Evo Stik Division One North
Harrogate Railway 2-2 Witton Albion
Harrogate Railway celebrate Dan Thirkell’s goal in the 2-2 draw with Witton. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Harrogate Railway gave themselves something to build on, despite surrendering a two-goal lead at Station View.
Nathan Curtis and captain marvel Dan Thirkell put them in the winning position until Witton fought back and left Railway clinging on at the end.
Harrogate have entered make-or-break territory and with the way Lee Ashforth’s men started the evening, it was clear that is the case. Railway really took the game to Witton and Dan Barrett hitting the crossbar with a header inside the opening two minutes was a really positive sight.
Thirkell and Curtis caused further danger for Witton. The visitors were threatening themselves and Railway’s excellent goalkeeper Chandler Hallwood made the first of several good saves when he denied Rob Hopley.
Railway’s deadlock breaker on the half-hour mark was fully deserved. Former Ossett Town winger Chris Ovington supplied the assist with a superbly whipped free kick which Curtis perfectly met.
Ovington was involved again 60 seconds later with an interchange with Barrett. The latter narrowly put his long range effort just wide of the post.
The second half could not have started much better as Thirkell popped up with a bullet to increase Railway’s lead.
Unfortunately Witton hit back immediately as Joe Newton sneaked a shot home at Hallwood’s near post and that signalled the start of a period of pressure from the visitors.
Rail came under a sustained attack. For a long period Hallwood made some good stops and Lawrence Hunter also headed one goal-bound chance off-the-line. Eventually Hopley scored Witton’s equaliser with a header.
Witton, now primed to score the winner, had Railway praying for the final whistle, especially after another goal-line clearance.
Although Witton seemed the most likely to steal the points, Railway did have one last golden chance in the dying seconds. Ashforth, his coaching staff and Railway supporters had their hands in their head after Curtis breached Witton’s back four and went racing in on goal. Presumedly not happy with the angle, he saw the unmarked Charlie Clamp racing in at the back-post and attempted to cross for the midfielder. The cross was over-hit and Witton were able to clear.
Even at the death, Railway defender Alex Low had to make a goal-saving tackle on Darhyl Mason. A Witton winner would have been harsh on Railway, who were full value for their point.
Harrogate Railway manager Lee Ashforth:
Harrogate Railway: Hallwood, Hunter, Lovegreen, Low, Coates, Thirkell, Youhill, Peers, Barrett, Curtis, Ovington (Clamp 56). Subs unused: Devine, Mellor, Parkes Owen.
Witton Albion: Evans, Gardner (captain), Dawson (Mason 33), Wilson, Mullarkey, Peers, Newton, Parker, Hopley, Owens, Andrews. Subs unused: Noone, Chrisokhou, Garner.
Referee: Jimmy Price
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 80
Man of the match: Chandler Hallwood (Harrogate Railway)