5-12-09
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly is probably best known for a stupid theme that people whistle when thinking about cowboys and Indians, pistols at dawn and maybe as a spoof for a fighter staredown, but on Saturday Garforth and their bilingual visitors actually displayed all attributes. The good – Town dominating the second half, winning it two-nil, striker Greaves bagging a brace, et cetera. The bad – Town allegedly conceding four goals in a period of madness. I cannot say for sure – I blinked. The ugly – Colwyn’s entire team. No, I keed, I keed.
After forty-five minutes of comme ci, comme ça, Town went to work. One can only speculate what brought about the change – a soundtrack of Republica’s Ready To Go and Chumbawamba Tubthumping, stanozolol injections and a crate of red bull perhaps – maybe a Gunnery Sgt. Hartman team talk (you had best sound off that you love the Virgin Mary). Who knows? Whatever is was, it worked, as they bossed the second. Greaves hit the post with a header following a cross from the right, a flank that Chris Ovington caused consistent problems on for the visitors. His speed was evident in outpacing full backs, and though he might be small, so was Igor Vovchanchyn. Load up the interwebz and check out that savage…
Colwyn almost scored following an attacker’s jinking run, but the shot was cut wide of the post. Ovington almost claimed an assist in the subsequent attack, sending a ball in from the right channel just outside the box, but a lunging challenge scuppered the chance. Soon after, with a yellow shirted player down, the Welshmen obstinately refused to show sportsmanship and put the ball out of play. One day these men will play fair. But until that day, they are pukes. They are the lowest forms of life on earth. They are not even hum…
Garforth drew first blood of the second (not John.J style – ‘in town you’re the law… out here it’s me’) when a ball up to Greaves caught in the churned ground. Taking full advantage of the conditions, Greaves slid in before the advancing keeper to send the ball past him into the empty net. 1-0 in the second half, daddyo.
In less time than it takes Naseem Hamed to get to the ring during his entrances, Greaves had doubled his tally. Ovington played him in when he sent the ball across to the right channel, Greaves evaded the challenge, cut in and cut back his finish to the near post. As the fans sang, easy, easy.
Garforth clearly didn’t lose this game; they just ran out of time to win it in. It was a happier set of fans come the end, as to be honest, there is something in human nature that makes us failure parasites (hence the second half attendance of even the most disappointed of us). Yet they ended well. In dominating the second half, Town showed what they could and should have done in the entirety of the game, and earned a moral victory. Sport often draws connotations with war, and the metaphors used in this country’s ridiculously shabby, uninteresting, unentertaining sports journalism are common, clichéd and endless. They have a point though – Colwyn facing Town in the second half resembled the formerly raging Trojans fleeing as Achilles and the Myrmidons re-entered the fray, sending them scattering to the four winds. And as the Trojans could tell you, in war it is not who is rampant early, it is those who finish strongly and decisively. Do the right thing, UniBond league; one-point-five points will come in handy before the storms of winter…
Trust and Believe.
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Garforth Town 2 - Lancaster City 3
24-10
Enjoying the hospitality of Garforth Town today were Lancaster City; big cheese and county town of the historical enemy of Gods own county, Lanca-shy-oh. And the Red Rose inhabitants who graced our ground today certainly hadn’t forgotten that irrelevant footnote in the sands of time, and they were ‘top, main lads’ to boot. Frightening, menacing individuals, champions of battle and gods of combat, clearly. However, this is 2009, and now I have the luxury of insulting them from behind the safety of a computer screen. Heard the term ‘keyboard warrior’ before – you disgusting scrotes?
Haha, just joking, I really enjoyed the unfounded accusations of paedophilia, animal molestation and of excessive masturbation levelled at members of the Garforth staff by grown men shouting in a group and pumping their fists joyfully into the air while intimidating middle-aged to elderly fans. Cashback!
Several shots were struck early, and proved that any strike sliding across the wet grass would be difficult for either goalkeeper to deal with. This would come to haunt Town later in the game.
Darren Thornton came close with a free kick, a corner winning effort. That corner sailed over to the far side of the box, and Fidel Mholo did the rest with a side-footed volley back across goal. The attempted block of a defender only sent the ball up into the roof of the net, and the White Rose drew first blood from the red.
Lancaster sang on undeterred, with so much failure I cannot find the words to describe it. One was a song about how ‘lanky’ a famous female singer was (think about it) and another was to proclaim love for ‘the Blues’, who go ‘marching in’ somewhere or other. Maybe ‘the blues’ are T.A. I looked at the pitch in confusion, before looking down on the bald spots and dandruff only feet away from me as I remarked to those legends of the terrace; “You’re in white, lads.”
Lancaster regained parity with what Assistant Manager Billy deemed ‘a soft goal’, as a converted header helped City claw their way back into the game. In the dying stages of the half however, Thornton claimed the ball in the far left corner, brought it inside to unleash a well-struck strike to the top right that clinched the first half at least for Garforth.
The Red Rose visitors proved to be in the ascendancy though, and claimed two goals in quick succession that Assistant Manager Billy deemed to be ‘soft’. He was right. However, soft though they may have bee… definitely were, Town now faced an uphill battle to regain both parity and the lead that had been surrendered twice.
