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-stopper assuredly 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.

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 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…

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.

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 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!

Garforth Town 1 - Whitby 3

3.1.2009

Garforth started 2009 with a disappointing defeat at the hands of Britain’s eighth favourite tourist destination Whitby at the Genix Healthcare Stadium. The Seasider’s snatched three points like gulls swooping on discarded ‘chippie’ chips, as Town look to continue without several key players in their ranks.

The Miner’s did make several incisive moves in the first period, but found themselves behind after a free kick led to Whitby’s soft opener. Brett Renshaw levelled proceedings when he met an inexpertly cleared corner with a finish that beat everybody in the area.

Garforth were next denied by some freakishly bad luck, as a penetrative attack down the left saw a point blank header somehow see the goalkeeper recover, rescuing his team from a sure-fire half-time disadvantageous deficit.

The second period of play saw another weak goal scored by Whitby, as the home outfit were stunned by more set piece confusion. The despondent home outfit proceeded to dominate the subsequent half hour of play, controlling possession in midfield without quite managing to break the Whitby rear-line. John Swift tried his luck with a distance effort the keeper fumbled, and a flicked head on from was cleared by a defender from the goal-line itself.

Sadly, a cross was converted shortly after the hour mark at the other end, and Garforth were faced with an uphill struggle against the odds. Still, they showed heart in defeat; Greg Kelly pugnaciously latched onto an overhit through ball on the left wing that he seemed unlikely to reach, and cut inside, laying off Jason St Juste. The former Darlington and Southampton man almost showed his old class with a sweetly struck left footed shot that the goalkeeper saved well.

St Juste would try his luck again with ten minutes to go, after a long throw in caused confusion. His shot was desperately blocked, as was the following driven attempt from Renshaw, who failed to reproduce his earlier effort.

The dependable Duncan Williams put in a strong display, and on 83 minutes latched onto a loose second ball and slid through Hayward on goal. Unfortunately, the veteran strikers piledriver was aimed straight at the goalkeeper, who parried wide.

Two further effort – a half volley from Greg and a blistering shot following a jinking run from saw the game climax with Garforth in the ascendancy, but with the points destined for Yorkshire’s fourth best fishing port.

Garforth Town 2 - Trafford 1

20.12.2008

Garforth did the double over beloved middle-class Mancunian rivals Trafford FC with a 2-1 victory that was harder fought than the 5-0 mauling they inflicted at the Shaw View stadium in late November. The fare was less exquisite than that day also – more Vinnie Jones and co. than Cruyff, Neeskens and Oranje totaalvoetbal – but served as a fine Christmas present from the Town squad to Clifford and the fans, as the Miner’s look to push up the table in the new year.

The Metropolitan borough of Trafford has a population of nearly quarter of a million people, and the six that travelled in support of their team did them proud with a variety of reworded Manchester United songs. They were briefly silenced, however, when Town found the net after only 13 minutes when a Duncan Williams corner was guided into the net via the head of .

Andy Hayward was played through in the right channel soon after, and the veteran held the ball up and angled for a shot that was well saved by Aaron Tyrer. The rest of the half saw few clear cut chances, as both sides nullified the threat of their opposition, the visitors no doubt mindful of the embarrassing November humiliation.

Trafford clawed their way undeservingly back into the tie with a low shot that eluded Luke Gibbons, but the goalkeeper made amends with a string of excellent saves that would ultimately mean two or even three extra points claimed from a close fixture.

Substitute Greg Kelly burst past several players before unleashing a fierce shot from twenty yards as the ball bobbled. Tyrer again produced a save, pushing the ball to safety.

Duncan Williams produced also, in his case an industrious performance reminiscent of his midfield dominance throughout 07/08. His efforts earned a corner on the hour mark, and his inswinger was met by Lee Connor who forced the ball home to regain the lead for Garforth.

Town were revitalised by the goal, epitomised by defender and captain Brett Renshaw’s surprise burst upfield. A counter attack saw Gibbons palm over a long distance shot struck in anger that seemed destined for the top right corner.

