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.

Trafford FC 0 - Garforth Town 5

“Terminated”.

So spoke Arnold Schwarzenegger in T2 after destroying his hapless opponent, the T-1000. So too may Garforth utter similar sentiments after the complete and utter annihilation of capable Mancunians Trafford FC at their own Shawe View Stadium, producing another masterclass performance to sweep aside their adversaries in an entertaining UniBond league fixture.

Fast and Furious was another film that sprung to mind, as the title epitomised the start Garforth made in taking the lead in the fourth minute. A throw in caused confusion, and Andy Hayward managed to lay off Jason St Juste, presenting the former Southampton man with the easiest of finishes to earn an early lead for the visiting side.

Trafford appeared vulnerable to balls played into the box, and Garforth nearly exposed this once again when Duncan Williams almost scored from a header, forcing a corner. The youngster’s resulting curled effort was almost converted by midfielder Wayne Harratt, and the home side were undoubtedly on the ropes.

Shortly thereafter, Oliver Hotchkiss would flick the ball over the head of his marker and feed St Juste, whose subsequent burst through the centre led to Hayward being granted a free shot at goal, though his placed effort was saved.

Many players performed well today, but in the latter stages of the first half none caught the eye more than Carl Fox and Ross Wilkinson, both of whom defended brilliantly with well-timed challenges breaking up Trafford attacks.

On the brink of half time, the Miner’s claimed a deserved second through a Hotchkiss free kick that was met toweringly by Lee Connor. His pin point header again gifted St Juste the easiest of close range finishes, and Town now had a strong lead to hold going into the second period.

Williams caused the first of many problems for Trafford in the second, teasing a full back with trickery before cutting inside and firing a shot towards goal. Though the effort was blocked, Duncan reclaimed possession and elected to cross for Greg Kelly, who suffered the same fate though there were scattered shouts for handball in this incident.

Mere minutes later, a passing interchange between Kelly and Hotchkiss saw the Mackem man curl a cross towards Andy Hayward, whose flicked header was almost met by the onrushing Williams before the Trafford shot stopper claimed the ball.

Williams almost claimed an individual goal of the season award on the hour mark, unleashing a series of kick ups on the edge of the box before attempting an audacious overhead lobbed finish that nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard.

Ten minutes later Duncan would claim his goal, when a throw in yet again caused problems and he was able to capitalise on a ricochet to fire home for the third.

Williams would nearly add to his tally when latching onto a Hotchkiss lifted pass he blazed over from 18 yards. Needless to say, by this stage the chances of a mauling were looking increasingly likely.

Hotchkiss tried his luck with a shot preceded by a mazy run through several Trafford players, and narrowly missed. Then on 90 minutes, a Wilkinson ball up field fell kindly for late substitute Dom Blair to latch onto, and the Town man rounded the goalkeeper. Despite the ball straying a tad wide, Blair composed himself and unselfishly lifted a delicate curl over the Trafford no.1 for Hayward to volley home in the net for Town’s fourth.

The icing on the cake occurred in stoppage time, when a Hotchkiss ball was steered into the bottom right corner via the head of Captain Renshaw, who must be proud of his privat… erm, teammates, after such a dominant, ruthless display.

Garforth are next in action on Tuesday night away at Frickley, and given the recent performances in the Challenge Cup, not to mention today, no one will want to miss it. I know that… I’ll be back.

Garforth Town 1 - Warrington Town 1

A scruffy stoppage time equaliser robbed Garforth of the win they have long deserved, and with it two points as visiting Warrington snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat and cost the Miner’s an overdue victory in front of their home fans at the Genix.

The home Town enjoyed the lion’s share of possession early doors, and most of the chances throughout. Garforth first came close when a lofted cross was lifted an inch too high for Andy Hayward to convert at the far post. Shortly thereafter Jason St Juste latched onto a through ball down the wing, and cut inside before unleashing a shot that was blocked. Most outlandishly of all, Oliver Hotchkiss tried making his tenure at Town that bit more memorable with an attempt to recreate the goal against Wimbledon that launched David Beckham to superstardom. Sadly, he couldn’t quite Bend It Like Beckham, and though the goalkeeper would have been bested by his fifty-yard effort, the shot sailed wide.

Controversy reared its head when a Warrington miscreant clearly kicked Duncan Williams after the Garforth youngster had been bundled to the ground right in front of his own bench, and the linesman. No official punishment was meted out.