Thornton almost added to his goal tally when he sidestepped the goalkeeper and shot, but his cutback effort was blocked on the line, as was his impeded lay off for Greaves.
Garforth tried but could not further penetrate the resistance of beloved Lancaster, and the Bl… whites, scurried home with the points in the bag. I can’t wait to see the City fans at their place though…. so I can run away screaming.
However, you’re a city of 140k people, playing in the UniBond league, that’s fucking pathetic.
*Runs away*
Fear not Garforth; at least we are Yorkshire, Gods own County, beloved of Zeus, and as such God smiles down upon us unlike on those Red Rose heathens, pagans and reprobates.
Yeah, PEACE…
Enjoying the hospitality of Garforth Town today were Lancaster City; big cheese and county town of the historical enemy of Gods own county, Lanca-shy-oh. And the Red Rose inhabitants who graced our ground today certainly hadn’t forgotten that irrelevant footnote in the sands of time, and they were ‘top, main lads’ to boot. Frightening, menacing individuals, champions of battle and gods of combat, clearly. However, this is 2009, and now I have the luxury of insulting them from behind the safety of a computer screen. Heard the term ‘keyboard warrior’ before – you disgusting scrotes?
Haha, just joking, I really enjoyed the unfounded accusations of paedophilia, animal molestation and of excessive masturbation levelled at members of the Garforth staff by grown men shouting in a group and pumping their fists joyfully into the air while intimidating middle-aged to elderly fans. Cashback!
Several shots were struck early, and proved that any strike sliding across the wet grass would be difficult for either goalkeeper to deal with. This would come to haunt Town later in the game.
Darren Thornton came close with a free kick, a corner winning effort. That corner sailed over to the far side of the box, and Fidel Mholo did the rest with a side-footed volley back across goal. The attempted block of a defender only sent the ball up into the roof of the net, and the White Rose drew first blood from the red.
Lancaster sang on undeterred, with so much failure I cannot find the words to describe it. One was a song about how ‘lanky’ a famous female singer was (think about it) and another was to proclaim love for ‘the Blues’, who go ‘marching in’ somewhere or other. Maybe ‘the blues’ are T.A. I looked at the pitch in confusion, before looking down on the bald spots and dandruff only feet away from me as I remarked to those legends of the terrace; “You’re in white, lads.”
Lancaster regained parity with what Assistant Manager Billy deemed ‘a soft goal’, as a converted header helped City claw their way back into the game. In the dying stages of the half however, Thornton claimed the ball in the far left corner, brought it inside to unleash a well-struck strike to the top right that clinched the first half at least for Garforth.
The Red Rose visitors proved to be in the ascendancy though, and claimed two goals in quick succession that Assistant Manager Billy deemed to be ‘soft’. He was right. However, soft though they may have bee… definitely were, Town now faced an uphill battle to regain both parity and the lead that had been surrendered twice.
Thornton almost added to his goal tally when he sidestepped the goalkeeper and shot, but his cutback effort was blocked on the line, as was his impeded lay off for Greaves.
Garforth tried but could not further penetrate the resistance of beloved Lancaster, and the Bl… whites, scurried home with the points in the bag. I can’t wait to see the City fans at their place though…. so I can run away screaming.
However, you’re a city of 140k people, playing in the UniBond league, that’s fucking pathetic.
*Runs away*
Fear not Garforth; at least we are Yorkshire, Gods own County, beloved of Zeus, and as such God smiles down upon us unlike on those Red Rose heathens, pagans and reprobates.
Yeah, PEACE…
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Garforth Town 0 - Leeds United AFC 1
21-10
Achilles had Hector. Clarice Starling had Buffalo Bill. Ali had Frazier. Man-ches-toh Uni’ed have Man-ches-toh Ci’y – even though only one team hails from the city itself. Leeds United AFC have never had a local team to play that could define local sport, and where the supporters are all from the same place, whether to meet and greet with smiles and handshakes or to clash with the violence of sporting fanaticism.
Under Simon Clifford, Garforth have strived to raise their own status with ambition befitting of larger and more lucrative clubs. Two promotions and a slew of publicity, not to mention ambitious statements, lofty goals and a charismatic owner/manager, and the non-leaguers forced their way onto the footballing map. In time, one can hope for a Garforth versus Leeds fixture in a league setting – at least if one is a Garforth supporter…
As it was, the two sides met tonight in the White Rose version of Ci’y versus Uni’ed. Given that both clubs rested first team players, that the game was a friendly and the unfortunate and most important fact in that Garforth ply their trade five leagues below the prestigious Peacocks, it could hardly be described in the aforementioned Hector and Achilles metaphorical terminology, yet with a close game graced by only a single goal, nor did the affair resemble the aforementioned Starling and Bill scenario – the hunter able to pick apart and destroy their rival at will…
Leeds fielded a young squad, and the match served as experience for the blooded youngsters, one of whom was Aidan White; graduate of Clifford’s Leeds Brazilian Soccer School. Garforth had themselves played less than 24 hours earlier, and their own line-up was a fresh look outfit. It was further altered at half time when their captain Brett Renshaw was withdrawn with a foot injury sustained in the defeat in Ossett the previous night.