The last chance of note came from Greg Kelly, who retrieved a loose ball and outmanoeuvred two defenders in the right channel before cutting in for goal. The angle was tight, and Tyrer saved his low effort.

So Vinnie and co. won the day, and Town can enjoy Christmas with a win before the away day at Wakey on Boxing Day, so Feliz Navidad from Garforth Town and moi.

Garforth Town 3 - Skelmersdale 6

6.12.2008

A high scoring game packed filled to the brim with talking points, goals, free flowing football and Skelmersdale diving saw the Miner’s score three times and lose to an in-form outfit who inflicted a 10-0 spanking on table topping Bamber Bridge midweek.

Garforth new boy Graham Marchant nearly found the net in the fourth minute with a header that Skelmersdale goalkeeper Ryan McMahon did well to save. Shane’s illegitimate brother may well have changed the course of the game with that move, as the visiting Scouse-mancs immediately scored in an excellent counter attack, Mark Houghton converting at the climax of the move.

Houghton repeated the trick on 13 minutes, giving the Skem a strong foothold on what was an even game up to this point, with both sides mounting an offence. Unfortunately, a suspicious tumble in the Town box led to Sean McConville expertly firing a penalty home to further increase Skem’s lead.

The moment of the match occurred in the 27th minute when George Donnelly blasted a surprise half-volley that caught the Town defence and keeper unawares, and almost tore the net from twenty-five yards. Fair play George.

Oliver Hotchkiss, in his last home game for the club, fired a speculative swerving chest and volley effort from the right wing that McMahon was equal to. However, Town were in luck when an attempt on goal was helpfully steered past Vince’s kid by Skelmersdale defender Michael White. As Cooper said on the PA, ‘Cheers Skelmersdale’.

The second half began perfectly; 47th minute, Andy Rowan released, turn, boom, save, goal bound, Duncan Williams, theft of goal, tap in, 4-2. Game on.

It almost got better; substitute Greg Kelly showed his worth in outpacing several Skelmersdale midfielders before exchanging passes with Hayward and heading for goal. What followed was interesting – Greg was tripped by the last man, thus rendered unable to score. Red card? Erm…. no. What can I say?

Five minutes later, Greg was hurtling goalwards again… tripped by what was by and large the last defender. Red card? Erm… no. What can I say?

Garforth moods were hardly improved when a questionable free kick was converted on the hour mark by Martin Crowder.

The subsequent twenty minutes saw Duncan claim a second – a placed finish after a high ball into the Skelmersdale box – several dives and a heated situation down by the dug outs resulting from a fair, legal tackle on McConville, and an outrageous penalty that the aforementioned Macca justly blasted wide.

With the game all but gone, Garforth conceded to Donnelly again, who cut in from the left and found the bottom right corner. Shortly after, Kelly was released and rounded McMahon, but was unable to find an angle from which he was comfortable shooting from and the ball was overrun.

Soon after the whistle was blown on what was an entertaining, goal-ridden game, with some great football from Skelmersdale but some questionable tactics and decisions also. Garforth were unlucky to leave the park with the disproportionate deficit, although it must be conceded they encountered a very capable, title chasing side.

Curzon Ashton 0 - Garforth Town 1 - Challenge Cup

A dominant, excellent performance saw Garforth return to winning ways in Greater Manchester, thoroughly outclassing the capable Curzon Ashton in an entertaining Monday night cup-tie.

The nature of the Town victory was all the more pleasing in that it was in such overwhelming fashion in a game littered with chances, most of which were for the visitors, though both sides played attractive football. Garforth threatened from the off, unleashing an immediate incisive attack when the industrious Jason St Juste beat his marker for pace – an omen of how the rest of the game would pan out – and fed Hotchkiss, whose through ball to the equally brilliant Dominic Blair almost led to a first minute goal. Soon after, St Juste would cause more problems, finding space to shoot though shot stopper David Carnell would prove equal to the effort. The first quarter of an hour would close out with five further minutes of Garforth pressure, most of which stemmed from Blair and St Juste from both wings and channels.

