Danny Frost scored the vital goals which fired Shaw Lane to victory over Garforth Town. Photo: White Rose Photos
Danny Frost inspired title contenders Shaw Lane Aquaforce to a 3-2 win after Garforth Town pushed them to the limit.
Talisman Frost pulled his side back from the jaws of a defeat with two priceless second half goals to move them two points behind Toolstation NCEL Premier Division leaders Worksop Town.
The goals were his first since his return from Bradford (Park Avenue) last week.
Aquaforce can now go top if they beat Maltby at Shaw Lane on Friday night.
Garforth lived up to their billing with a determined and organised display. Tactically, Garforth boss Graham Nicholas got everything right and his side led twice.
Garforth have previously won at Heanor, Staveley and even Conference North giants Harrogate Town in midweek and the Miners arguably deserved a point for their efforts at Shaw Lane.
The visitors made life difficult for Aquaforce and looked very dangerous on the counter attack.
Shaw Lane were excellent in defence against Heanor Town on Saturday, but last night they were a bit jittery at times.
Garforth were given too much space on the counter attack for the opening goal as Tawanda Rupere was able to find the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.
Aquaforce hit back with their captain and in-form centre-back Sam Denton getting the goal. Having nearly scored with a now-trademark free kick earlier, Denton superbly struck a volley into the corner to level the game. His third goal in three games.
Within 120 seconds, the ball was back in Shaw Lane’s net as poor marking allowed Luke Mangham to score with a free header from a corner.
Shaw Lane quickly grabbed the equaliser in the second half. At the end of some of his greatest moments, Frost bulldozed his way through into the box and scored at the second attempt after goalkeeper Ben Hunter saved the initial effort.
It wasn’t one way traffic even as Aquaforce searched for the winner. Mark Simpson and Nick Black made the home side’s defence work.
Ultimately the pressure told. Denton and Luke O’Brien had been denied by Hunter in the lead-up and Shaw Lane were coming on strong.
The perseverance of Frost and a foot injury to Garforth’s highly-rated young defender Jack McCarthy made the winner with 20 minutes remaining.
Frost, who scored the goal which fired Shaw Lane to promotion last season, chased down injury-stricken McCarthy and took the ball off him.
The predatory striker put his foot down and raced away and he was never going to miss with the powerful strike.
The manner of how Frost scored was harsh on Garforth, who then struggled to break down the hosts.
Brief forays forward created tension, but Ian Deakin was fairly untested in the closing minutes.
The third goal was enough for three points and there were big cheers as Shaw Lane successfully overcame a tricky obstacle.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Deakin, Stohrer, O’Brien, Istead, Holt, Denton (Denton), Darley, Thornhill (Fox 64), Morris (Cotterill 87), Frost, White (Thornton 64). Subs unused: Patterson, Eyles.
Garforth Town: Hunter, Hawksworth (captain), Robertson, Smith, McCarthy (Oyebanji 69), Alali, Rupere (Lund 64), Preece, Simpson, Mangham, Black. Sub unused: Simpkins.
Referee: Adam Burgess (South Yorkshire)
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 192
Man of the match: Ben Hunter (Garforth Town)