St Juste almost scored with another penalty box effort, and el capitano Brett Renshaw proved the there is life in the old legs after his recent Mexican sojourn with a brilliant burst upfield leading to a Duncan Williams inswinger that caused confusion in the Warrington box, though Garforth could not force the goal.

The best chance of the first half occurred when Greg Kelly found himself through on goal, but last seasons 17 goal wing back was unable to apply the scoring touch, and his shot was well saved. The half concluded with a blatant trip on Jason St Juste, though no penalty was awarded.

By now Garforth were lining up to take shots at the Warrington shot stopper, and it would not be long before one such opportunity presented itself to be converted. That duly occurred in the first play of the second half, when penalty box confusion allowed the hard working Renshaw to fire home with a fine finish on forty-six minutes.

Hotchkiss tested the goalkeeper with a curled free kick on the hour mark, to which Warrington finally responded with a Giggs-esque mazy run (Ryan, the good one) from an attacker followed by a low shot that blazed wide. Ross and Brett were proving assured at the back, and they needed to be as the visiting plastic Scousers finally strung together some attacking plays to test the Garforth back line.

A lifted pass found Williams on the far post, but the chance was hard and his header was saved. Duncan was finding himself in some dangerous positions, which was reassuring as Warrington maintained a good ten minutes of pressure leading up to this point. Best of all, Renshaw released substitute Dom Blair on 85 minutes, who ran and fed Kelly on the left. The versatile winger laid off Hotchkiss, whose curled effort agonisingly drifted an inch wide.

Even so, Town looked to have bagged a confidence boosting win until a shockingly scrappy, ugly, brutal, horrible, nasty, horrifying, atrocious, ghastly, unseemly goal emanating from a scramble that saw the ball travel through a mass of players in the Garforth box several times before ricocheting off a leg and into the net on 96 minutes. Regardless, there are positives to take from the performance, and every step in the right direction is one worth taking.

Durham City 5 - Garforth Town 2

Town travelled away to Durham in high hopes, and returned dejected after two more contentious penalties were awarded to the excellent home side, tarnishing an otherwise close encounter between two outfits largely consisting of young players. Garforth started brightly, City responded with gusto and good free flowing football and the crowd were treated to a well-contested game ruined by official incompetence and ineptitude.

The visitors were almost immediately in the ascendancy, with good interlinking play leading to a Jason St Juste shot from 18 yards being blocked, as were the subsequent two shots from Andy Hayward - both desperately so - in only the second minute of play. Two minutes later the dependable Olly Hotchkiss tried his luck with a dipping thunderbolt from distance that was well saved.

Durham responded with a well-struck free kick that Gavin Phillis did well to save. The youngster’s long kick up field was laid off by Hayward for Chris Brown to strike at goal, narrowly missing.

The hosts were now coming into their own, playing football that was pleasing on the eye with good pace and movement. Phillis made another good save from a low shot and the ball was spread wide. Wayne Harratt received the ball 25 yards from goal and, after riding a challenge, fired an accurate strike into the top right corner to the delight of the travelling contingent.

After some enjoyable end-to-end fare Town conceded a corner, and the inswinger was cleared to Adam Johnston, who somehow rifled the ball through the mass of players and into the net to regain parity for his team.

Some excellent distribution by the busy Hotchkiss brought play into the Durham half, where Jason St Juste was fed the ball out on the left wing. St Juste beat his man for pace before firing a dangerous low cross into the six yard box, though the keeper claimed it before Hayward could. Five minutes later, the same keeper was lured out of position from a dangerous cross and Brown fired over under pressure.

On the very threshold of half time, a fiercely struck low ball struck a Town man on the arm, and a penalty was awarded in the wake of 230 screaming Geord… no, Mack…erm, Durham fans. Phillis did well to deny Johnston, but the rebounding ball sadly rolled straight out for the home striker to convert.

The second half saw a Hotchkiss free kick met by a Lee Connor header that beat the Durham shot stopper only to be cleared off the goal line by last ditch defending. Durham won a corner shortly after and in the wake of two horrible ricochets, the loose ball was fired into the Garforth goal.

The entertainment factor of the game was successfully killed off by the Man In Black on 73 minutes when a clear slip from a Durham attacker resulted in a ludicrous penalty, completing Johnston’s hat-trick.
Two minutes later, the disheartened visitors saw a nasty bounce allow Tommy English to try his luck with a lobbed effort that found the far corner of the net. Garforth responded with a Wayne Harratt header that was tipped onto the post, and a slightly more successful repeat that found the net to bring the score ultimately to 2-3, minus the penalties. Town next look to welcome Warrington to the Genix Healthcare Stadium on Saturday, after this test against an excellent Durham side with a hospitable club president. See you Saturday.