Andy Rowan tried his luck with a well-saved shot, and the subsequent Curzon attack was dealt with by a last ditch Brett Renshaw tackle. On the half hour mark, St Juste outmanoeuvred Curzon’s Michael Russell twice on the left, exchanging passes with Rowan en route to shooting at goal. Then, the proverbial moment of Garforth controversy when Dom Blair – through on goal – committed the wicked crime of diving, the sinner. Actually no, he was clipped en route to a mano e mano with Carnell, though no penalty, red card, yellow card, pink green polka dot card, trump card, student id card, screen actors guild SAG card nor any alternate form of card was awarded to the offender.

The fact that Michael Norton almost scored for Curzon immediately after this incident did not help matters.

Another period of pressure followed, with crosses being rained in at the Curzon rear guard, Blair St Juste et al basically having their way with their markers. One play saw Dom released into space, electing to lay off Hotchkiss who unselfishly laid off St Juste in turn who was unlucky to hit the post with his fiercely struck effort, Carnell well beaten. The ball was recovered, and a Jason cross was flicked by Rowan to Blair, whose volley would have earned Town the lead had it been placed anywhere else in the goal but at the keeper. Needless to say Garforth ended the half in the ascendancy.

So, to the second. Hotchkiss played a neat 1-2 with Blair (who was taken out in the process) and fired in a low shot that once more struck the post. Garforth are now all too familiar with UniBond woodwork. Jason skinned his man (again) and cut a low cross across goal, though some good covering allowed Curzon to clear. Now, Curzon upped the ante and produced some clear chances to score, though Renshaw, Lee Connor, Ross Wilkinson and Carl Fox all defended aggressively and effectively.

On 70’, a good passing interchange saw play spread wide right by Wayne Harratt, back left by Connor and culminated with St Juste unleashing a swerving shot from 25 yards that Carnell managed to catch.

Soon after Wayne attempted what could kindly be referred to as a ‘dipping shot from distance’.

With ten minutes to go, Rowan – who worked tirelessly with St Juste and Blair in harrying defenders – chased down one such Ashton player and tackled him, before haring after the loose ball and keeping possession to cross for Jason, whose shot was blocked, in a move that pleased fans and staff for its persistence and endeavour.

They saved the best ‘till last. Curzon worked some clear chances that were snuffed out, before Garforth broke down the right with Dom. The youngster did not heed the contingent of away fans – six men – screaming at him to run towards goal, instead electing to cross high over the stranded Carnell brilliantly for his partner in crime, Jason St Juste, to nod home.

This claimed entry to the next round of the Challenge Cup, and marked a second emphatic, victorious performance in this competition. Curzon played some attractive football and were worthy foes, but Town on this night were excellent throughout, and deservedly won.

Garforth Town 3 - Bamber Bridge 4

A dramatic late comeback from Garforth Town could not overturn an early and unfair deficit in a heated and highly entertaining affair between two determined sides. Some outrageous officiating sadly tarnished a game in which either outfit could have claimed all the points, but the end result was an engrossing spectacle that saw Town display some impressive grit.

The worst possible start occurred for the hosts when a throw in led to a soft back post goal. Garforth regrouped to the point where Hotchkiss, Williams and Kelly were picking at the Bamber defensive lines, looking for openings to penetrate. Duncan Williams managed to fashion a chance out of nothing with a jinking run, bursting into the penalty box from the left channel before his driven shot was saved.

Jason St Juste showed flashes of his industrious nature, one such incident occurring when he turned his marker and tried to score with a speculative curled effort from 25 yards. A mere minute later, a through ball was latched onto by a suspiciously advanced Bamber striker, and, sickeningly, the opportunity was taken.

The second half began with a questionable free kick awarded to the visitors, and what commenced was a goal so soft it would be hard for the written word to do justice to it. At this point the fixture appeared dead and buried.

The Miner’s began to produce what they are capable of with a play of real quality. Hotchkiss curled an inch perfect ball across the field to St Juste, who controlled, cut inside and slid a cool finish into the Bamber goal to give the home side a real incentive to fight for the final third.

