Jarrow Roofing 1 - Garforth Town 0

12-9-09

The Football Association Cup is often spoken of with reverence and misty eyed wonder as the giant killings of the past and classic cup memories flood the minds of the nostalgic. There was little of this mystical romance in the northeast today, as Garforth dominated a team of natural athletes only to lose by a goal due to impotent finishing. And how ironic it was, that it would be Jarrow vs. The Miner’s in a crusade to qualify for the cup! Sadly, Jarrow are the ones marching on.

Jarrow fired the first shot in anger at their Yorkshire guests, a dipping drive from distance, but that would be as good as it got for the plastic Geordies until the claimed the match-winning second half strike. Duncan Williams curled an excellent through ball from his own half into the path of striker Tom Greaves, though the forward could not find the finishing touch. It was to epitomise the jarrowing experience that Garforth had all day. (Budum-ch)

Williams, Nathan Kamara and Milton Turner fired several balls upfield, testing the particularly chiselled Jarrow defenders, and a handful of semi-chances fell to the visitors. Duncan embarked on a weaving run from the left wing, but ultimately came short in his ambitious attempt to fashion a clear shot at goal. Minutes later he almost set up with a run and through ball, but once more the opportunity went begging. Jarrow’s only other crack at goal in the first half hour came from a criminally awarded free kick that was curled well wide by a lefty.

Darren Thornton showed good pace off the mark when he left his man for dead on the left wing and curled in a cross. Unfortunately, nobody took the chance on it and Greaves could not quite latch onto it, though it only seemed a matter of time before the yellow’s found the net.

Thornton next entertained us with a tactical debate with the Town management, as the referee blew for the first of what would be several extended periods of non-play in both halves. Why is your guess, I haven’t a clue. After this break, Liam Ormsby tried his luck with a shot following a passing interchange and layoff. The Jarrow shot stopper saved well.

Garforth did find the net before the first half climax, as a rebounding header was converted by Ormsby, but the flag was raised for an impeachment. Town would hit the woodwork once more as Greaves headed a cross against the Jarrow bar in the last noteworthy play of the opening period.

The second half took on the same format, though with both players and fans now getting increasingly frustrated and restless. The ball was worked to Greaves, who angled and shot, though Jarrow numero uno saved again. Kamara burst forwards from defence in a rush of adrenaline and evaded challenges well, until a well-timed slide sent him flying through the air. Ormsby picked up the loose ball and tried a shot. By now Jarrow were hanging on.

More long balls tested the now tiring Balti kings of the JR back line, as Garforth entered their most comfortable period in the game. Passing interchanges were completed with ease, yet Town still could not find the back of the net. It was to be one of those days.

Following Town’s best chance of the game, another one on one that was skied, sod’s law struck. A Jarrow break upfield caught Garforth unawares, and when a ball into the box saw the recipient fortuitously ride a challenge, it was a simple conversion to sink the spirits of the Yorkshire visitors.

missed a one on one. His subsequent chip was cleared off the line. Captain Brett Renshaw was ludicrously sent off for ‘dissent’. The Jarrow defenders hit the red, cardio wise. Milton Turner came close with a header. Duncan was tripped with the sure-fire penalty not awarded to Town, which the official later claimed was due to ‘no Garforth players appealing’. Duncan was fouled, shrugged his assailant off and was booked. Kamara tried his luck with a long shot. The End.

The magic of the cup. Jarrow’s cup crusade continues, and The Miner’s fall. Football can be a funny game.

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.