Knaresborough should have had a penalty when Graeme Whitehead was brought down. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
Hall Road Rangers are up and running for the campaign after securing their first win last night – the 1-0 success at in-form Knaresborough Town.
Danny Walker’s second half header earned Hall Road a deserved Toolstation NCEL Division One victory at the fifth time of asking.
Hall Road had the work ethic at AFC Emley last week, but weren’t organised enough to cause problems at the Welfare Ground.
At Manse Lane, Rangers had both. In a poor first half, Hall Road were on top for much of it. Inside the early exchanges, the ball fell nicely for Chris Hudson, whose low drive was kept out by Knaresborough goalkeeper Jack Rushworth.
Knaresborough, on the other hand, were a far cry from the side that had just won three consecutive league matches.
Paul Stansfield’s men looked toothless in attack and only came alive when Hall Road went in front with a back-post header from Walker on the hour. That gave the visitors something to cling onto.
Knaresborough had some good chances, but Hall Road goalkeeper Jordan Douglas was alert and brave for all of them. His best stop came from Knaresborough winger George Eustace’s shot from inside the six-yard-box.
Douglas then stuck an outstretched hand out to push away substitute Fraser Lancaster’s goal-bound poke from point blank range. The ball stayed in play and Lancaster was fouled Chris Garth. It should have been a penalty, but referee Colin Bailey was poorly positioned and completely clueless over what happened so awarded a corner.
In fairness to Hall Road, a late equaliser from the home side would have been harsh on them. For a long midweek trip, Rangers worked hard for each other and finally got some luck.
Knaresborough Town: Rushworth (captain), Lees, Rodgers, Radcliffe, McCrum, D Wilson, Eustance, Bradley, Freeston (Lancaster 55), Joyce (Whitehead 65). Subs unused: A Wilson, Clare.
Hall Road Rangers: Douglas, Garth, Dean, Gemmell, Blount, S McKay (captain), Hudson (Foster 78), B McKay, Walker, Clancy (Blakestone 65), Bennett. Subs unused: Borman, Rogers, Harrison.
Referee: Colin Bailey
Ref Rating: 6/10
Attendance: 87
Man of the match: Chris Hudson (Hall Road Rangers)