Not long after, an exchange on the left saw Mark Piper delicately chip straight to Greg Kelly’s head, and though his effort struck the crossbar the versatile Town man was able to convert the rebound, and the game was well and truly on.

Town created a plethora of chances with Haywood, Piper and Kelly all coming close to equalising. Captain Brett Renshaw met a corner with a towering header that struck the post and was scrambled up by a grateful goalkeeper.

The uphill struggle was worsened when Bamber snatched a late goal with a deflected header, but Town would further regroup. Kelly fizzed a ball across the Bamber goal, but St Juste arrived a fraction too late in a Gascoigne-esque moment. The icing on the cake occurred when a Town free kick was halted when a Bamber defended blatantly kicked Andy Rowan, and was sent off for his offence. Bizarrely, a penalty was NOT given, and instead the free kick was retaken. Readers are advised to youtube the Fabien Barthez/Ian Harte incident where Harte was kicked in the box away from play, and a penalty was rightly awarded, for more understanding of why a penalty should have been given.

Still, Garforth found the net again. A drifted corner was converted by Renshaw, who used his aerial threat well to power home a headed effort. Sadly, a fourth was out of the question with almost no time left, but there were encouraging signs from this high scoring match with another gutsy second half performance from a capable and determined Garforth Town outfit.

The best and worst of Garforth Town - 07/08 in review

Garforth Town – Season Review

There’s never a dull moment at Garforth Town AFC, the self proclaimed ‘world’s most famous amateur club’. Everyone associated with the club are very pleased with their team’s performances and the progress that has been shown throughout 2007/08, a season that will historically be remembered as Town’s inaugural seventh tier experience in English football, having never competed as high as the UniBond League before. At the end of last season Town put together a run of 19 games with just 2 defeats to earn promotion onto the next stage, the newly reformed UniBond League First Division North, and have successfully defied the odds with a mid table finish, having lurked near the play off places as an unlikely promotion contender.

Garforth had never reached this level in their history, a remarkable achievement for Simon Clifford, who took over management of a struggling, debt ridden 10th tier outfit. The team, largely that of the Northern Counties East League winners of 2006/07, has coped fantastically well with the step up, undertaking their task with gusto. Garforth ended the season positioned in 10th place without ever apparently reaching the full potential their young, talented players suggest they possess, and haven’t faced any truly dominant, formidable opposition.

The season proved an invaluable experience for the younger members of the team, notably teenagers Duncan Williams, Mark Piper, Seb Muddel, Adam Clarke and Mark Harding. Piper, a graduate of the Brazilian Soccer School Clifford set up in Southampton which his parents run, opined; “Even with (depleted) numbers, we were only really troubled by the title chasers – Skelmersdale and Bradford Park Avenue. We beat FC United of Manchester (who stole into second place ahead of Skelmers at the last), and Curzon (who were top from about January to April before losing to FC and Skelmers and finishing an unlucky 4th). Outside of that four we outplayed everyone else, and lost silly games with set piece goals or daft mistakes. This league is ours next year.”

Despite inconsistent form Garforth maintained a place around the play-off positions throughout the season, having slipped from comfort in third after a disastrous January. Such an achievement will require a similar run of form to last year but having dropped a number of unnecessary points due to errors and inexperience, the management, team and supporters will be working hard to amend this occurrence and ensure that the prospect of promotion is rather more than a possibility next year, a season which will herald the return of messianic Simon Clifford, as the Miner’s look to march onwards and upwards into the realms of the unfulfilled prophecies of their owner.

Note: the following is merely the opinion of the writer.

Performance of the season

A toss-up between the 4-0 annihilation of Newcastle Blue Star, and the sweet victory over FC United of Manchester. In terms of complete dominance, the Geordie bashing was an epitome of total control, whereas in terms of a hard fought victory as underdogs against a big gun, nothing from 07/08 in the entire UniBond can top the 1-0 deficit Garforth inflicted on FC in front of their home fans courtesy of a Jason St Juste goal. The late goal salvo of Luis de Melo, the five minute hat-trick, makes the Rossendale victory noteworthy here too.