Rossendale United 2 - Garforth Town 2

Garforth Town produced a dominant performance to thoroughly outclass Lancastrians Rossendale United at their own Dark Lane Stadium in a ridiculous 2-2 draw. The Miner’s – who enjoyed approximately 75% of the possession, and an even steeper percentage of goal scoring chances – neutralised their hosts and hit the back of the net three times but were undone by two penalties, the second of which was an extremely controversial call.

After an initial feeling out process, Town took the initiative and then some. Andy Hayward came close with a volley on twelve minutes from a long throw in, and Duncan Williams tried his luck with an effort from distance. Wayne Harrat almost converted a curled free kick with a header, and a mere minute later Jason St Juste fizzed a dangerous ball into the six-yard box that was gratefully claimed by the goalkeeper.

With five minutes of first half action left Garforth found the net for the first time. Another throw in caused problems, and when the United shot stopper produced a good save Andy Hayward was on hand to convert the ball. For reasons unbeknownst to me at present, this goal was disallowed.

Brett Renshaw – excellent throughout – was released with a through ball soon after but was unable to finish the half chance under pressure. Then, Olly Hotchkiss adroitly held off several players to keep possession, and spread the play to St Juste. Jason beat his man for pace and released another dangerous cross, though Hayward’s headed effort went narrowly wide.

As the half drew to a close, a Hotchkiss free kick unintentionally struck the referee in the face. He lived.

Town began the second as they had ended the first – on top. Ben Small fed Williams a ball up the left channel, and the youngster cut in to lay off Hotchkiss for a shot that almost deflected in via Renshaw. It was the height of injustice when the hosts actually took the lead – a mistimed tackle leading to a penalty that Phil Eastwood converted on fifty minutes.

Williams and Hotchkiss constantly proved their worth to the team, combining well to set up Olly for a shot that missed by a lick of paint. Then, the games best moment occurred when Renshaw latched onto a through ball he was not favourite to win, excellently holding off two defenders before back heeling the ball for Hayward to flick past the keeper to regain parity.

Both Hayward and Williams would come close in the next ten minutes, before a curled cross was met toweringly by Renshaw, whose header struck the post. By now it was a foregone conclusion; sooner or later the visitors would score again and kill this mismatch of a game off.

Things got better for Garforth when an atrocious lunge at Gavin Phillis saw a Rossendale hot head get sent for an early shower. The writing truly appeared to be on the wall for United as Garforth promptly scored, Wayne Harrat placing a header into the top right corner with only ten minutes of play to go.

Disaster duly struck. Slight contact with a United attacker in the area saw the referee wave play on to give said striker the advantage, then four seconds later when the chance went begging abruptly awarded a penalty. Eastwood converted again, and though Town almost clawed back their deserved three points when a Hotchkiss free kick struck the post, the tie somehow ended up all square. At least Garforth have produced two dominant displays back to back, finding the net seven times in those outings, and will look to carry this form into the Tuesday fixture away at Durham. Howay the lads!

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.

Garforth Town 3 - Romulus 4 - FA Vase

Garforth suffered an unlucky reverse in questionable circumstances at the hands of Midlands outfit Romulus, after staging a brave second half comeback. The fates were against the home side, as seemingly every deflection, decision and decisive moment went against, and it was to the credit of Town that they mounted such an impressive and spirited showing when the chips were down.

A much-changed line-up started the match, with Town bereft of SIX key players. Proceedings did not improve when the visitors bagged three horrendous goals, all of which stemmed from unfortunate mistakes. At this stage the game seemed unsalvageable.

A spirited showing saw Garforth find the visitors net on no less than five occasions. Chris Brown seemed to have scored his first of the season, only for his header to be disallowed on the grounds that another player was offside. Wasn’t there an alteration to the offside rule two years ago? Ruud van Nistlerooy would have scored about six career goals had this ruling been in effect.

Garforth, galvanised, found the net again when Wayne Harrat converted a header from a corner. The ball was diverted into the roof of the net via the hand of a Romulus defender, who was NOT sent off. The goal did not stand either, and with the subsequent penalty missed, it seemed that the gods of Olympus were against Town, laughing from afar.

