Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Harrogate Railway 1-2 Garforth Town
Luke McCrum dramatically earned Garforth Town all three points, against the club that gave him his first chance in semi-professional football.
McCrum made his Railway debut at 16 under Billy Miller, but he nows wears his heart on his sleeve for Garforth.
The defender blasted home the winner deep into injury-time after pouncing on the rebound from Mitch Hamilton’s saved effort.
Rob Hunter’s “loyal and passionate” side had to work hard for their win as Railway went ahead in the first half when Fraser Hansen’s long range blast crossed the line after hitting the crossbar.
Local lad Lee Turner equalised with a header from Russ Headley’s free kick on the stroke of half-time.
Both sides had chances in the second half. Railway were reduced to ten men with time running out as ebullient defender Mike Morris was sent off for a second bookable offence after a wild lunge on Mitch Hamilton – although replays suggest he may have won the ball.
Then came the scenes of jubilation that followed McCrum’s moment in the spotlight.
The Teams
Harrogate Railway: Ledger, Hendrie (captain), Fisher, Thornton, Lees, Morris, Barrett, Hutton, Bromley, Beesley, Hansen. Subs: Riley, Dean, Sharrocks, Ibrahimi, Barravelli.
Garforth Town: Hagreen, Leach, Greenhalgh, Beaston (captain), McCrum, Donoghue, Turner, McMurrough, Simpson, Hamilton, Headley. Subs: Turner, Dhesi, Hunter, Poole, Woodhead.