Top three –
1-0 – FC United of Manchester
4-0 – Newcastle Blue Star
5-2 – Rossendale FC

Performer of the Season

Garforth Town fielded some determined players this season, but the stand-out for this writer at least was 19 year old Duncan Williams. Nothing can be said that hasn’t already been uttered, and Duncan will grow into a mature, class act on and off the field. Worthy mentions are 17 goal top scorer and left winger by trade Greg Kelly, defender Milton Turner, the hard working Mark Piper and stalwart captain Brett Renshaw.

Goal of the Season

While not in the most enjoyable of games, Chris Brown’s sizzler from distance against BPA stands out as Garforth’s best goal from 2007/08. An individual effort, all the more pleasing coming from a defender by trade who toils in a striking role he is unaccustomed to, Brown received the ball thirty yards from goal on the right channel, and struck fiercely back across goal, the ball flying over the stranded goalkeeper and dipping into the top left corner, to the delight of the Garforth support.

Ones to forget

A toss-up between Woodley Sports, BPA or Skelmersdale at home. I won’t linger.

Showboat of the Season

The Rivelino elastico from Dunga Williams away at Mossley in April. Take your bow.

Individual Performance of the Season

Milton Turner in the Horsfall Stadium Swamp. 0-3 would have been 3-0 had eleven players turned in that display.

D.Fletcher

Mossley 2 - Garforth Town 1

22.4.2008

The players of Garforth Town entered their penultimate fixture of the season determinedly, but their defiance was ultimately futile as the Miner's were stung by the occasionally fundamental injustice of football that the team withthe most goals wins, as an undeserving Mossley claimed the full three points from this encounter with two unexpected thunderbolts from range. Despite controlling the pace of the game, Town could not claw their way back into proceedings despite a late consolation goal courtesy of Mark Piper.

Town were sharp early doors, and an imminent victory seemed inevitable judging by the gulf in class with the player's comparative abilities. Piper - a welcome return to form - released Luis de Melo on the right but the Portuguese midfielder's cross was blocked, as was a shot from Adam Clarke following a penetrative move down the left flank with Duncan Williams, Chris Brown and Piper. The former Southampton and Brazilian Soccer Schools graduate himself received a through ball from Williams and his cut inside and cross was marginally overlong for Brown. Brown turned from a throw-in and shot narrowly wide. Williams displayed his contempt for the opposition with a 'Rivelino elastico' on the left flank, to widespread grudging grins and chuckles among the home support. Olé, olé.

The party was short-lived. Gatecrasher Dave Boardman latched onto a loose headed ball on 40 minutes, and shot assuredly and low from twenty yards.Phillis tried in vain to save but the Mossley man's shot was well struck, and Town found themselves unexpectedly in a losing situation once more.

With attack now a necessity, Town proceeded to dominate the second half in its entirety. Piper and Williams were a constant threat, and Vernol Blair showed good touches and even a yard of pace after entering the fray to enhance the attack. Mark Pipú was released once more on goal, but uncharacteristically in light of his performance was unable to beat Ashley Connor in the Mossley goal,who did well to block the southerner's effort. Mossley meanwhile failed utterly to muster a mere semblance of attacking football, yet the visitors could not claim their divine right to parity.

Disaster struck along with the lightning a second time, as a fiercely fired yet mis-hit cross from Leon Henry comprehensively found its way past Phillis,and the flaccid and previously wilted hosts were suddenly revitalised, as they were now only quarter of an hour away from recording a victory as unjust as that of the Greeks at Troy.