Garforth’s third, and first officially recognised goal was adroitly taken. Olly Hotchkiss curled a sweet ball into the box, and Andy Rowan powered a volley back across goal that lashed in off the post to give Town hope.

Jason St Juste, in his best effort since returning, jinked past several Romulus midfielders on the left channel before firing a Kewell-esque low left footed drive that found the bottom right corner. The tie was now well and truly on.

Sadly, the dramatic late finish was ruined when a blatantly offside attacker was free to beat Phillis from a one on one encounter. Garforth showed spunk to fire back once more, with Hotchkiss finding the net from outside the area with a driven effort.

The visiting players and management were responsible for a substantial amount of criminal damage after the game, it should be noted.

The game may well represent the end of a cup run, but the feisty and uncompromising late performance was affirming of the spirit and potential of the squad. These aforementioned qualities and the return of several key players should mark the beginning of some dominant form in the league games to come as Garforth look to move up to bigger and better.

Garforth Town 2 - Halifax Town 2

An unlucky sucker punch of an equaliser robbed Garforth Town of two valuable points in an entertaining and heated league fixture at the Genix Healthcare stadium. Nearly five hundred people enjoyed the emotional affair, though only half would have appreciated the two scrappy headed goals that occurred in the dying minutes which allowed Halifax Town a share of the points that the Miner’s had worked so hard for.

The first ten minutes saw Garforth take the game to their well-supported visitors, though the strong Halifax defence prevented any penetrative break through. Halifax did claim a near miss with a curled lob that went narrowly wide, but the bulk of play was in the home sides favour. Both outfits attempted numerous through balls and lofted passes, many of which were over-hit and skidded away on the slippy surface.

Dom Blair was causing problems on the right with his pace and trickery, and one such jinking run led to Garforth taking the lead. Blair circumnavigated a group of defenders and darted into the penalty area. One delicate pass later, and Mark Piper drilled the bouncing ball back across Jon Kennedy in the Halifax goal to find the corner of the net and give Garforth the numerical advantage.

Halifax almost immediately responded with a curled free kick that missed by a lick of paint, but the next sequence of play would prove to be more memorable. Duncan Williams chased a lofted ball and was challenged by Kennedy, who injured the young utility man. The goalkeeper flew into Duncan, despite the ball being on the ground at time of challenge. Neither man was officially punished.

Half time saw a group of young Brazilian Soccer Schools children give a demonstration of their abilities on the pitch, with a small game. The children, watched by their coaches, gave a fine display that was pleasingly well received by the watching crowd.

The second half began with an amusing piece from one of the linesmen, and on the pitch the balance of play was even. It would be twenty minutes before there was a differentiation between the sides – Garforth began tackling hard, to which the visiting contingent roared their displeasure. Despite this, several nasty challenges were made by the visiting team, notably on Greg Kelly, Duncan Williams and Olly Hotchkiss, which were rather more well received.

Garforth deservedly doubled their advantage when Hotchkiss showed his undoubted ability with a neat turn and curled cross field ball to substitute Andy Rowan. The Town man manoeuvred himself into a position to score, but when Kennedy challenged him, the dependable Greg Kelly was on hand to convert the loose ball with the goal at his mercy.

Halifax, spurred on by their infuriated fans, pressured the Miner’s defence, winning a corner in the 86th minute. Their star man, Junior Brown managed to head the ball towards goal, and the deflected effort beat Phillis to give the visitors hope. Two minutes later, they scored a near identical goal, this time with the well-named Cavell Coo inflicting the damage. This episode saw the blonde member of the Halifax coaching staff leave his technical area to run around like a half witted idiot, gesturing towards the Garforth bench, kicking advertisement hoardings, swearing at home fans and being as moronic as it is conceivably possible for an adult human to be.

Town could not reverse the damage, and will look to bounce back against Woodley Sports away on Saturday. Lessons will be learned from this experience, and Town can take heart from their performance against a capable side and rejuvenate their season as they look to win promotion to the UniBond Premier League.

Garforth Town 2 - Belper Town 0 - FA Trophy

The cruise control pace of Garforth’s imperious FA Trophy victory over Belper Town could not have contrasted more with the passion and energy of the FA Cup ties with Guiseley. The indomitable hosts breezed to an early lead, added to it, and could easily have doubled their final tally after a dominant first half and a leisurely second.

