Steve Bromley celebrates scoring the winner for Harrogate Railway at Bamber Bridge. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Steve Bromley stepped into Nathan Cartman’s boots and scored the winner as Harrogate Railway rose to fourth with a 2-1 victory at play-offs rivals Bamber Bridge.
Harrogate chief Billy Miller described the win as “probably one of the best results” of their Evo Stik Division One North season.
Railway were playing for the first time without Cartman and Miller had spoken last week about how important it was to draw a line under his departure at Bridge.
Fatlum Ibrahimi clearly understood Miller’s message as he fired Railway in front with a deflected effort 15 minutes into the game.
The home side quickly pegged Rail’ back with Alistair Waddecar lobbing Tom Goodwin for the equaliser.
But, Railway refused to be deny the victory with ten minutes of the first half remaining, Bromley popped up with the decisive strike.
Harrogate celebrate Fatlum Ibrahimi’s opening goal. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Rob Youhill on the attack for Harrogate Railway. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Bromley has sat patiently on the bench for most of this season because of the form of Malachi Farquharson and Cartman and when the chance has arrived, the former Knaresborough striker has grasped it with both hands.
Ibrahimi’s corner was nodded towards goal by captain for the day Matt Heath and Bromley scored from close range.
He nearly added a second moments later with a thunderous strike which cannoned back off the crossbar.
Railway held their nerve during the second half with Goodwin making several good saves to ensure his side secured the three points.
Railway manager Miller said: “A brilliant result for us and probably one of the best results of the season for us.
“Bamber Bridge away is probably one of the most difficult fixtures on the calendar and I think that is the first time we have ever won here during my time at Railway.
“Credit to the players, who were phenomenal today. I thought the defensive performance in the second half matched the performance we put in when we got our noses in front.”
Harrogate Railway: Goodwin, Coates, Kidd, Heath (captain), Morgan, Thirkell, Youhill, Ibrahimi, Farquharson, Bromley, Manning. Subs: Crompton, Wood, Hunter, Ashforth.
Referee: Matthew Corlett
Attendance: 181