Brice Tiani scored Albion Sports’ third goal in the 3-1 win over his former club Garforth Town
Garforth Town’s hopes of a Toolstation NCEL Premier Division top ten finish are hanging by thread after a 3-1 defeat at Albion Sports last night.
Defensive mistakes cost Garforth and it is now two games without a win since the sensational West Riding County Cup semi-final victory at Harrogate Town nine days ago.
The night got off to a bad start even before kick off for Garforth – who were without Nick Black and Tawanda Rupere anyway – as they lost Liam Smith in the warm-up to an injury.
It took eight minutes for Albion to go in front. Garforth left-back Tim Robertson mis-judged the flight of the cross-field pass and the ball fell to the home side’s danger man Lee Elam.
The vastly-experienced winger steamed into the penalty area and scored with an easy finish which went through the arms of Ben Hunter.
Garforth played some good football at times and soon deservedly got back into the match after threatening to do so. And it was a beauty. Luke Mangham gave his free kick – just outside the penalty area – pace and accuracy which left Albion goalkeeper Aaron Brian rooted to the spot as the ball nestled the right-hand bottom corner.
The visitors deserved to be level at the break, but an error from Hunter cost them. The goalkeeper failed to hold Elam’s corner and handed Albion a gift when the ball dropped into the net.
It was a crushing blow for Graham Nicholas and his side and they struggled to hit back in the second half.
Albion’s key player Danny Facey, largely anonymous in the first half, came alive and was at the forefront of the home side’s attacks.
Elam and Facey had gone close which gave a sense that the decisive third goal was looming. Albion had to wait until the 66th minute for it and Facey supplied the assist with a pullback for Brice Tiani to score against one of his old clubs.
Albion Sports: Brian, Bradley, Hussain (captain), Khan, Dempsey, Firth, A Basi, Tiani, Facey, Elam (James 72), Cusack. Subs unused: Morgan, Marturine, K Basi.
Garforth Town: Hunter, McCarthy, Robertson (Greenhalgh 68), Royles, Alali (captain), Preece, Barrett (Simpkins 50), Jones, Simpson, Mangham, Oyebanji.
Referee: Jimmy Price
Ref Rating: 7/10
Attendance: 52
Man of the match: Lee Elam (Albion Sports)