Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Garforth Town 2-0 Athersley Rec
Garforth celebrate Curtly Martin-Wyatt’s decisive goal. Picture: Steve Richardson
Garforth Town eased their relegation fears after coming out on top in the six-pointer with Athersley.
Garforth were on a run of six defeats and two draws since their last win, form which had sucked them into the relegation battle. The massive victory puts the Miners on the brink of survival. One more win should see them home and dry.
Any nerves were settled straight after the interval. A fumble from Athersley goalkeeper Neal May gifted centre-back Luke McCrum gifted a simple tap-in.
Mark Simpson, a constant nuisance for Athersley, then nearly added the second killer goal. That job was down to Curtly Martin-Wyatt in the 75th minute when he squeezed a close range effort past May.
Garforth Town: Osborne, J Alali (captain), K Alali, Preece, McCrum, Kidd, Simpson, McCarthy, Martin-Wyatt, Jones, Harris. Subs: Robertson, Lund, Simpkins, Ford, Smith.
Athersley Rec: May, Scully, Cook, Copping, Hodgson, White (captain), Almond, Haywood, Smith, Podmore, Moxon. Subs: Hague, Shilitto, Rhodes, Oliver.
Referee: Nicholas Hawksby
Attendance: 119