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.
Showing posts with label Daniel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daniel. Show all posts
Saturday, 5 September 2009
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.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Garforth Town 1 - Bradford Park Avenue 1 AET: Garforth win 5-4 on penalties
8/4/2009
“Simply the best…. Better than all the rest.” Tina Turner’s dulcet tones boomed from the speakers, as Brett Renshaw walked to collect the West Riding County Cup for the victorious Garforth conquering cup heroes. While his walk to lift aloft the silverware may not have had the same swagger and pomp of a Chris Eubank ring-walk to the same song, it was still deeply satisfying for all concerned with Garforth Town to see them lift aloft the cup that will represent the highlight of their 2008/09 season.
The performance really was ‘better than all the rest’ this season! A closely contested game with the Conference chasing Bradford ended goalless after regulation time, and a Garforth opener after over 100 minutes of play was immediately cancelled out with a scruffy Avenue equaliser. Penalties it was, and despite holding an advantage at 4-4 with one penalty to go, Bradford fluffed it, and Renshaw’s ‘sudden death’ strike was followed by another pitiful Avenue effort that saw Garforth emerge from the nail biting finale as the victors.
The final played out thus…
The game began with an initial feeling out process, where neither side claimed the ascendancy. In midfield, Duncan Williams tried to thread several through balls through, and was clattered for his efforts. Mark Piper, the Unibond’s only southerner, tried his luck with an early effort that did not have the power to trouble the opposing shot-stopper.
After twenty minutes, a neat passing exchange saw Duncan in an advantageous position, and he curled his shot just over from 18 yards. Minutes later he played a dangerous through ball to brother George that was well intercepted.
With no further clear cut opportunities to score in the first, Garforth replaced George Williams after a solid display with Greg Kelly for an added attacking verve. The substitute quickly tried his luck, angling for a shot that was cut wide. Ten minutes later he came closer – latching onto a lofted through ball from Duncan and lobbing the goalkeeper. Sadly, the ball veered off target, but Garforth were clearly pressing the game now.
An untimely Bradford lunge saw Town awarded a free kick near the dugout, and Nathan Kamara’s high drive eluded all defenders, with Lee Connor mere inches from making contact 8 yards from goal.
Bradford fashioned a rare chance – a low drive was saved by Luke Gibbons, and the resulting rebound was somehow fluffed miserably by the over-eager attacker.
After ten more minutes of Garforth trying to break the Bradford back-line down through Kelly on the left, Hayward on the right and Williams in the middle, another lofted ball looked to have gotten through, yet Kelly was taken down when through on goal. No punishment was meted out.
The final great chance that the Miner’s had in regulation time was through a Nathan Kamara long ball to Andy Hayward. The Predator has had his shooting boots on in this competition, but was unable to score his penultimate chance in it, slashing wide. A well worked free kick a minute later in stoppage time was headed over, to ensure the nail-biting scenario of EXTRA TIME.
Extra Time
Garforth players did not flag next to those of the possibly soon-to-be full-time professional outfit, and in fact took the lead. Unfortunately, Adam Clarke’s night ended prematurely, as he went over awkwardly on his ankle. Simon ‘Clough’ord himself came on to stretcher his player off.
Things soon lightened up from our perspective – a cross into the Bradford box was met toweringly by Renshaw, and his Barnsley compatriot Hayward was on hand to CONVERT to send Garforth’s vocal support into rapturous celebration.
They were a sweet three minutes. Bradford equalised with a goal similar to their closest chance in the second half. A scruffy rebound effort. Say no more.
Garforth next had a goal disallowed ostensibly for offside, though the decision could be called questionable. Ball played in to Hayward, laid back to Greg, finishes, flag goes up for Greg who was behind Hayward….?
The second period of extra time did not see as much action, though Bradford clawed their way back into proceedings more, having been indisputably outplayed for nearly two hours. No goals – onto the nail-biting finale of PENALTIES.
Penalties
GREG
√
BRADFORD
√
PIPS
X
BRADFORD
√
DUNCAN
√
BRADFORD
√
DOM
√
BRADFORD
√
ANDY
√
BRADFORD
X
BRETT
√
BRADFORD
X
And so with the fifth Bradford penalty, Garforth were one kick away from losing a final that they deserved to win. And á la Man-ches-toh Uni’ed in last year’s Champions League final, the grim situation righted itself, as Garforth stayed composed while the final two penalties were blazed over, as nerves got to Bradford. And who else but the captain to step up in the short-lived ‘sudden death’ phase, to rocket a peach in off the crossbar á la Julian Dicks to mount the pressure on what would ultimately be the last kick of the game, the kick that sent the ball onto the roof of the clubhouse and Garforth into raptures.
The fans invaded the pitch to congratulate the players on their achievement, the squad namely Luke Gibbons, Nathan Kamara, Brett Renshaw, Lee Connor, Carl Fox, Mark Piper, George Williams, Wayne Harratt, Duncan Williams, Dominic Blair, Andy Hayward, Greg Kelly, Adam Clarke, Bryce Tiani, Nick Jagger and Joe Fella, all of whom earned a medal for their effort.
