Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Athersley Rec 5-4 Handsworth Parramore
Lee Garside was Athersley’s hero in the epic 5-4 win over Handsworth. Picture: thesaturdayboy.co.uk
Lee Garside had the final word for Athersley in the Rec’s epic victory over ten man Handsworth Parramore at Sheerien Park.
In the see-saw battle which was a superb advert for entertaining Non League football, Athersley trailed twice early on before leading three times themselves.
A pulsating start saw Gareth Griffiths head Parramore in front before Garside levelled the scores in the 13th minute.
Within just a few moments, Aaron Moxam finished Danny Buttle’s cross for Handsworth.
Then in quick-fire fashion, Athersley turned the game on its head. Talented young frontman Kai Hancock equalised before Liam Owen fired the Rec into the lead for the first time with an excellent strike.
Controversy was around the corner as Griffiths was sent off following an altercation with Hancock – with Handsworth aggrieved that no-one from the Rec was dismissed as well.
Even ten men, Handsworth are always going to be dangerous with the players they have at their disposal. That showed when their captain Jon Froggatt ensured that scores were level at half-time.
The drama did not stop at the interval as Brad Kilburn netted for the Rec with one of the first touches of the second half – a goal quickly cancelled out by Parramore’s Will Eades.
That was how it stayed until a dramatic ending which saw Garside score from close range to be Athersley’s hero.