With the heavy wind in their favour, Garforth started strongly and asked immediate questions of Belper goalkeeper Paul Pettenger. Dom Blair’s lively start culminated with good work that set up Mark Piper, who converted an easy chance in the eighth minute to begin Town’s march Wembley way.

Goal hungry, Piper would latch onto a through ball and lure Pettenger into a rash challenge. Rounding the shot stopper, Piper allowed Dom Blair the chance to convert the slightly overran ball, returning the earlier favour. With the high wind and light ball, the shot cleared the crossbar and flew over the gaping goal to collective groans.

Piper would almost set Blair up once more with a dipping cross from distance, but the attacker could not connect with his diving header. Notwithstanding, minutes later Blair fully redeemed himself with some good link up play with Callum Selby on the left (embarrassing and humiliating the right back in the process) before coolly squaring for Greg Kelly to slot home. Two and counting.

After further pressure, Garforth culminated the half with Greg latching onto another lofted ball and firing a half volley over Pettenger. The shot struck the crossbar and was cleared, but handclaps and an ‘easy, easy’ chant were by now in order as the Miner’s were in total control.

The industrious Piper and Duncan Williams were rested at half time, replaced by the Andy’s - Haywood and Rowan. Belper would claim more possession this time around, but the few chances they had were well dealt with by Gavin Phillis, whose shot stopping performance was excellent. His kicks suffered in the wind, but even with this disadvantageous weather Town did not look like conceding their initiative to vastly inferior visitors.

With Town defenders Renshaw, Kamara, Jagger and Turner all staunch in the face of lacklustre attacks, Garforth’s attack looked to add to the tally. Andy Rowan burst through up the left channel but his driven shot was well saved. Belper almost scored with a near post shot, but Town’s subsequent counter attack forced them back into their shells. In the dying minutes, Rowan rounded Pettenger but the ball overran, and the Town man unselfishly squared inside to Hotchkiss, whose swivel and drive beat the goalkeeper but was denied by a last ditch block from a desperate defender. Greg would also try his luck with a late shot, but the two goal advantage would last until the final whistle that heralded Garforth’s progression in the FA Trophy tournament.

Garforth Town 1 - Guiseley 3 - FA Cup

Sadly, the FA Cup dream has prematurely ended for Garforth, as the plucky Miner’s fell to a lucky Guiseley outfit from the top of a higher league. Three disastrous goals sank the hostile hosts, two of which occurred in the very late stages of a very evenly contested game that Garforth fully deserved to get something from.

The first half saw no real close calls from a Town perspective, though the play saw neither side claim any real dominance. The stars of the show seemed to be the Town old guard of yesteryear; namely Renshaw, Piper, Williams. All showed great determination and composure, even more impressively considering the young age of the latter two.

The best opportunity to take the lead for the home side would come when Dominic Blair managed to turn his marker, but was unlawfully taken down. This went with impunity. Guiseley would respond later in the half with a fiercely struck effort that sailed wide.

The second would prove to be a frustrating half for the Miner’s, as several bizarre official decisions had both sets of fans howling in derision, and Town boss Simon Clifford howling in rage. Earning his ire did nothing to improve the quality of officiating – sadly, given the excellent officiating just three days previous.

After twenty even minutes of second period play, a speculative through ball was improperly cleared, and the Town faithful groaned as the inevitable steady and shot saw Phillis beaten at his far post from ten yards. The lead was almost doubled as a good shooting chance was scuffed well wide somewhat less impressively.

Ten Garforth dominated minutes later, a lucky and innocuous Guiseley breakaway saw a Town clearance fly at high speed into the head of Brett Renshaw, unfortunately laying off a Guiseley shot that Phillis did well to save. Alas, the subsequent rebound broke Garforth hearts.

Guiseley immediately altered their outlook, and several attempts to time-waste were used. The unlikable conduct of former Town man Simian Bambrook in particular was strange over the two ties, acts of treachery so great that Judas Iscariot would have spat in the mans face.

With quarter of an hour on the clock Greg Kelly burst past the last line of defence, but with only the Lions numero uno to beat, fired his shot over the cross bar to widespread groans.

Redemption. Ten minutes to go, Mr Kelly cuts in from the left, fires a low shot straight at the keeper, and lo and behold, Guiseley goalie plays Taibi to Greg’s Le Tissier. Cheers mate, game on.

