Sinmi Oyebanji (left) secured Garforth Town a point in the 1-1 draw with Basford United
Graham Nicholas saluted his players after Garforth Town’s dramatic transformation in form continued as Sinmi Oyebanji’s late equaliser secured a draw against high-flying Basford United at Wheatley Park.
Garforth have taken seven points out of a possible Toolstation NCEL Premier Division 12 points after knocking themselves into shape after the heartless defeat to Knaresborough two weeks ago.
The Miners fell behind to Sam Craven’s first half goal, but they refused to throw the towel in and Oyebanji struck to end Basford’s already remote chances of winning the title.
The result leaves Garforth comfortably in 14th place and head coach Nicholas was full of praise for his players and he said: “I’m delighted with the point.
“On paper with the squad I have had for the last three games, I’m also delighted to have taken four points because Thackley, Brighouse and Basford are all tough opposition and high in the league.
“We have shown tonight that we can match them and with players who have taken the opportunity to show what they can do. I can’t question their attitude, their work ethic and their desire.
“For the last three games we have been playing to soak up pressure and then take our chances when they came. We played in that style against Thackley and it worked because they couldn’t break us.
“Tonight we probably defended too deeply, but saying that, Basford never scored in free play. We weren’t always under pressure from set-pieces because of our lack of height, but I’m delighted with the outcome.
“Some of the players have stepped up and shown they are worthy of playing in the first team.”
Nicholas was scathing of the Knaresborough performance and vowed to put things right and he has done. Garforth beat Winterton and then Thackley before losing at title-chasing Brighouse on Saturday and displays were much better.
Even in the opening few minutes, it was plain to see that Garforth were a changed team when C J Lyle shot wide in a decent position.
Fourth-placed Basford were always going to come strong and the visitors opened the scoring close to half-time. Theo Smith’s free kick from the left-wing corner flag cannoned off the head of a Garforth defender and fell nicely for Craven to finish easily at back post.
Garforth began to apply some pressure 15 minutes into the second half. American defender Chris Bishop thought he had scored with a bullet header before Basford managed to scramble the ball to safety.
Time looked to be running out for Garforth until Basford’s defence committed their first mistake of the night in the 77th minute. A missed judged header presented Oyebanji with a golden chance and the lively winger lobbed the on-rushing goalkeeper Scott Miles to equalise.
The Miners were fortunate to escape with a point during injury-time as Basford spurned two great opportunities to win the match. Veteran striker Martin Carruthers hit the crossbar with a header before substitute Greg Simmons waltzed into the box and blazed the ball over the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.
That was the last chance of the match and Garforth celebrated another well-earned point.
Garforth Town: Newbould, M Misambu, Bishop (McCarthy 65), Smith, Alali (captain), Woodger, Helliwell, Hilton (Sanderval 65), Lyle, Sowerby (Simpkins 56), Oyebanji. Sub unused: Nicholas.
Basford United: Miles, Boafo, Davies, Francis, Leslie, Craven, Anderson, Green (captain), Whitehurst (Simmons 65), Nightingale (Carruthers 87), Smith. Subs unused: O’Malley, Fletcher.
Referee: G Rhodes
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 76
Man of the match: Sam Craven (Basford United)