The Mighty Whites were the stronger team initially, looking sharp and avoiding getting drawn into a long ball game. It would be Garforth who would create the first goal-scoring opportunities. Tom Greaves tried his luck with a run down the middle but was impeded. Garforth struck the first shot in anger, which sailed over. United replied with a curled ball across the midfield to Nathan Turner, who redirected the ball well with his head to run for goal. Town sweeper Milton Turner did well in covering the ground, stealing the ball and clearing it to safety.
Fidel Mholo broke a record, impressive given his short career. He is now officially recognised at having his name mispronounced more times than any other player in the history of football. That includes Greek football, Popodopadoolios and all. He also gave an eye-catching display in the first half, pace evident as he burst down the field on 33. Unfortunately, his ball through to Greaves caught up in the striker’s feet.
Leeds came closest in the half when Turner was put through with only Ellison to beat. However, his shot was at a stretch, and the cutback overlong; the ball flew wide.
Greaves had one final effort as the half came to a close, a half that had the welcome introduction of two linesmen who were not afflicted by the usual relentless, constant ‘Heil Hitler’ syndrome that too many officials seem to have at the sniff of potential offside. One liner this year shot his outstretched arm out more times than Heinrich Himmler did in 1938 – tonight was blissfully free of that in this friendly game.
The second was not graced with many clear-cut chances, but it did see the match winning goal, a top corner shot that vindicated the entrance fee alone. Joe McCann had a shot well saved from point blank range by Ellison, and Leeds were in the ascendancy, with Garforth clinging to parity. The killer blow was struck with only ten minutes to play, as Josh Falkingham fired a net buster from twenty yards that sailed into the top right corner to give Leeds the lead.
United saw the game out, and so ended a fixture refreshingly played with no real malice, bickering, niggly challenges or the stereotypical footballers handbags non-fighting ‘brawls’ that mar so many games with their effeminate aura. It was a friendly game, and it did what it said on the tin.
Leeds next play at Millwall’s Den, and I offer prayers for the travelling fans that they don’t meet a ‘naughty, double nasty, tasty, dirty bunch’, and that they avoid getting bushwhacked in Bermondsey. Any Leeds fan, however, who managed to lay into Danny Dyer and his bunch of ‘naughty, rude mates’ in order to get onto ‘The Weal Footbawl Factowhees’ gets my utmost respect. Garforth face a ‘pound for pound’ equally daunting visit from Lancaster City (sarcasm y’all) who speak like Mancs and hate Garforth with a passion befitting of the Red Rose.
Keep Tubthumping. Peace.
Achilles had Hector. Clarice Starling had Buffalo Bill. Ali had Frazier. Man-ches-toh Uni’ed have Man-ches-toh Ci’y – even though only one team hails from the city itself. Leeds United AFC have never had a local team to play that could define local sport, and where the supporters are all from the same place, whether to meet and greet with smiles and handshakes or to clash with the violence of sporting fanaticism.
Under Simon Clifford, Garforth have strived to raise their own status with ambition befitting of larger and more lucrative clubs. Two promotions and a slew of publicity, not to mention ambitious statements, lofty goals and a charismatic owner/manager, and the non-leaguers forced their way onto the footballing map. In time, one can hope for a Garforth versus Leeds fixture in a league setting – at least if one is a Garforth supporter…
As it was, the two sides met tonight in the White Rose version of Ci’y versus Uni’ed. Given that both clubs rested first team players, that the game was a friendly and the unfortunate and most important fact in that Garforth ply their trade five leagues below the prestigious Peacocks, it could hardly be described in the aforementioned Hector and Achilles metaphorical terminology, yet with a close game graced by only a single goal, nor did the affair resemble the aforementioned Starling and Bill scenario – the hunter able to pick apart and destroy their rival at will…
Leeds fielded a young squad, and the match served as experience for the blooded youngsters, one of whom was Aidan White; graduate of Clifford’s Leeds Brazilian Soccer School. Garforth had themselves played less than 24 hours earlier, and their own line-up was a fresh look outfit. It was further altered at half time when their captain Brett Renshaw was withdrawn with a foot injury sustained in the defeat in Ossett the previous night.
The Mighty Whites were the stronger team initially, looking sharp and avoiding getting drawn into a long ball game. It would be Garforth who would create the first goal-scoring opportunities. Tom Greaves tried his luck with a run down the middle but was impeded. Garforth struck the first shot in anger, which sailed over. United replied with a curled ball across the midfield to Nathan Turner, who redirected the ball well with his head to run for goal. Town sweeper Milton Turner did well in covering the ground, stealing the ball and clearing it to safety.
Fidel Mholo broke a record, impressive given his short career. He is now officially recognised at having his name mispronounced more times than any other player in the history of football. That includes Greek football, Popodopadoolios and all. He also gave an eye-catching display in the first half, pace evident as he burst down the field on 33. Unfortunately, his ball through to Greaves caught up in the striker’s feet.
