It hasn’t been a great year for our Yorkshire Evo Stik League clubs in terms of success.
Frickley have lived up to their name of perennial strugglers in the Premier Division. Farsley AFC have reached the Doodson Sports Cup final, but failed, just like Scarborough Athletic and Harrogate Railway to make the Division One North play-offs. In Division One South, Goole and Stocksbridge’s line-ups have changed dramatically since the start of the season.
So here’s Non League Yorkshire’s ‘Yorkshire Evo Stik Team of the Season’ in a 3-4-3 system:
Joe Cracknell helped Scarborough stay in contention for the play-offs until recently
Goalkeeper – Joe Cracknell (Scarborough Athletic)
The reaction of anyone involved at Scarborough told its own story when the club extended the loan of Cracknell from Hull City in January. Despite his young age, Cracknell has been exceptional for Scarborough in race for the play-offs, which unfortunately ended in defeat.
James Riley returned from a long lay-off and has done well for Farsley
Centre-back – James Riley (Farsley AFC)
A serious injury put pay to Riley’s campaign last season and there were doubts about whether he would return. He did and has had excellent year for Farsley.
Matt Heath in action for Harrogate Railway during his debut at Clitheroe. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Centre-back – Matt Heath (Harrogate Railway)
Heath’s arrival at Harrogate Railway in October coincided with the start of the form that saw Billy Miller’s surge up the Division One North table. The former Leeds United defender has brought experience to Railway’s back four and his performances reflect the number of clean sheets they have had since October.
Paul Robson has been a key part of Scarborough’s defence
Centre-back – Paul Robson (Scarborough Athletic)
Robson has been a star for Scarborough Athletic at back and along with Cracknell, his performances helped turn the Seadogs into play-offs contenders.
Lewis Nightingale in action for Farsley AFC earlier this season
Winger – Lewis Nightingale (Farsley AFC)
Continuing his progression at Mossley last season, Nightingale set the world alight for Farsley at the start of the season with his displays earning him many plaudits. Whilst, the second half of the campaign hasn’t been as good, it doesn’t take the shine off the first.
Harrogate Railway’s wing wizard Rob Youhill scoring his wonder goal at Darlington in October. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Winger – Rob Youhill (Harrogate Railway)
He does have a bad game occasionally, but Harrogate’s wing wizard has been one of their best players this season. His sensational goal at Darlington in October is one of his top moments.
Fatlum Ibrahimi has scored some spectacular goals for Harrogate Railway this season
Central midfielder – Fatlum Ibrahimi (Harrogate Railway)
Ibrahimi has continued his development as a good midfielder in Division One North. He has rarely his place this season and rewarded his manager Miller with some superb goals.
Jimmy Beadle played for Pickering Town last season
Central midfielder – Jimmy Beadle (Scarborough Athletic)
He keeps retiring, but for whatever reason he always comes back. Once again Jimmy Beadle has had a magnificent campaign for Scarborough and there’s been plenty of goals as usual.
Connor Bower’s goals have kept Ossett Albion in the Evo Stik Division One North
Striker – Connor Bower (Ossett Albion)
Bower had endured disappointing spells at Ossett Town and Garforth Town before his arrival at Ossett Albion. Some may have doubted his potential, but Albion didn’t and his return in goals have ultimately kept Richard Tracey’s men in the Division.
Nathan Cartman’s form for Harrogate Railway does not need describing. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Striker – Nathan Cartman (Harrogate Railway, now Darlington 1883)
He may have only played one half of the season for Harrogate, but his total of over 30 goals in that time-frame justifies his selection. For Railway he was simply unstoppable.
Same old Gary Bradshaw, always scoring
Striker – Gary Bradshaw (Scarborough Athletic)
Same old Bradshaw, always scoring. Not as many as previous seasons, but still a noteworthy tally and he remains a very threat for opposition defences.
Substitutes:
Goalkeeper – Tom Taylor (Farsley AFC)
Defender – Spencer Harris (Farsley AFC)
Midfielder – Peter Davidson (Scarborough Athletic)
Striker – Malachi Farquharson (Harrogate Railway)
Striker – Gavin Allott (Frickley Athletic)