Curtly Martin-Wyatt celebrates scoring the winner in Garforth’s 2-1 victory over Stocksbridge
A frantic finish at Garforth Town ended with Curtly Martin-Wyatt striking the winner in the Miners’ 2-1 victory over Stocksbridge Park Steels.
After 75 minutes and no shots on target, the friendly appeared to be heading for a dire goal-less draw.
However, Jassim Alali’s goal set the game alight and there were soon chances galore.
Liam McFadyen equalised for the Evo Stik Division One South side and it could have gone either way before Martin-Wyatt struck.
Even in the dying seconds, the visitors had opportunities to snatch a draw.
Nothing can be really taken from the clash which saw midfielder Richard Patterson make his debut for Stocksbridge after racing back from holiday.
The former Ossett Town star fitted in well alongside Paul Haigh in the midfield.
Moments which grabbed the crowd’s attention were few and far between until the final quarter.
Action from Garforth 2-1 Stocksbridge
Stocksbridge captain Lee Garside heads wide during the second half
Danny Harris holds onto the ball for Garforth Town
Jassim Alali put Garforth in front
Richard Patterson made his Stocksbridge debut
Stocksbridge arguably should have had a penalty late-on after Ash Preece appeared to handle
The opener came when Garforth captain Alali pounced to score a simple tap-in after a save from Steels goalkeeper Sam Andrew.
Steels hit back straightaway. Experienced midfielder Lee Thompson came back on the field as a substitute to take a free kick and McFadyen managed to scramble an equaliser into the net.
Both teams were now going for broke in search of a winner and Garforth got it when Martin-Wyatt’s low strike had too much power for Andrew.
Eight minutes were still remaining and more drama followed.
Steels player/coach Thompson looked set to head home at the back-post after goalkeeper Ben Hunter had missed the cross. Garforth’s Ash Preece appeared to handle the ball, but the officials were unsighted.
Thompson was then unlucky with a header which crashed against the crossbar.
From that let-off, Toolstation NCEL Premier Division outfit Garforth quickly counter-attacked and Mark Simpson broke clear and saw his goal-bound attempt palmed wide for a corner by Andrew.
Stocksbridge going playing until the finish and Jake Ellam’s strike against the post was the final act of a game that was fizzling out after 75 minutes.
Garforth Town: Hunter, Scott, Harris, Monfredi, Rodgers, Alali (captain), Lund, Shelton, Martin-Wyatt, Simpson, Oyebanji. Subs: Hawksworth, Pilkington, Jones, Clarkson, Preece, Robertson.
Stocksbridge Park Steels: Andrew, Scully, Lever, Haigh, Reay, Cardwell, Patterson, Thompson, Garside, Littlejohn, Gregory. Subs: Ellam, McFadyen, Shaw, Rhodes.
Referee: Andy Smith
Attendance: 74