Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Harrogate Railway 5-1 Maltby Main
Magic moment: 17-year-old Fraser Hansen celebrates his first senior goal during Harrogate Railway’s win over Maltby. Picture: Caught Light Photography
The doom and gloom appears to have lifted at Harrogate Railway after a five-star victory – their third in six games.
There were smiles all around Station View as the final whistle sounded on their biggest win in two years. It was achieved through goals from Paul Beesley, 17-year-old Fraser Hansen, Chris Ovington, Toby Lees and Steve Bromley for the side relegated from the Evo Stik Division One North last season.
Maltby matched Railway in the first half, but Spencer Fearn’s patched-up side were outrun and outfought as the game wore-on.
Railway player/manager Beesley now has feet firmly under the carpet after a tricky start to his reign. His new signings are bedding in and his side now looks very competitive.
He set the ball rolling with the opener, just seven minutes in. The predatory striker dispossessed Maltby halfway up in their half and it allowed him to sprint through on goal and score with a low finish.
Maltby, who had the likes of key players Steve Hopewell, Lee Hill and Jordan Snodin missing, grew into the game and recovered from the early set-back with Ryan Carroll’s low strike.
At half-time it was hard to separate the sides. Just 25 seconds in the second half, you could. Railway made a break for Maltby’s goal and Ovington had the first go. His driven strike was well-saved by Louis Jones, but no-one could prevent young winger Hansen scoring the rebound to complete a dream home debut.
Carroll was unlucky with a low drive soon after. That turned away by Railway goalkeeper Ben Ledger and it was the last bit of Maltby pressure.
Railway attacked at will and had ample chances to score. Hansen, one of Tadcaster’s i2i Sports players, provided the third goal with a magnificently flighted cross from the left that the experienced Ovington converted.
The chances continued to flow. Beesley hit the post and had another shot saved.
More goals were inevitable and Lees eventually headed home to celebrate his first Railway goal.
Popular striker Bromley put the icing on the cake for Railway in the dying minutes with a thunderous effort.
Ben Thornton made his debut for Harrogate Railway
Paul Beesley opened the scoring. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Chris Ovington celebrates scoring the third
Chris Ovington. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Former Knaresborough defender Toby, brother of Sheffield Wednesday man Tom, scored the third. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Lees celebrates his header. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Steve Bromley sums up the win with his celebration for his goal. Picture: Caught Light Photography
What They Said
Harrogate Railway player/manager Paul Beesley
Maltby Main manager Spencer Fearn
The Teams
Harrogate Railway: Ledger, Hendrie (captain), Fisher, Thornton, Lees, Morris, Barrett (Bromley 71), Hutton, Ovington (Riley 79), Beesley, Hansen. Subs unused: Ibrahimi, Deane, Chapman.
Maltby Main: Jones, Darker (captain), Greeves, Wesley, R Poole, Mitchell, J Poole, Goodison, Schofield, Carroll, Binney (Lawrence 60). Subs unused: White, Szantd, Stancliffe.
Who Was In Charge
Aaron Bannister (8/10)
Referee Aaron Bannister in action during Harrogate Railway’s 5-1 win over Maltby Main. Picture: Caught Light Photography
An easy game to officiate on for the likeable referee.
How Many Were There
72
NLY Man of the Match
Fraser Hansen (Harrogate Railway)
Fraser Hansen turns away after scoring for Harrogate Railway. Picture: Caught Light Photography