Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Garforth Town 1-0 Rainworth Miners Welfare
Calum Ward ended up with a cut head after Garforth’s 1-0 win over Rainworth
Calum Ward’s first half goal was the difference as Garforth Town edged a full bloodied encounter with Rainworth Miners Welfare in East Leeds.
Although the match ended with unsavoury scenes after Ward left the field with blood pouring from his head, it could not be disputed that both teams gave absolutely everything.
That ensured an entertaining contest was served. Rainworth arguably deserved a point, but Garforth goalkeeper Peter Lawrie was exceptional with his shot-stopping and handling.
It was meant to be a glorious home-coming for prodigal son Mark Simpson, Garforth’s greatest striker of recent memory. He returned ‘home’ on Friday after five months away, but he had to make do with a 25-minute second half cameo.
During his period away serving time at Frickley Athletic and then Worksop Town, Simpson has missed Rob Hunter build what potentially could be the best Garforth team since the unforgettable days under Steve Nichol in 2012.
Twelve months ago, Garforth would have not have held onto the slender lead. But because there is a strong spine, led by captain marvel James Beaston, Garforth look capable of beating anyone – the magnificent victory at Worksop Town proved that.
Garforth began strongly against Rainworth – Mitch Hamilton headed against the crossbar in an early raid.
Eventually Ward converted a superb cross from right-back Aiden Kearsley midway through the first half.
Maybe because of the effort that had to be put in at Worksop, Garforth tired in the second half. Rainworth created several openings, but found Lawrie unbeatable. The pick of the saves was the block to deny a goal-bound James Munson effort.
There were a few more scares as the game closed out. Tensions did rise though in the last ten minutes, concluding with the incident involving with Ward, who had to go to A&E, in the last second.
Prodigal son Mark Simpson was back at Garforth Town, but he had the pleasure of sitting next to the always-entertaining Rob Hunter for the first 65 minutes
He did eventually get on
Luke McCrum in battle for Garforth Town
Captain marvel James Beaston was excellent for Garforth Town
Mitch Hamilton trying to force a way through
Ward going close
Rainworth manager Craig Denton confronts referee Peter Henger at the end
The fracas begins to die down
What They Said
Garforth Town manager Rob Hunter
Who Was In Charge
Peter Henger (5/10)
Mr Henger did a steady job for 80 minutes, however he lost control of proceedings in the last ten minutes – hence the low mark. The unpleasantness at the end could have been avoided if earlier tensions had been dealt with properly.
The Team
Garforth Town: Lawrie, Kearsley, Kitson, Beaston (captain), Dacre (Donoghue), McCrum, N Turner, Coupland, Ward, Hamilton, Reeson (Simpson). Subs: McMurrough, Lazenby, Leach.
Man of the Match
Peter Lawrie (Garforth Town)
Peter Lawrie was exceptional for Garforth