Well done lads.
“Simply the best…. Better than all the rest.” Tina Turner’s dulcet tones boomed from the speakers, as Brett Renshaw walked to collect the West Riding County Cup for the victorious Garforth conquering cup heroes. While his walk to lift aloft the silverware may not have had the same swagger and pomp of a Chris Eubank ring-walk to the same song, it was still deeply satisfying for all concerned with Garforth Town to see them lift aloft the cup that will represent the highlight of their 2008/09 season.
The performance really was ‘better than all the rest’ this season! A closely contested game with the Conference chasing Bradford ended goalless after regulation time, and a Garforth opener after over 100 minutes of play was immediately cancelled out with a scruffy Avenue equaliser. Penalties it was, and despite holding an advantage at 4-4 with one penalty to go, Bradford fluffed it, and Renshaw’s ‘sudden death’ strike was followed by another pitiful Avenue effort that saw Garforth emerge from the nail biting finale as the victors.
The final played out thus…
The game began with an initial feeling out process, where neither side claimed the ascendancy. In midfield, Duncan Williams tried to thread several through balls through, and was clattered for his efforts. Mark Piper, the Unibond’s only southerner, tried his luck with an early effort that did not have the power to trouble the opposing shot-stopper.
After twenty minutes, a neat passing exchange saw Duncan in an advantageous position, and he curled his shot just over from 18 yards. Minutes later he played a dangerous through ball to brother George that was well intercepted.
With no further clear cut opportunities to score in the first, Garforth replaced George Williams after a solid display with Greg Kelly for an added attacking verve. The substitute quickly tried his luck, angling for a shot that was cut wide. Ten minutes later he came closer – latching onto a lofted through ball from Duncan and lobbing the goalkeeper. Sadly, the ball veered off target, but Garforth were clearly pressing the game now.
An untimely Bradford lunge saw Town awarded a free kick near the dugout, and Nathan Kamara’s high drive eluded all defenders, with Lee Connor mere inches from making contact 8 yards from goal.
Bradford fashioned a rare chance – a low drive was saved by Luke Gibbons, and the resulting rebound was somehow fluffed miserably by the over-eager attacker.
After ten more minutes of Garforth trying to break the Bradford back-line down through Kelly on the left, Hayward on the right and Williams in the middle, another lofted ball looked to have gotten through, yet Kelly was taken down when through on goal. No punishment was meted out.
The final great chance that the Miner’s had in regulation time was through a Nathan Kamara long ball to Andy Hayward. The Predator has had his shooting boots on in this competition, but was unable to score his penultimate chance in it, slashing wide. A well worked free kick a minute later in stoppage time was headed over, to ensure the nail-biting scenario of EXTRA TIME.
Extra Time
Garforth players did not flag next to those of the possibly soon-to-be full-time professional outfit, and in fact took the lead. Unfortunately, Adam Clarke’s night ended prematurely, as he went over awkwardly on his ankle. Simon ‘Clough’ord himself came on to stretcher his player off.
Things soon lightened up from our perspective – a cross into the Bradford box was met toweringly by Renshaw, and his Barnsley compatriot Hayward was on hand to CONVERT to send Garforth’s vocal support into rapturous celebration.
They were a sweet three minutes. Bradford equalised with a goal similar to their closest chance in the second half. A scruffy rebound effort. Say no more.
Garforth next had a goal disallowed ostensibly for offside, though the decision could be called questionable. Ball played in to Hayward, laid back to Greg, finishes, flag goes up for Greg who was behind Hayward….?
The second period of extra time did not see as much action, though Bradford clawed their way back into proceedings more, having been indisputably outplayed for nearly two hours. No goals – onto the nail-biting finale of PENALTIES.
Penalties
GREG
√
BRADFORD
√
PIPS
X
BRADFORD
√
DUNCAN
√
BRADFORD
√
DOM
√
BRADFORD
√
ANDY
√
BRADFORD
X
BRETT
√
BRADFORD
X
And so with the fifth Bradford penalty, Garforth were one kick away from losing a final that they deserved to win. And á la Man-ches-toh Uni’ed in last year’s Champions League final, the grim situation righted itself, as Garforth stayed composed while the final two penalties were blazed over, as nerves got to Bradford. And who else but the captain to step up in the short-lived ‘sudden death’ phase, to rocket a peach in off the crossbar á la Julian Dicks to mount the pressure on what would ultimately be the last kick of the game, the kick that sent the ball onto the roof of the clubhouse and Garforth into raptures.
The fans invaded the pitch to congratulate the players on their achievement, the squad namely Luke Gibbons, Nathan Kamara, Brett Renshaw, Lee Connor, Carl Fox, Mark Piper, George Williams, Wayne Harratt, Duncan Williams, Dominic Blair, Andy Hayward, Greg Kelly, Adam Clarke, Bryce Tiani, Nick Jagger and Joe Fella, all of whom earned a medal for their effort.
Well done lads.
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