Leeds came closest in the half when Turner was put through with only Ellison to beat. However, his shot was at a stretch, and the cutback overlong; the ball flew wide.
Greaves had one final effort as the half came to a close, a half that had the welcome introduction of two linesmen who were not afflicted by the usual relentless, constant ‘Heil Hitler’ syndrome that too many officials seem to have at the sniff of potential offside. One liner this year shot his outstretched arm out more times than Heinrich Himmler did in 1938 – tonight was blissfully free of that in this friendly game.
The second was not graced with many clear-cut chances, but it did see the match winning goal, a top corner shot that vindicated the entrance fee alone. Joe McCann had a shot well saved from point blank range by Ellison, and Leeds were in the ascendancy, with Garforth clinging to parity. The killer blow was struck with only ten minutes to play, as Josh Falkingham fired a net buster from twenty yards that sailed into the top right corner to give Leeds the lead.
United saw the game out, and so ended a fixture refreshingly played with no real malice, bickering, niggly challenges or the stereotypical footballers handbags non-fighting ‘brawls’ that mar so many games with their effeminate aura. It was a friendly game, and it did what it said on the tin.
Leeds next play at Millwall’s Den, and I offer prayers for the travelling fans that they don’t meet a ‘naughty, double nasty, tasty, dirty bunch’, and that they avoid getting bushwhacked in Bermondsey. Any Leeds fan, however, who managed to lay into Danny Dyer and his bunch of ‘naughty, rude mates’ in order to get onto ‘The Weal Footbawl Factowhees’ gets my utmost respect. Garforth face a ‘pound for pound’ equally daunting visit from Lancaster City (sarcasm y’all) who speak like Mancs and hate Garforth with a passion befitting of the Red Rose.
Keep Tubthumping. Peace.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Garforth Town 0 - AFC Field.... Fylde 3
17-10-09
Blackpool is a part of the Lancastrian coastal plain of Fylde, and fittingly it would be our visitors AFC Fylde that illuminated today’s game of football with all three of its goals. In Scandinavian, Fylde means ‘field’, the name hence originating from Viking invasions, and in today’s tussle at the Genix Healthcare stadium, their football team were sadly able to ‘field’ players who outplayed our own in an open game, but one in which few clear cut chances were fashioned. Cup football can be an illegitimate son…
Fylde opened the scoring early, a neat turn and shot from Mark Wane, and Town were fighting an uphill battle thenceforth against more disciplined troops. One noted tactic was the use of legal strength – vigorousness within the boundaries of the rules. Maybe the endless scrapping between Yorkshire and Lancashire day-trippers in Blackpool has toughened them up. Regardless, Fylde changed their colours from blue to all-white in the summer of 2007 in order to mimic Leeds United, and so it would be that Wane’s goal earned them victory against the second most prestigious football club in the Leeds area.
Tom Greaves gave an industrious display, fashioning several chances for himself despite close defensive attention. The most noteworthy occurred with a third of the game gone, when a lifted through ball on thirty minutes allowed him to lob the goalkeeper. Sadly, the striker was deemed to be offside when the ball was played, by another linesman who loves to play ‘you put your right arm in, your right arm out, in out, in out, sh….” No comment.
Greaves was put through again, for another Heil Hitler salute… sorry, enthusiastic linesman’s flagging motion, to halt his progress. A subsequent move saw Harding play Ovington down the left channel, and the young winger cut inside before spraying it out to Williams on the right. Duncan’s cross eluded all.
The second began slowly, and it was not until almost the hour mark that a shot was struck in anger. Greaves worked his way from the left to the edge of the semi-circle, and cut his shot narrowly wide.
Several passing interchanges from both sides summed the game up; one-twos, overlaps and movement, with one player’s weak or mis-hit touch breaking down the whole move. Thornton came on; signalling Town’s attacking intent, and the substitute made determined runs and harassed defenders.
A Claisse ball to Greaves saw the striker exchange a one-two with Thornton before shooting, but the shot slid wide. Immediately after, a quick counter attack saw Fylde get behind the Town defence, and Wane added his second with a finish to the left of Ellison.
Greaves shot across goal following a long ball up from Claisse, and a nice attack involving several players saw Thornton cross for Fidel Mholo at the back post. Not only was the youngster unable to score, his name was mispronounced in the announcements for the 269th time on record.
Town could not pierce the back Fylde of Field, and Field added a third. The familiar looking Richie Allen, who either has a doppelganger or has played against Garforth before for someone else, scored a carbon copy finish to the one that had preceded it, and Town left the Fylde dejected after their hardworking display could not make a dent in a motivated Field, who advance to the 1st round of the FA Trophy.
Garforth though, shall not sling insults the way the Salford Star did just because a War of the Roses rival beat them at home. No slurs from the dignified white rose, unlike some. Then again, any club that employs Rhodri Giggs….
Congratulations to Field. See you in Blackpool for a curry, eight pints and a couple of disco biscuits….
