Eccleshill United 4-5 Garforth Town
Garforth Town fans are desperate to see Calum Ward sign for them
Calum Ward was at the heart of Garforth Town’s victory in Rob Hunter’s first game in charge.
The former Tadcaster Albion striker struck twice in the second half, wetting the appetite of the travelling Miners supporters who are desperate to see him choose Garforth over other interested clubs this summer.
In just 45 minutes, Ward also formed a fruitful partnership with Mark Simpson, whose own confidence appeared to be back.
At the other end, Eccleshill fans saw club favourite Marcus Edwards mark his return to the Rapid Solicitors Stadium with a bang. The deadly striker got two goals after coming on as a second half substitute.
Miners chief Hunter fielded two sides with plenty of old and new faces. Already announced signings, James Beaston and Nathan Dwyer made their first appearances.
One of last season’s team, defender Luke McCrum, headed Garforth in front after half-an-hour.
Eccleshill equalised almost straightaway through captain Andy Cooper.
Eccleshill United captain Andy Cooper scored in the first half
Ward scores with one of his first touches after coming on at half-time
I’m back: Marcus Edwards made an instant impact on his return to Eccleshill
Russ Headley impressed on his first Garforth outing
Mark Simpson was back to his best and it showed when he won this battle with Eccleshill’s Matt Mathers, a former Garforth player
Simpson also formed an excellent partnership with Calum Ward
It was new Garforth Town manager Rob Hunter’s first game in charge
Both sides brought on dangerous strikers at the interval – Edwards for Eccleshill, Ward and Simpson for Garforth.
Ward pounced first with a close range finish from a cross from his old Tadcaster team-mate Mitch Hamilton.
Edwards then equalised with a fine strike that had too much power for Garforth stopper Tom Osborne.
Ward showed why he is a proven NCEL goal-scorer when he put Garforth in front for a third time. Sheer determination made it as he carved out a shot for himself, an effort that was parried by goalkeeper Joe Stead. Ward reacted and headed the rebound past Stead.
Garforth were now in total control and the lead was soon extended when Manchester-based Russ Headley scored directly from a corner. Former Tadcaster and Glasshoughton midfielder Headley will prove to be a huge asset for Garforth, if he signs for them.
Hamilton fired home Garforth’s fifth after Ward broke through, but chose to pass instead of completing his hat-trick.
Eccleshill’s two consolation goals in the dying seconds came from Ashley Preston and Edwards.
Garforth Town (1st half): Osborne, J Alali, Prudhoe, Dwyer, McCrum, Chappell, Woodley, Lund, Ibrahimi, Rose, Robinson. (2nd half): Osborne, Smith, Robertson, Johnson, Swales, Beaston, Hamilton, Tonkinson, Ward, Simpson, Headley.