Ossett Albion goalkeeper Brett Souter and his defence watch Malachi Farquharson’s shot land in the net. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Harrogate Railway got themselves back on track with a 2-1 win over local rivals Ossett Albion at Station View.
Two early goals were difference and the victory ensured that Rail moved back into contention for a play-offs spot in the Evo Stik Division One North.
Nathan Cartman’s first goal of 2015 and 36th of the campaign set Railway on their way – although Ossett claimed the striker had controlled the ball with his hand.
Malachi Farquharson then took advantage of sloppy defending to score their second in the 12th minute.
After a long period of Albion possession and pressure, Ross Hardaker rifled home a crisp angled shot in the 24th minute.
From this point the game ebbed and flowed and Albion could consider themselves a little unfortunate to be behind at half time.
Harrogate boss Billy Miller receives the December club of the month award from Evo Stik representative Neville Wigglesworth. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Nathan Cartman prepares to put Harrogate ahead. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Albion began the 2nd half as they ended the first, on the attack and were unlucky not to equalise when Adam Jones’ goal-bound shot hit the inside of the Harrogate post and rebounded to safety.
Nicky Matthews was unlucky on a couple of occasions when first of all he shot straight at the Harrogate keeper Tom Goodwin and a second effort minutes later rolled agonisingly wide.
Wes Milnes had an effort easily saved whilst at the other end a rare Harrogate break ended with Farquharson shooting weakly wide.
With about five minutes left the referee, on the advice of his assistant, dismissed Lewis Trice for denial of a goalscoring opportunity after Farquharson was pulled down.
Harrogate boss Billy Miller said: “First and foremost I have to thank both teams for having a real go on the pitch because it was a difficult surface.
“I take responsibility for that because the Salford game was a real push to get on and the weather this week hasn’t given the groundsman John Gray any time at all.
“When I turned up today and seen it, I thought ‘oh my god, how well has he done’ because two days ago I would have said that the game wouldn’t have gone ahead.
“We’e hoping to deal with that in the next couple of weeks and I’ve spoke to Nigel (Corner), the chairman, about the possibilities of verti-draining it.
“Credit to both teams and to Ossett because they have come on the back of a couple of decent wins.
“It was difficult, even though we got the two early goals. We were never really on top at any stage of the game and to be fair to Ossett, at the back they probably deserved a point out it.”
Harrogate Railway: Goodwin, Hunter, Kidd, Heath, Mycoe (captain), Thirkell, Youhill, Ibrahimi, Cartman, Farquharson. Manning. Subs: Coates, Ashforth, Bromley, Wood.
Ossett Albion: Souter, Nicholson, Hardaker, Jones, Milnes, Trice, Reece (Taylor), Sharry, Bower, Matthews (Grech-Brooksbank), Muller (McDonagh). Subs unused : Walker, Bennett.
Referee: Ian Johnston
Attendance: 137