Ashley Preece reacted quick to head home Garforth’s last minute winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Mansfield Town under 21s
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Words and pictures by James Grayson (@jamesAgrayson, @NonLeagueNorth)
A last minute Ashley Preece goal earned Garforth Town their first win of pre-season as the Miners beat Mansfield Town under 21s 1-0 at Wheatley Park.
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side Garforth created lots of chances and fully deserved their reward in the dying seconds.
Garforth manager Graham Nicholas said: “It was nice to see all the players back and we had a strong side out.
“That’s the squad that will take us forward. We are still a couple of players short, but I’m delighted the players we have got at the moment.
“Mansfield had a very fit and young energetic team and they worked extremely hard.
“We had a big squad and that helped us tonight. There were a lot of tired legs out there, but we played really well.
“We were organised at the back, had several chances. We just need to be more prolific in the final third and we know that.
“Overall, a win, I think we deserved tonight.”
The only way is up: Striker Nick Black (left) returned from holiday for Garforth Town and helped set up the winner
The game may have kicked off late, but Garforth didn’t let them distract them and it was the home side who created the first opportunity.
Nick Black, back from an extended holiday, found space and sent a low drive towards goal which seemed destined for the bottom corner. However, a dream goal eluded him as the ball flashed wide of the goal.
Garforth also had Curtly Martin-Wyatt back in their side and he was unfortunate close to half-time after pouncing on a loose carry by Mansfield goalkeeper Frazer Hampson.
As the second half wore on, Mansfield were the team having the better of the chances. Garforth’s goalkeeper Ben Hunter denied Liam Carver as the visitors turned the screw.
Hunter then rescued Garforth in the 88th minute. A long ball from Charlie Brownlie sent Cazz Warren and the forward looked set to score as Hunter came racing out of his box.
Fortunately the stopper got there first and he cleared the ball to safety.
Garforth Town midfielder Sam Akeroyd plays a pass in the 1-0 win over Mansfield Town
His quick-thinking allowed Garforth’s fairytale finish to come true.
With seconds remaining, Black had acres of space just outside the penalty area. Initially, the former Bardsey striker outwitted his marker before lobbing goalkeeper Adam Bishop.
The seemingly goal-bound attempt cannoned back off the crossbar.
But, Preece, the youngster signed from Millmoor Juniors reacted the quickest and the midfielder headed the rebound home from close range.
A Mansfield defender verbally harangued referee Aaron Bannister and his assistant Johnny Bickerdyke, arguing offside, but the goal was given and Garforth were able to celebrate a fine win.
Garforth Town: Hunter, Hawksworth, Harris, Smith, Alali, Ibrahim, Rupere, Akeroyd, Martin-Wyatt, Black, Managham. Subs: McCarthy, Newbould, Wood, Davis, Jordan, Preece.
Mansfield Town: Hampson, Thomson, Brownlie, Koczalski, L.Thomas, Gibson, Danquah, Fitzpatrick, Blake, Fletcher, Thompson. Subs: Bishop, Hutchinson, Roome, Carver, Warren.
Referee: Aaron Bannister