Minutes later, Garforth regained some ground as Luis's in-swinging corner found the head of Piper, who powered the ball past Connor to retrieve some battered pride and create intrigue for the final ten. Again, it wasn't to be,but not for lack of trying as Williams tried his luck with a chest and volley,Luis with an ambitious and high, curled free kick from thirty yards and Brett Renshaw with a header met from Blair's delicate set up. A relieved Mossley applauded their long suffering and remarkably enduring fans, as Town trudged off fully aware that they had snatched defeat from the jaws of victory leading into their end of season carnival at home, hosting the aforementioned red hordes of, apparently, Manchester. Bring on 'the Busby Babes'.

Garforth Town 0 - Skelmersdale United 3

19.4.2008

Garforth Town’s penultimate home game of the season ended in ignominious defeat, as title chasing Skelmersdale United maintained their pressure on pace-setters Bradford Park Avenue and Curzon. The Miner’s, bereft of numerous key players, fought bravely but were ultimately unable to overcome the deficit inflicted on them with two demoralising goals on the brink of half time.

The game ebbed and flowed, but neither side were able to apply the decisive touches through the application of dextrous skill or force. Skelmersdale showed an unusual lack of finesse or threat for a promotion chasing outfit, but the absence of a recognised goalscorer in the Garforth attack visibly hampered their ability to capitalise.

After several near misses from the home side, a well worked counter attack saw a curled cross field ball lure Brett Renshaw and Milton Turner out of position, as Skelmersdale striker Tony Murt cut the ball back into the centre for Chris Almond to tuck neatly past Spratt. The disheartening strike clearly affected Town, and the home defence were shell-shocked when an overlap two minutes later saw Sean McConville skip past his marker and slide the ball into the bottom right corner. With less than two minutes to play in the first, Town required a miraculous recovery in the second.

An early injury to George Williams necessitated the introduction of joint-manager Vernol Blair, as Town looked to improve their attacking success, but could not pierce the flanks or backline of the solid Skelmersdale system. Lee Ryan burst past an opponent and fired narrowly wide, and Mark Piper was unlucky with a low shot that flashed past the United goal. After various attempts to claw back numeric parity, Garforth were sank in the 77th as Aaron Turner elbowed Adam Clarke to the floor, before admirably switching feet with a quick drag and step and firing into the top left corner adroitly.

Garforth briefly came to life, as a seemingly valid penalty claim was ignored by the official, but could not convert an opportunity. The Miner’s must now look to produce a productive performance away at Mossley, with the return of several players and some battered pride at stake. The subsequent home fixture should prove to be more memorable than this one, as Town entertain the hordes of Salford and London with the visit of FC United of Manchester.

Garforth Town 1 - Curzon Ashton 0

15.3.2008

Garforth Town were looking to continue their recent run of form with the visit of league leaders Curzon Ashton, avenging their only defeat in seven games in the process. In doing so, the Yorkshiremen emphasised the potential of the team at this level, in imperiously defeating the pace setters and firmly establishing themselves back in the promotion push for the season’s climax.

Curzon boasted a formidable record going into the fixture, with the threat of the league’s top scorer Michael Norton to provide the Unibond acid test for Richard Carrick and Brett Renshaw. Surprisingly, the striker was not included in the Curzon side that took to the field, and the visitors looked correspondingly toothless in the areas of opportunity.

The heavy rain before and during the game made the well maintained home pitch slippery underfoot, with all players visibly careful whilst in possession. This scenario resulted in a low key and tight first half period, though the Miner’s superiority was indicated by the consistent doggedness of the Town midfield, and the way in which the home side were first to every tackle, loose ball and 50/50. Curzon’s Rhodri Giggs was dismissed for an atrocious elbow on Garforth’s Ben Small, who followed the Welshman due to his ill judged retaliation. Shortly after Andy Watson’s headed attempt was adeptly tipped over the crossbar by Karl Spratt, this one of many fine displays of his that may be attributed to the emergence of Gavin Phillis, who has excelled when deputising. Garforth responded with some probing attacks of their own, all of which were thwarted by some desperate defending or an inability to convert the chances earned, perhaps indicative of the lack of a true goalscorer in Town’s team. Garforth pressurised the Lancastrians but were unable to turn their undoubted superiority into a numerical advantage. The half ended goalless, with Curzon severely disheartened and the home side in the ascendancy.