Blackpool is a part of the Lancastrian coastal plain of Fylde, and fittingly it would be our visitors AFC Fylde that illuminated today’s game of football with all three of its goals. In Scandinavian, Fylde means ‘field’, the name hence originating from Viking invasions, and in today’s tussle at the Genix Healthcare stadium, their football team were sadly able to ‘field’ players who outplayed our own in an open game, but one in which few clear cut chances were fashioned. Cup football can be an illegitimate son…
Fylde opened the scoring early, a neat turn and shot from Mark Wane, and Town were fighting an uphill battle thenceforth against more disciplined troops. One noted tactic was the use of legal strength – vigorousness within the boundaries of the rules. Maybe the endless scrapping between Yorkshire and Lancashire day-trippers in Blackpool has toughened them up. Regardless, Fylde changed their colours from blue to all-white in the summer of 2007 in order to mimic Leeds United, and so it would be that Wane’s goal earned them victory against the second most prestigious football club in the Leeds area.
Tom Greaves gave an industrious display, fashioning several chances for himself despite close defensive attention. The most noteworthy occurred with a third of the game gone, when a lifted through ball on thirty minutes allowed him to lob the goalkeeper. Sadly, the striker was deemed to be offside when the ball was played, by another linesman who loves to play ‘you put your right arm in, your right arm out, in out, in out, sh….” No comment.
Greaves was put through again, for another Heil Hitler salute… sorry, enthusiastic linesman’s flagging motion, to halt his progress. A subsequent move saw Harding play Ovington down the left channel, and the young winger cut inside before spraying it out to Williams on the right. Duncan’s cross eluded all.
The second began slowly, and it was not until almost the hour mark that a shot was struck in anger. Greaves worked his way from the left to the edge of the semi-circle, and cut his shot narrowly wide.
Several passing interchanges from both sides summed the game up; one-twos, overlaps and movement, with one player’s weak or mis-hit touch breaking down the whole move. Thornton came on; signalling Town’s attacking intent, and the substitute made determined runs and harassed defenders.
A Claisse ball to Greaves saw the striker exchange a one-two with Thornton before shooting, but the shot slid wide. Immediately after, a quick counter attack saw Fylde get behind the Town defence, and Wane added his second with a finish to the left of Ellison.
Greaves shot across goal following a long ball up from Claisse, and a nice attack involving several players saw Thornton cross for Fidel Mholo at the back post. Not only was the youngster unable to score, his name was mispronounced in the announcements for the 269th time on record.
Town could not pierce the back Fylde of Field, and Field added a third. The familiar looking Richie Allen, who either has a doppelganger or has played against Garforth before for someone else, scored a carbon copy finish to the one that had preceded it, and Town left the Fylde dejected after their hardworking display could not make a dent in a motivated Field, who advance to the 1st round of the FA Trophy.
Garforth though, shall not sling insults the way the Salford Star did just because a War of the Roses rival beat them at home. No slurs from the dignified white rose, unlike some. Then again, any club that employs Rhodri Giggs….
Congratulations to Field. See you in Blackpool for a curry, eight pints and a couple of disco biscuits….
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.
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.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Ossett Albion 2 - Garforth Town 1
Garforth could not do the double in Ossett this week, as a fine victory over NPL side Town was followed by a subsequent slip up to Albion in the league. A cold wind precluded effective high passes and affected play, and the Miner’s were unable to overcome neither the elements nor a home side who regained the lead immediately after Lee Connor’s equaliser.
Ossett earned two early corners, both of which showed the dangers of playing against the strong wind. Gibbons produced a good save in the 7th; palming the Ossett playmaker’s shot wide of his near post. Town tried to respond with balls played up the right channel, but the wind scuppered many of these attacks. The first moment of real penetrative play came from Garforth midfielder Duncan Williams, who claimed the ball on halfway and curled a swerving through ball for Andy Hayward, though the veteran goalscorer of mid-week could not latch onto it in time.
Moments later, indecision and the elements helped Albion take the lead. Ossett’s left fullback laid off Jason Bentley, who was allowed to approach the Garforth box before unleashing. The wind did the rest.
Undeterred, Town replied with more work from the right flank involving Rowan, Duncan and George Williams, Wayne Harratt and Dom Blair but to no avail. Balls played high into the Ossett area served only to highlight Neil Bennett’s adeptness as a forceful goalkeeper, showing us ‘The Superman Punch’ several times when denying the visiting attackers.
Brett Renshaw burst into the box from the right but was clearly brought down. Despite this, only a corner was awarded despite the Albion defender having never touched the ball.
The second half saw the sides nullify each other initially, and it was not until the 58th minute that a clear-cut chance was created. It would be Ossett who fluffed the one on one with Gibbons.
On 70, Carl Fox tried a lobbed effort from distance that Bennett was equal to. Only minutes later, Town earned corner after a period of pressure, and Lee Connor rose to toweringly convert the cross and regain parity for the visitors. Alas, only a hundred seconds elapsed before Town conceded a soft goal to Joseph Thornton, and the advantage was blown.
