Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Garforth Town 3-3 Thackley
Mark Simpson scored a hat-trick for Garforth
Prodigal son Mark Simpson scored a magnificent hat-trick during his first start since returning ‘home’ to Garforth Town.
For a player who has had few minutes this season, Simpson was clinical in front goal in the end-to-end goal-fest.
Neither side will win awards for their defending, but the lack of thought in the defences helped serve up a thoroughly entertaining and engaging encounter which was certainly worth the £5 admission price.
Thackley’s defence were the most kamikaze of the two sides as for the whole 90 minutes, Simpson, Calum Ward and Lee Turner constantly got in behind their back-line.
If Thackley’s superb young goalkeeper Luke Wilson, who happens to live around the corner from Garforth’s ground, hadn’t been on top form, Garforth would have won by a country mile.
Although key man Craig Bentham was in the side, Thackley clearly missed Mr cool and calm Paddy McGuire in midfield as their performance was far from the heights of last season.
After 15 minutes, Garforth only had Simpson’s low finish on their score-sheet when arguably there should have been more on it.
Thackley hit back and exploited Garforth’s weaknesses. Will Hutton levelled matters before Sam Cable latched onto a rebound after Pete Lawrie’s save to put the visitors in front.
The lead lasted until close to half-time as Simpson converted Luke Kitson’s cross to level.
The rain continued to torrentially pour, as did the chances. It was literally anyone’s game as the ball went from one end to the other. Thackley drew next blood with young Ben Walker netting.
But Garforth refused to throw down the sword and a superb move led by substitute Jamie Reeson ended with him crossing to give Simpson his hat-trick and the match-ball.
Although there were brief forays forward in the last ten minutes, Thackley were sitting ducks as Garforth bombed forward in search of the winner. The visitors dropped far too deeply and it meant that every-time the ball was cleared, Garforth won it back.
There were a few hearts in the mouths moments – especially when Simpson was inches away from a tap-in and his fourth of the afternoon.
All-in-all though, a draw was probably a fair result.