Curzon were clearly riled at their haplessness and ineptitude, and proved tactically improved as they maintained possession for the first part of the second half. Though few goal scoring opportunities were created, the visitors were thus under no pressure, and the impetus Garforth had claimed ebbed away. The Miner’s slowly reclaimed this as Curzon wilted under the pressure and considerable weather and pitch conditions, and on the hour mark an attack minded substitution from Town to introduce Mark Harding and Greg Kelly further damaged the resistance of the men from Greater Manchester.

From the seventieth minute the game became more stretched, with expanses of space created by the drastic change in play. Ashton seemed unable to match Garforth’s fitness, and the unchecked, surging runs from midfield by Duncan Williams, Luis De Melo and the Garforth substitutes were wreaking havoc in the visitors waning defence.

The breakthrough came on 78 minutes when Curzon’s defender Kevin Parr made a last ditch clearance to prevent De Melo scoring. The subsequent corner, a Duncan Williams in-swinger found the head of captain Renshaw at the far post, who steered the ball back across goal to Greg Kelly. The versatile Town man once again proved clinical in front of goal, as his swivel and volley from eight yards found the roof of the net to send the home supporters into delirium.
Curzon offered no real resistance thenceforth, as Town effortlessly preserved their advantage. An incisive move down the right flank was neutralised, and some more last ditch tackles prevented the home side extending their lead, Ashton almost snatched a late equaliser with a stoppage time header, but justice prevailed as Spratt alertly saved the effort and retained the deficit to give Garforth a much needed, and impressively gained, three points to aid and enhance their attempts to gatecrash the end of season play-off party for promotion into a national league for the first time in Garforth Town’s 44 year history.

Clitheroe 1 - Garforth Town 2

9.2.2008

Garforth returned to winning form in rip-roaring fashion at the Shawbridge Stadium, overcoming Clitheroe FC at the Lancastrians home in a hot tempered fixture. Town surrendered the early lead they claimed through Luis de Melo, but continued to pressurise the home defence until a neat flicked finish from Greg Kelly claimed the all important three points for the Yorkshiremen.

Clitheroe immediately tested the defensive qualities of the Williams brother’s and Brett Renshaw with some speculative high through balls, but the young men showed their relative experience early, and Garforth took control. One of Clitheroe’s many hatchet men conceded a fourth minute free kick on the far left, which was directed by Chris Brown into the path of de Melo. The new recruit from Spain assuredly slotted the ball back across goal into the lower right hand corner, a first-time finish with aplomb.

The early lead served to rile sections of Clitheroe’s support, who incessantly bellowed at their team to respond. After more high balls, a Clitheroe cross evaded all Town defenders but the striker failed to find the target, the ball narrowly flying over. On the twenty minute mark, a carbon copy attack resulted in the same striker heading past the returning Carl Spratt, only for his own team-mate to block on the goal line. The grateful Town duly cleared.

Soon after, a marauding Clitheroe midfielder was positioning himself to score when Duncan Williams gained possession with a crunching tackle. The versatile Brazilian Soccer School graduate played the ball downfield to de Melo, who when in acres of space and with two Town attackers in support was brought down in an atrocious tackle, one of many. The offender went unpunished, yet Town were denied a glorious chance to further enhance their lead.

Minutes later, an intelligent George Williams cross-field pass found de Melo in similar space, with exactly the same ugly outcome. The unsporting nature of Clitheroe surface in these moments of blatant cynicism.

Clitheroe took the ascendancy in the ensuing five minutes, and only stout defensive exertion from the Garforth men prevented the Lancastrians from scoring. With ten minutes left to play in the half, the ball was cleared high towards de Melo, whose marker’s high foot caught the Town attacker flush in the face. The injury sustained would constitute a replacement player being brought on, yet again the offender escaped punishment. Greg Kelly won the ball soon after, but was deemed to have used unnecessary force and was booked, after some disgraceful Clitheroe fouls.