While the rest of the game belonged to Garforth, the points belonged to Ossett, whose sporting performance in the final fifteen resembled Eubank protecting a points lead in the 12th round. Bryce showed some dexterity on the left before cutting in and chipping Harratt through, though the big Barnsley man could not connect with his swivel and shot. Another saved shot led to a corner that Lee met once more, but this time a perceptive defender was able to clear from the goal line. Connor again met a corner minutes later, though the veteran centre back could only fire his header just over. Substitute Graham Marchant tried his luck with a shot on 88 following a midfield interchange with Bryce in what would be Garforth’s penultimate chance. Finally, when Renshaw’s header from yet another corner was cleared from the goal line in stoppage time, it was clear that Ossett would be a town of mixed fortunes for the Miner’s this week, who will look to rebuild at home next Saturday against Rossendale United.
Ossett earned two early corners, both of which showed the dangers of playing against the strong wind. Gibbons produced a good save in the 7th; palming the Ossett playmaker’s shot wide of his near post. Town tried to respond with balls played up the right channel, but the wind scuppered many of these attacks. The first moment of real penetrative play came from Garforth midfielder Duncan Williams, who claimed the ball on halfway and curled a swerving through ball for Andy Hayward, though the veteran goalscorer of mid-week could not latch onto it in time.
Moments later, indecision and the elements helped Albion take the lead. Ossett’s left fullback laid off Jason Bentley, who was allowed to approach the Garforth box before unleashing. The wind did the rest.
Undeterred, Town replied with more work from the right flank involving Rowan, Duncan and George Williams, Wayne Harratt and Dom Blair but to no avail. Balls played high into the Ossett area served only to highlight Neil Bennett’s adeptness as a forceful goalkeeper, showing us ‘The Superman Punch’ several times when denying the visiting attackers.
Brett Renshaw burst into the box from the right but was clearly brought down. Despite this, only a corner was awarded despite the Albion defender having never touched the ball.
The second half saw the sides nullify each other initially, and it was not until the 58th minute that a clear-cut chance was created. It would be Ossett who fluffed the one on one with Gibbons.
On 70, Carl Fox tried a lobbed effort from distance that Bennett was equal to. Only minutes later, Town earned corner after a period of pressure, and Lee Connor rose to toweringly convert the cross and regain parity for the visitors. Alas, only a hundred seconds elapsed before Town conceded a soft goal to Joseph Thornton, and the advantage was blown.
While the rest of the game belonged to Garforth, the points belonged to Ossett, whose sporting performance in the final fifteen resembled Eubank protecting a points lead in the 12th round. Bryce
Friday, 20 February 2009
Ossett Town 1 - Garforth Town 2
The travelling Miner’s earned a semi-final berth in the West Riding County Cup with a hard fought victory over the in-form Northern Premier League outfit Ossett Town, who have lost once in their last thirteen outings. A brace from Andy Hayward sealed the win, with a stunning 40yard strike sandwiched in between from Ossett’s Nathan Hay to enliven second half.
Man of the match Luke Gibbons suffered a first half bombardment on the Garforth goal, Ossett blitzkrieg that he survived like a wartime cockney to send the visitors into the second period with an excellent shot-stopping display. Crowd-pleasing saves in the 20th, 24th, 30th and 41st minutes kept Garforth in the game, and Town responded with a well-worked goal. A chipped free kick from Duncan Williams was flicked into Hayward’s path, and the veteran striker duly converted with a placed header.
While Garforth came close after an interchange between Greg Kelly and Hayward, and through a left footed effort from Wayne Harratt, Ossett proved adept at effectively shutting down Garforth attacks. The tables were turned in the second half, which undeniably saw the pugnacious visitors mount sustained pressure.
Nonetheless, a lightning bolt of a strike saw the hosts regain parity when Nathan Hay unloaded from distance. While the goal did not warrant the ridiculous noises one player made from the celebratory huddle, it was indeed a fine goal.
Greg Kelly almost put the Miner’s back in front with a blistering shot from 18 yards. The effort blazed just over and nearly decapitated one of the away fans behind the goal. Sadly, the shot produced neither the goal nor the always-entertaining spectator knockout.
A long period with no clear-cut chances ensued, though on 76minutes the indefatigable Fidel tried with a speculative effort. One Ossett defender barely made it past Fidel with a botched Maradona turn, which turned out to portent a bad omen for the hosts.
The 90th minute arrived, with a deadlock. Step up Ossett’s goalkeeper. A disastrous clearance fell straight to Garforth striker Andy ‘The Predator’ Hayward, who emphatically converted the late Christmas present to send Garforth into the semi-finals, with a deserved victory over a Northern Premier League team. The win takes Garforth’s record against teams from higher leagues to three wins, one draw and one loss from five cup ties. The win over Ossett is a fine winter boost, and next up are their neighbours Albion. War Garforth!
Man of the match Luke Gibbons suffered a first half bombardment on the Garforth goal, Ossett blitzkrieg that he survived like a wartime cockney to send the visitors into the second period with an excellent shot-stopping display. Crowd-pleasing saves in the 20th, 24th, 30th and 41st minutes kept Garforth in the game, and Town responded with a well-worked goal. A chipped free kick from Duncan Williams was flicked into Hayward’s path, and the veteran striker duly converted with a placed header.
