Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Parkgate 2-1 Garforth Town
Mark Simpson scored Garforth’s goal in the 2-1 defeat at Parkgate
Parkgate held their nerve to win the six-pointer with Garforth Town to give themselves a good chance of survival.
Parkgate are now three points clear of the drop zone, but they will still likely need to pick up a good return of points from their final three matches to avoid relegation.
From the start Parkgate were strong and resolute in their efforts. A long throw into the penalty area after only 4 minutes saw former Garforth man Craig Laight head home to give the Steelmen the lead. The first 20 minutes was totally dominated by Parkgate and a second goal looked inevitable.
However when the second goal came it was a equaliser for Garforth. On 29 minutes Richard Spink in the Parkgate goal could only parry a shot away and Mark Simpson netted from close range. Parkgate spurred on by the home crowd upped their game and were rewarded on 36 minutes when a low shot wrong footed Garforth keeper from Alex Lill deservedly restored Parkgate’s lead at the break.
Garforth pressed and pressed for an equaliser in the second half, but found no way through. The home side did also have Patrick Lindley sent off for a second yellow card offence towards the end.
Parkgate: Spink, Lannaman, Mumbanya, Laight, Wesley, Lindley, Cuckson, Shelton, Moore, Lill, Lufudu (Ashton). Subs unused: Danny Kabeya, Lebron Mbeka, Andrew Higgins, James McClenaghan.
Garforth Town: Osborne, J Alali, K Alali, McCarthy, McCrum, Kidd, Simpson, Jones, Martin-Wyatt, Preece, Harris. Subs: Robertson, Smith, Lund, Simpkins, Ford.
Thanks to Steven Hewitt from Parkgate for this report.
I know footballs subjective but i must disagree with this match report, I took the missus to her first nonleague game and even she thought Garforth should have won! First ten minutes was Parkgate on top but after that I thought Garforth with Curtly and Simpson looking strong and sharp took it to them and had the better chances, it was only a defensive mistake that allowed Parkgate to retake the lead after sustained Garforth pressure. If McCarthy, who for me was outstanding again in midfield hadn’t been fouled with a poor challenge at the start of the second half I think they would have got at least a draw or nicked it as they were dominant in the second half. I thought Parkgate were very fortunate not to be down to ten men at that point, and it could have put a different outcome on the result.