Debutant Patrice Liberg was proving his defensive capabilities, yet conceded a free kick on the edge of the box for manhandling the home striker and a fracas almost ensued. The ill-tempered fixture was in serious danger of boiling over, and one was relieved to hear the half-time whistle from the incompetent referee.

Garforth began the second half much the stronger side, constantly probing and piercing the Clitheroe back line. Kelly was put through on three occasions by the industrious Mark Piper, but perhaps mindful of the booking already sustained was unwilling the overtly challenge the alert onrushing goalkeeper, who thrice saved his team. One such attack was followed by the goalkeeper throwing the ball to a centre circle placed midfielder, who in turn released Chris Lomax with a ball down the right channel. With Liberg mistiming his lunge, Lomax coolly slotted past Spratt to give the home side an unfair equality with the visitors.

Shortly after the hour mark, Piper ran out from defence on the right wing into the expanse of space, before cutting inside and directing the ball into the path of Greg Kelly’s run. The Town man positioned to shoot, but unfortunately mis-hit his shot, to the delight of the home support, who gave a rousing chorus of ‘Lancashire, la la la.’ The vocal visitors responded with calls for various counties, including Somerset, Staffordshire and Sussex. Not for the lispers.

Piper would fiercely tackle the niggling number 3 Clitheroe full back, who slid into the advertising hoardings. The infuriated, diminutive Lancastrian responded with aggression which, surprisingly, went unpunished. An episode of ‘handbags’ was followed by a free kick being taken by the same full back, who decided to reveal himself to the away support. The way in which this player conducted himself throughout the game was only overshadowed by the behaviour of the home supporters, and the fact that he went unchecked was a testament to the ineptitude of the officiating.

Garforth remained hungry for a winner, which eventually came with another combination between Kelly and Piper. A goal kick was headed on to the BSS Southampton winger, who committed the defender before unselfishly squaring the decisive through ball to Greg. Kelly approached the Clitheroe keeper before his deftly flicked finish found the bottom left corner of the goal. Town were back on course for that long awaited win.

With eight minutes left, a high curled free kick from Duncan was met by a towering Liberg header, which narrowly went over. A minute later, a fiercely struck yet mis-hit cross was goal-bound at the near post, but Spratt managed to tip the ball over. A volleyed shot seemed destined for that same top corner in the dying seconds, but Spratt again produced a spectacular save to send the loyal traveller’s home happy. The Garforth players applauded their support at the end, as the passing Clitheroe ‘fans’ inevitably disgraced themselves, but their abusive behaviour did not dampen the enjoyment of watching Town win, and claim the much needed maximum points in a hostile ground.

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 Town vs Bradford Park Avenue - preview

On Saturday, East Leeds outfit Garforth Town will host three time FA Cup quarter finalists and rival Yorkshiremen Bradford Park Avenue, in what promises to be a full blooded affair at the Genix Healthcare stadium. The two sides met earlier in the season, with Bradford edging a closely fought encounter by a single goal, and the return promises to be a hot ticket to the followers of BPA and the Miner’s fans alike.

Garforth have been inconsistent as of late – an impressive victory over FC United of Manchester has been followed by eight wins, four draws and eleven losses, a record which conjures connotations of a talented but unreliable journeyman boxer. Avenue are flying – third in the league table on 42 points with five games in hand over second placed Osset Albion and a two game advantage over current pacesetters Curzon. A win would elevate Garforth right back in promotion contention – currently somewhat jeopardised by the inability to win the most recent games played, thus handing the initiative to teams with games in hand. To capitalise on their advantage in matches played would firmly place Bradford in the title race, and create a more comfortable gap between themselves and FC United, just outside the playoff zone.

The miserable weather should suit Bradford better – Garforth’s now inextricable link with Brazilian football has given the Miner’s side a reputation for comparative flair in English amateur football. Should the outfit gain promotion it would be for the third time in four seasons – a Clifford inspired rise from the tenth pyramid level of English football to the seventh. As improbable as it sounds, try suggesting a former Brazil captain would ever be enticed to an NCE league club....

Daniel Fletcher