Sadly, beyond a cross that was intercepted, Garforth did not have much opportunity to build on the goal when a silly, inept loss of possession outside the Garforth box led to a low Guiseley shot finding the corner, ending hopes and shattering the Garforth cup dream. Kelly tried his luck with a free kick, Andy Haywood brought down a curled ball from Hotchkiss and managed to shoot, and Phillis pulled off an eye catching save before the final whistle blew time on an enjoyable 180 minute tussle with local rivals. Garforth must now look to continue this form in the league so that we can avenge this sickening but honourable reverse with league points on the line in the near future.

Guiseley 2 - Garforth Town 2 - FA Cup

*disclaimer* author of work was hammered at time of writing.


Garforth travelled to the outskirts of the Leeds boundary to inflict a mentally punishing draw on local rivals Guiseley in a barnburner of an FA Cup preliminary. The visitors turned out in good numbers, and overwhelmed their hosts both on and off the field as a packed Nethermoor Park saw the Miner’s run rampant over strong and capable opposition.

Town were ultimately unable to claim their place as Yorkshire’s number two club, as the final even score-line means the tussle is merely half way finished. However, the spate of late chances that Garforth fashioned resembled the spate of robberies that epitomised the career of Ryan’s younger, and Guiseley were visibly relieved to hear the final whistle bring an end to a reign of terror that resembled the one R… you get the gist.

After some closely contested play for the initial period, Guiseley demonstrated their undoubted class by carving out several chances. Garforth pushed back, and were looking composed when they were sucker punched by the unbeaten hosts. A shot was well saved by Phillis, then as luck would have it the rebound fell for a Guiseley attacker in a penalty area full of yellow shirts. Shortly after the shell shocked visitors conceded when Adam Muller squeezed a shot in at the near post. Town now faced an uphill struggle against their historically superior rivals. Historically – as Dylan said, the times they are a’changin.

In the later stages of the half, Duncan Williams ran and fed Olly Hotchkiss for a shot that was well saved, but Mark Piper converted the resulting rebound cleverly. Back of the net daddy-o.

This period was made memorable by the incident involving Simian Bambrook and Hotchkiss, where Guiseley’s Bambrook allegedly elbowed the Mackem in the throat and insulted his northeastern heritage. Both men went without punishment.

Hotchkiss would curl a free kick narrowly over on the hour mark, and would continue his solid performance throughout. Lee Connor had a great opportunity to level with a headed effort, and James Hanson struck a tremendous overhead kick against the crossbar. But you have to take those chances to win, as like his namesake’s song says; In an MmmBop – they’re gone.

Andy Haywood received yet another beautifully lofted ball from the Garforth rear, and elected to lob the keeper. In a hearts in mouths moment, the ball struck the post and bounced away to be cleared safely. Haywood…would… be through again, but his sliced effort missed by a yard. Third time lucky came true though, as Haywood would be the recipient of a perfectly drilled Andy Rowan penetrative through ball. He would not miss. Game on.

Ugliness would again rear its head when Adam Muller went from hero to zero, absolute zero, when he allegedly attacked Garforth captain Brett Renshaw with a variety of body parts, such as forehead and feet, all of which reportedly flew into Renshaw’s torso at high speed without warning. Brett was booked. He took it well.

Garforth’s chance to seal the deal and make Tuesday’s inevitable victory a non-event came when Haywood was again through on goal, but unselfishly elected to square the ball to Williams. Sadly it was intercepted en route, and Town can now look to a replay at the Genix Coliseum against Guiseley’s ‘Lions’, and bearing in mind our managers’ religious beliefs, lets see if this time the Christians can do it and win the big one. Either way, ‘Nethermoor’ will Guiseley overlook their cross town rivals again, as the only way is up, bay beh, for Garforth Town now.

Mossley 3 - Garforth Town 4

Garforth travelled once more to Lancashire, and returned with three points after an entertaining tussle with table toppers Mossley. Four well taken goals sealed the points for Town, who were thoroughly dominant over extremely capable opposition.

The visiting Yorkshiremen almost claimed the ascendancy early when a speculative through ball from prodigal son Milton Turner caused unease in the Mossley defence, leaving captain Brett Renshaw with the opportunity to steal in and clatter the goalkeeper. Unfortunately the ball rolled clear, but it served as an early signal of intent.

Mossley won a corner, and the resulting effort was cleared to Greg Kelly who burst up the left wing and almost scored at the climax of a mazy run. After three hellacious minutes, the home side were quickly realising they had a game on their hands.

Still in the first five minutes of the game, Duncan Williams and Greg linked up well down the left in a move that led to the ball falling kindly for Milton to try his luck with a ferocious drive from twenty yards. Mossley numero uno Liam Higginbotham did well to deny Town a lead.