While Garforth came close after an interchange between Greg Kelly and Hayward, and through a left footed effort from Wayne Harratt, Ossett proved adept at effectively shutting down Garforth attacks. The tables were turned in the second half, which undeniably saw the pugnacious visitors mount sustained pressure.
Nonetheless, a lightning bolt of a strike saw the hosts regain parity when Nathan Hay unloaded from distance. While the goal did not warrant the ridiculous noises one player made from the celebratory huddle, it was indeed a fine goal.
Greg Kelly almost put the Miner’s back in front with a blistering shot from 18 yards. The effort blazed just over and nearly decapitated one of the away fans behind the goal. Sadly, the shot produced neither the goal nor the always-entertaining spectator knockout.
A long period with no clear-cut chances ensued, though on 76minutes the indefatigable Fidel
The 90th minute arrived, with a deadlock. Step up Ossett’s goalkeeper. A disastrous clearance fell straight to Garforth striker Andy ‘The Predator’ Hayward, who emphatically converted the late Christmas present to send Garforth into the semi-finals, with a deserved victory over a Northern Premier League team. The win takes Garforth’s record against teams from higher leagues to three wins, one draw and one loss from five cup ties. The win over Ossett is a fine winter boost, and next up are their neighbours Albion. War Garforth!
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Garforth Town 1 - Bradford Park Avenue 4
29.1.2008
Garforth missed a vital opportunity to take the initiative in their Unibond promotion push, crashing to third placed Bradford Park Avenue by an emphatic if disproportionate 4-1 deficit in front of their home fans. The Miner’s outfit were narrowly outthought and outfought in an absorbing encounter, as the Bradford club mounted further pressure on league leaders Curzon Ashton, thus increasing the distance between themselves and Garforth.
Bradford immediately pressurised the Garforth defence, taking the ascendancy quick and effectively shellshocking Town. Were it not for the assured defending of Duncan Williams, Mark Piper and captain Brett Renshaw, Avenue would have broken through the resistance early and achieved that which they deserved – an early goal. Avenue grew in confidence, and the marauding Bradford right back could have scored from a long, relatively unchallenged run but for a well timed Williams tackle. Piper and Renshaw each blocked a dangerous low cross and a goal bound shot.
The dominant nature of Avenue’s play led to the Garforth midfield playing further back than perhaps accustomed, subsequently leaving Town striker Jason St Juste isolated upfield. The marooned forward resorted to fruitlessly harrying the Bradford midfield, but to no avail. Garforth’s infrequent first half attacks consisted of hopeful long balls played to St Juste and the aforementioned Piper, but with the strong wind affecting these passes the ball inevitably overran. At one point the crowd were abruptly roused – Williams picked up a stray Avenue pass and ran downfield into the expanse of open space before him; however, the following through ball was intercepted and the ensuing Avenue attack almost led to a goal. A corner saw Town keeper Spratt fumble the ball into the path of Avenue winger Chris Williams, who struck over.
Garforth were, however, unfortunate when a set in stone penalty claim was somehow dismissed by the insufferably pedantic referee, as Carl Simpkins was bundled over in the Bradford area in what would be regarded by police as sufficient for an attempted GBH charge, yet the seemingly imminent penalty kick was not given.
After gargantuan attempts to maintain parity, disaster struck as Duncan Williams tried to dribble the ball out from the edge of the Town penalty area, was tackled, regained the ball and unwisely attempted the same feat, conceding a free kick. Duncan’s Avenue namesake struck a low shot which somehow eluded the wall, the Town defence and the goalkeeper and nestled in the bottom left corner. The goal was unremarkable, unfortunate but somewhat inevitable.
With stranded striker St Juste substituted in favour of a new approach, Garforth began the second half much the stronger side, forcing Avenue onto the back foot and playing with more flair and guile than was on show in the first period of play. After several heartening attacks on the Avenue goal Chris Brown found himself on the ball 25 yards from goal, and with Bradford’s left sided players apparently unwilling to challenge him, duly tried a speculative shot. To the delight of the crowd, the fiercely struck ball soon hit the net of the top left corner, completing what must surely rank as a goal of the season contender.
Garforth were now performing much better, and the crowd numbering hundreds duly responded. Bradford responded to the recurrence of honours even, and countered with incisive attacks, adding to the viewing spectacle of the game. Lewis? of Garforth conceded a free kick and the exellent Chris Williams, who despite playing a side with ties to Brazilian football showed the games most dextrous skills, curled a high ball into the Garforth area, which Chris Gaghan thunderously fired past Parry.
Mark Piper attempted an ambitious through ball to Seb Muddel after the restart, but the Bradford defence proved adept at covering for each other, and continued to do so over the course of thirty minutes. Town continued to try and implement the decisive attack in this period whilst looking to regain equality with Avenue, but paid dearly when a counter-attack caught the advanced Garforth by surprise, and Bradford won a corner. A Bradford header was met by a goalline clearance from Muddel, but which was to no avail as Avenue immediately played the ball wide, and the cross was successfully converted into the net via the head of Stuart Howson. With less than ten minutes to play, battling Town sensed that the day was not theirs.
