Curtly Martin-Wyatt thought he had earned Garforth a point
Garforth Town thought they had claimed a priceless point until super-sub Ged Dalton popped up with two injury time goals to claim a 4-2 win for Pickering Town at the J.S. White Community Stadium.
Pickering were comfortably heading a second consecutive Toolstation NCEL Premier Division victory with 20 minutes to go after goals from Calum Ward and Lewis Taylor.
Sinmi Oyebanji kick-started the Garforth fightback and Curtly Martin-Wyatt appeared to have rescued the Miners with the equaliser at the death.
It was cruel twist for Garforth when Dalton, who had only just entered the field, scored twice to deny Costello his first league point as the new Garforth boss.
Although the game did not get off to the best start from Garforth’s perspective, Costello will be pleased to have seen an improved defensive display from his side.
Apart from gifting the predatory Ward a goal after just three minutes, Garforth were much tighter at the back after conceding 12 goals in three games.
Garforth had four chances to equalise in the first half. Martin-Wyatt, who has stepped out of the shadows to become Garforth’s talisman since Graham Nicholas’ exit, had three of them – including a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Wells.
The best opportunity fell to Ash Preece, who was superbly denied by Wells.
Garforth looked done for though on the hour as Taylor neatly scored into the bottom corner.
However, the introduction of the lively Jordan Outerbridge injected some lift into Garforth and helped start the comeback.
Oyebanji gave the home side belief with a close range tap-in. The winger then provided the cross for Martin-Wyatt to turn and finish from in the 86th minute – cueing the celebrations. Costello hugging his helper Mark Ford and jumping up and down told its own story.
However, the celebrations were cut short as Dalton forced Pickering back in front after a scramble in the penalty area.
Even more misery was piled on Garforth as Dalton curled a superb effort into the net from a tight angle on the left-hand-side.
Garforth Town: Hunter, J Alali (captain), Robertson, Hardey, McCarthy (Kilby 39), K Alali, McMillan (Outerbridge 71), Preece, Martin-Wyatt, Jones (Oyebanji HT), Harris. Subs unused: Smith, Lund.
Pickering Town: Wells, Foster (Richardson 89), Lingard (Dalton 86), Hope, Turnbull, Tilsley (captain), L Taylor, T Taylor (Bennett 67), Ward, Cooper, Danby. Subs unused: Bissett, Lawrie.
Referee: Ken Haycock
Ref Rating: 7/10
Attendance: 107
Man of the match: Ash Preece (Garforth Town)