played in to Hayward was fired wide, and the chance was Garforth’s final effort in a first half that they arguably controlled. The teams trouped in, for Garforth to receive further instructions and Woodley to lick their wounds.
The visitors from Cheshire started the second half with more vigour and venom, coming close twice in five minutes with a point blank header that was steered over, and a shot that Luke Gibbons did well to save.
Garforth would once take the ascendancy in the 60th, as Williams played in Graham Marchant who layed off Dominic Blair. The veteran winger placed a ball across the box, yet the Garforth attack were thwarted by a last ditch defensive header.
Williams showed great dexterity in evading several challengers, and when possession seemed lost, the tenacity of Mark Piper won it back. Williams embarked on a good run, though Marchant was unable to supply the finish.
An open goal chance was missed, and skimming over that one quickly, a subsequent play saw Mark Piper claim the ball forty yards from goal up the left channel, fly past the nearest defenders like Road Runner meep-meeps past that poor Wile E.Coyote, and square the ball precisely for Marchant to slot home for the most comfortable of 3-0 leads.
Woodley scored a consolation goal from a questionable corner with a header, but the end result was a solid win for the fans, and some fine attacking play shown in the penultimate home game of the season.
Visiting Greater Mancunians Woodley Sports may be called ‘The Steelmen’, but they were melted down pretty quickly by the Miner’s, as an imperious Garforth opening saw two goals flashed into the away goal courtesy of Greg Kelly and budding professional Duncan Williams.
The Chesterfield bound youngster started strongly, holding the ball up well, and earning Garforth their first chance early doors with an overhead effort that missed by inches. Andy Hayward, with another performance that belied his years, sent Williams scampering through minutes later, though the ball overran. And finally after quarter of an hour of pressure, Greg Kelly latched onto a bouncing ball upfield from Carl Fox to head past his man and direct a low volley past the keeper to claim the opening goal for his side.
Ninety seconds later the numerical lead was doubled, as Hayward received a pass to feet beautifully, lifting an incisive ball into Williams’ path for the midfielder to fire in a second goal.
By this point, it was reported that Greater Manchester no longer wanted Woodley, and by half time the team belonged to Cheshire again.
Hayward was hacked down savagely in front of goal, and this act of viciousness was followed by a similar mauling of the dangerous Williams mere seconds later. Sadly, a double penalty was not awarded. Hayward generously played the ball back to the goalkeeper from the spot, in the interests of sportsmanship and a more closely contested game.
A long ball played in to Hayward was fired wide, and the chance was Garforth’s final effort in a first half that they arguably controlled. The teams trouped in, for Garforth to receive further instructions and Woodley to lick their wounds.
The visitors from Cheshire started the second half with more vigour and venom, coming close twice in five minutes with a point blank header that was steered over, and a shot that Luke Gibbons did well to save.
Garforth would once take the ascendancy in the 60th, as Williams played in Graham Marchant who layed off Dominic Blair. The veteran winger placed a ball across the box, yet the Garforth attack were thwarted by a last ditch defensive header.
Williams showed great dexterity in evading several challengers, and when possession seemed lost, the tenacity of Mark Piper won it back. Williams embarked on a good run, though Marchant was unable to supply the finish.
An open goal chance was missed, and skimming over that one quickly, a subsequent play saw Mark Piper claim the ball forty yards from goal up the left channel, fly past the nearest defenders like Road Runner meep-meeps past that poor Wile E.Coyote, and square the ball precisely for Marchant to slot home for the most comfortable of 3-0 leads.
Woodley scored a consolation goal from a questionable corner with a header, but the end result was a solid win for the fans, and some fine attacking play shown in the penultimate home game of the season.
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