Garforth rallied but found themselves facing a revitalised Park Avenue buoyed on by their success. With mere minutes left a measured, curled through ball from Bradford caught Town cold, and when keeper Spratt beat the lunging Avenue forward to the ball, the outstretched foot of the attacker caught the shotstopper’s hand, injuring his ligaments. As the agonised keeper fell to the floor, Avenue’s Mike Moseley slotted the ball into the net, thus perhaps unfairly completing the rout. Duncan Williams oversaw the final moments in net, and was lucky not to concede as another Moseley shot struck the post, the final occurrence of note in an eventually intriguing affair whose scoreline suggested otherwise.
Garforth missed a vital opportunity to take the initiative in their Unibond promotion push, crashing to third placed Bradford Park Avenue by an emphatic if disproportionate 4-1 deficit in front of their home fans. The Miner’s outfit were narrowly outthought and outfought in an absorbing encounter, as the Bradford club mounted further pressure on league leaders Curzon Ashton, thus increasing the distance between themselves and Garforth.
Bradford immediately pressurised the Garforth defence, taking the ascendancy quick and effectively shellshocking Town. Were it not for the assured defending of Duncan Williams, Mark Piper and captain Brett Renshaw, Avenue would have broken through the resistance early and achieved that which they deserved – an early goal. Avenue grew in confidence, and the marauding Bradford right back could have scored from a long, relatively unchallenged run but for a well timed Williams tackle. Piper and Renshaw each blocked a dangerous low cross and a goal bound shot.
The dominant nature of Avenue’s play led to the Garforth midfield playing further back than perhaps accustomed, subsequently leaving Town striker Jason St Juste isolated upfield. The marooned forward resorted to fruitlessly harrying the Bradford midfield, but to no avail. Garforth’s infrequent first half attacks consisted of hopeful long balls played to St Juste and the aforementioned Piper, but with the strong wind affecting these passes the ball inevitably overran. At one point the crowd were abruptly roused – Williams picked up a stray Avenue pass and ran downfield into the expanse of open space before him; however, the following through ball was intercepted and the ensuing Avenue attack almost led to a goal. A corner saw Town keeper Spratt fumble the ball into the path of Avenue winger Chris Williams, who struck over.
Garforth were, however, unfortunate when a set in stone penalty claim was somehow dismissed by the insufferably pedantic referee, as Carl Simpkins was bundled over in the Bradford area in what would be regarded by police as sufficient for an attempted GBH charge, yet the seemingly imminent penalty kick was not given.
After gargantuan attempts to maintain parity, disaster struck as Duncan Williams tried to dribble the ball out from the edge of the Town penalty area, was tackled, regained the ball and unwisely attempted the same feat, conceding a free kick. Duncan’s Avenue namesake struck a low shot which somehow eluded the wall, the Town defence and the goalkeeper and nestled in the bottom left corner. The goal was unremarkable, unfortunate but somewhat inevitable.
With stranded striker St Juste substituted in favour of a new approach, Garforth began the second half much the stronger side, forcing Avenue onto the back foot and playing with more flair and guile than was on show in the first period of play. After several heartening attacks on the Avenue goal Chris Brown found himself on the ball 25 yards from goal, and with Bradford’s left sided players apparently unwilling to challenge him, duly tried a speculative shot. To the delight of the crowd, the fiercely struck ball soon hit the net of the top left corner, completing what must surely rank as a goal of the season contender.
Garforth were now performing much better, and the crowd numbering hundreds duly responded. Bradford responded to the recurrence of honours even, and countered with incisive attacks, adding to the viewing spectacle of the game. Lewis? of Garforth conceded a free kick and the exellent Chris Williams, who despite playing a side with ties to Brazilian football showed the games most dextrous skills, curled a high ball into the Garforth area, which Chris Gaghan thunderously fired past Parry.
Mark Piper attempted an ambitious through ball to Seb Muddel after the restart, but the Bradford defence proved adept at covering for each other, and continued to do so over the course of thirty minutes. Town continued to try and implement the decisive attack in this period whilst looking to regain equality with Avenue, but paid dearly when a counter-attack caught the advanced Garforth by surprise, and Bradford won a corner. A Bradford header was met by a goalline clearance from Muddel, but which was to no avail as Avenue immediately played the ball wide, and the cross was successfully converted into the net via the head of Stuart Howson. With less than ten minutes to play, battling Town sensed that the day was not theirs.
Garforth rallied but found themselves facing a revitalised Park Avenue buoyed on by their success. With mere minutes left a measured, curled through ball from Bradford caught Town cold, and when keeper Spratt beat the lunging Avenue forward to the ball, the outstretched foot of the attacker caught the shotstopper’s hand, injuring his ligaments. As the agonised keeper fell to the floor, Avenue’s Mike Moseley slotted the ball into the net, thus perhaps unfairly completing the rout. Duncan Williams oversaw the final moments in net, and was lucky not to concede as another Moseley shot struck the post, the final occurrence of note in an eventually intriguing affair whose scoreline suggested otherwise.
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