Mossley managed to stifle Town in the following ten minutes, despite Brett coming close with a blasted effort after a neat Cruyff turn. Finally though, Garforth struck true on 26 minutes when a Renshaw clash allowed Oliver Hotchkiss to burst forwards and lure in a challenge. Oliver managed to release the ball in time, and Nathan Kamara was on hand to slide the ball low to Higginbotham’s left, and give Garforth a deserved lead.

Another incisive Town move saw Renshaw released to smash the ball home, but the linesman’s flag put paid to celebrations. Soon after, a speculative through ball saw Mossley man Mike Fish lob Gavin Phillis to regain an undeserved parity for the home side in the dying stages of the first half. Justly though, the Almighty Father proved his existence when a throw in led to Brett finding the left corner of the Mossley net with a cool finish.

Five minutes into the second period, substitute Andy Rowan latched onto a lifted ball and powered home a shot back across hapless Higginbotham from outside the area. The finish with aplomb effectively sank Mossley, who were being well outplayed. Rowan would leave the field soon after, job done!

With half an hour to go, Mossley made a game of it with a surprise goal from distance. Town would respond mere minutes later, when a Lee Connor clearance helped sink his old club, as it found Greg Kelly who beat his man for pace before sliding a finish under poor Higginbotham to put the fixture beyond doubt at 4-2.

With the points all but sealed, Garforth players took turns to attempt to find the score sheet. Kamara tried to add to his tally with a determined run and shot, and Duncan Williams hit the post after a Hotchkiss through ball. Williams would curl a ball upfield that was teed off for Dom Blair to try his luck. Against this backdrop, Mossley would steal a third goal from an ungainly goalmouth scramble, but it clearly did not improve their mood, as an undignified spat soon occurred involving several Mossley men and Ben Small.

While they may have been Ready to Rumble, the official wasn’t, and soon signalled the end of the game and thus the gain of three valuable points for the Miner’s. Garforth can look at this win as proof they can match the top teams in the division, no matter how hot their form may be. Similar performances will surely culminate in a high league standing come April/May at the season’s climax.

Garforth 0 - Durham City 3

Garforth glimpsed potential promotion rivals this cold Tuesday night, as Durham City produced a clinical display to counter the rough, ready and willing hosts. While a stoppage time goal gave the visitors an unfairly commanding scoreline, the ability of Durham is indisputable.

Town created some moderately good ‘striker’s’ chances from time to time, but were unable to apply the final golden touch. The incessant rain throughout the day made the grass wet and slippy, which was illustrated by the sliding two footed challenge made on Nathan Kamara’s shins after only six minutes, a move known in professional wrestling as ‘the baseball slide’. This would prove to be a feature, as many balls were slightly overhit only to skid out of play, and many overzealous, dangerous tackles committed.

The first incisive move came from Town; Greg Kelly turned sharply in his own half and released captain Renshaw. Garforth’s man of the match held the ball up before cutting back inside, though his cross was too strongly hit. Minutes later on the quarter-hour mark, Durham responded with a viciously struck shot that sailed over.

The dependable Mark Piper darted past his man on the right, surviving a clipped heel before gently curling a through ball into Brett’s path. The skipper took the ball in his stride, but his effort when sliding was cut wide.

Soon after, Greg left his marker to chase a through ball, but the wet grass was his undoing, and the chance went begging. The first twenty-five minutes belonged to Garforth, and the points seemed in reach.

A lean period followed, though the 149 in attendance were vociferous and seemed to enjoy the fare. As the half neared its end, the newly frisky Greg tried his luck with two speculative shots, the second of which from a neat cut in that slid wide, the first sailing just over. Durham came close with a cheeky daisy cutter of a free kick that almost caught keeper Phillis by surprise, but Town ended the first in the ascendancy.

Several people voiced this opinion, and it was the kiss of death. Five minutes in, Town were stunned when a cross fell kindly to be drilled back in, and the ball deflected past Phillis off the knee of Malcolm Holihue.

Ten minutes later, and Town shot themselves in the foot when they were countered by a quick break. The bounce of the ball on the wet surface wrong-footed a Town defender, and an inadvertent touch lifted the ball over Phillis, and the pursuing Durham attacker was able to cut the ball across the box to be converted by …erm… Johnny English. He braved several challenges to tuck the ball home, but then - he knows no fear.

