Chib Chilaka was Garforth Town’s nemesis once again
Garforth Town earned a lot of plaudits for their display in the narrow 1-0 defeat to National League North side Harrogate Town.
Old nemesis Chib Chilaka was Harrogate’s goalscorer, nearly 18 months after hitting the winner for Bradford (Park Avenue) in the 2015 West Riding County Cup final win over Garforth.
Whilst Harrogate did rattle the woodwork four times, Garforth were brave. Instead of sitting back, new Miners boss Rob Hunter set his team up to try and attack their higher league opponents.
With effectively three forwards – Nick Black, Mark Simpson and Mitch Hamilton – Garforth caused problems.
Simpson, a deadly figure in Garforth’s famous County Cup semi-final victory over Harrogate in 2015, came the closest to scoring when his drive was palmed away for a corner by trialist goalkeeper Joe Green. Green played in goal for Penistone Church on Friday.
The save was a crucial moment as Harrogate went down the other end and scored. Andy Gascoigne did all the hard work by forcing a way through in the box before Chilaka got the final touch. And Word.
Garforth supporters will have been happy with what they saw, especially after the doom and gloom of last season.
Action from Garforth Town 0-1 Harrogate Town
Garforth Town forward Mark Simpson was close to scoring against Harrogate Town for the second time in two years
New Garforth Town manager Rob Hunter will have been very pleased with his side’s performance
Sam Leach defending for Garforth Town
Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver watches on
Paul Hagreen was in goal for Garforth Town for the first time since re-signing for the club
Former Leeds United midfielder Simon Walton (fourth in the wall) appeared again for Garforth Town
Athersley Rec edged a competitive 3-2 win at neighbours Penistone Church after scoring three quick-fire goals.
Church were two goals to the good at half-time after Lewis Dickinson and Dale Kelly scored.
Goals from Jack Briscoe and McCauley Shilito, along with a Tom Cadzow own goal sealed the Rec’s comeback.
AFC Emley were beaten 4-0 by a Huddersfield Town X1, while a Sheffield Wednesday side won 6-0 at Hallam.