Town were not dead, however, and a beautifully curled Duncan Williams in-swinger was almost headed in, and the following cross saw a shot blocked before the ball fell to Renshaw. Sadly, the ball was skied from ten yards, but Garforth were pressing and looking to score.

On halfway, Nathan Kamara was elbowed, and Durham elected to play on, though with great composure Piper claimed the ball, turned and played it out smoothly. Disaster soon struck however, as Ben Small made a perfectly fair tackle. Unfortunately, the recipient of this slide ended up smacking into the advertising boards, and the referee promptly sent Small off. This ended Garforth hopes.

The death knell sounded and the proverbial fat lady piped up in stoppage time with the Bananarama classic, when Durham claimed a breakaway goal through Callum Smith. This effectively made a closely contested match appear like a whitewash, but Town can look to bounce back from this with another spirited F.A Cup performance on Saturday, and we hope to see you all there.

Garforth Town v Tow Law Town - FA Cup

Garforth began their march to Wembley with a revitalising victory over Tow Law Town in the early stages of the world famous Football Association Cup. The visitors have tasted success in FA competitions – FA Vase finalists a decade ago – yet boasted no Chris Waddle’s in their new generation, who fell by a goal to nought in the Genix Coliseum to Garforth’s lions.

The Lawyers were outfought and out-thought in an entertaining tussle between two sides who know full well the financial benefits of cup runs. One in particular, Garforth’s Mark Piper, reached the Vase final at Wembley with AFC Totton in 2007 as a 17 year old, and today played with maturity and an assuredness that belies his age. Piper and fellow youngster Duncan Williams excelled against limited but strong opposition, and worked tirelessly in their given fields.

Throughout the first half, Town pressed to no avail, facing an ageing goalkeeper of Southall-esque proportions. A shot-stopping masterclass notwithstanding, the Town frontline were linking up well, with Andy Heywood, Dom Blair (yes, Vernol’s kid) and the aforementioned Piper playing off one another at ease. All Tow Law could muster in response was a weak half volley from thirty yards that culminated with a Garforth throw in. Oh, for the days of Waddle.

A reportedly furious Clifford admonishment in the interval visibly awakened the home side, and added urgency to their endeavours. Captain Renshaw found the woodwork, and had another near miss when a corner ricocheted into his path, and Brett’s low drive was deflected wide. This sparked a resurgent period, as Blair began causing problems on the left with his pace and movement, and Town began to exert control.

The Lawyers finally managed an offensive move, and it almost resulted in a goal when a kind bounce led to a prodded half volley that hit the crossbar. It only served as a wake up call to Garforth, and shocked them into establishing dominance.

A Town corner fell to Andy Heywood on seventy minutes, and his sliced half volley rasped over the top right corner. By now Law had disintegrated, and were clutching on for the replay that would never come.

Tow Law adopted an interesting management tactic that involved one coach going behind the goals to give players instructions. This would continue throughout, drawing the ire of Clifford.

Finally, the breakthrough occurred in the dying stages of the game, when on 87 minutes a poorly conceded free kick from Law led to Duncan Williams curling a fine ball which was steered back across goal into the left corner by Callum Selby. Garforth players, management and fans alike went ballistic, with Simon ‘Broken Ribs’ Clifford the recipient of a plethora of passionate embraces from his staff.

Town could have added to the tally. Williams latched onto a flick on to try and lift the ball over the keeper, and Chris ‘Tevez’ Brown drew applause when he harried the Law no.1, having sprinted from the other side of the field. The dispossession did not lead to a goal, but was good for some shredded nerves of the visitors who were desperately trying to muster the semblance of a late counter offensive.

Deep in stoppage time, with the distant scent of Wembley in Town nostrils, Piper cut a cross-field pass to Dean Mitchell on the right. Dean unselfishly stroked the ball through into Duncan’s path, and the younger Williams brother rounded the TL shot-stopper and tried to find Brown with a lifted cut back. With the goal at his mercy, the ball was over hit for the Geordie, but it was a fine team attack, with good passing and movement.
The raucous crowd rose in volume as the referee concluded a fine FA Cup qualifier between two hungry non-leaguers, an enjoyable affair that saw a lively, loud crowd with hardly any unpleasantness and more camaraderie with the County Durham flag wavers than usually seen with the good inhabitants of Lancashire. Garforth will look to build on this victory with a similarly inspired showing in league form, and turn their ground into The Fortress Genix in the coming months, in a Town Called Malice.