Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Garforth Town 3-2 Worksop Town
Garforth’s prodigal son Mark Simpson claims he scored twice against Worksop, but his second goal looked like an own goal. Picture: Matthew Appleby
The score-line should have been a lot bigger not as brilliant Garforth Town eased past a very poor Worksop Town side.
Prodigal son Mark Simpson was credited with two goals, but the second looked suspiciously like an own goal. Calum Ward’s goal after some kamikaze defending from Worksop was ultimately the difference.
The final score only suggests a tighter game because of man of the match Luke McCrum’s spectacular own goal in the dying seconds.
The victory completes the double over Worksop. The Tigers, a shadow of their teams of old, had the odd bright spell, but as the second half wore-on, they seemed to raise the white flag.
Buoyant after the surprise win at Maltby Main, Garforth were dominant throughout and a force going forward. Ward held the ball up well, Simpson regularly got in behind and Mitch Hamilton was strong with his trademark marauding runs. In midfield, Dan Coupland and captain marvel James Beaston were solid. At the back, youngsters McCrum and Jack Lazenby were like trojans and played at a level that defied their age.
Simpson, against the team he started the season with, got the party started for Garforth after pulling away from the visiting defence.
Captain marvel James Beaston led from the front for Garforth Town. Picture: Matthew Appleby
Conor Higginson did draw Worksop level with a low strike. Garforth goalkeeper Stephen Weatherill hurt himself trying to save the effort and he had to be replaced by Peter Lawrie.
Parity did not remain for long as Ward’s header towards the back-post was turned home by a Worksop defender – although Simpson claims he got the final touch.
Garforth effectively sealed the points straight after half-time thanks to more comedy defending. After three attempts at scoring which led to a mass scramble, Ward finally blasted the ball home.
Ward should have added the fourth, but the visiting goalkeeper made a good save.
McCrum’s bullet header into the wrong net reduced the deficit for the visitors, but fortunately for Garforth there was no time for Worksop to push for an equaliser.
The Team
Garforth Town: Weatherill, McMurrough, Kitson, Beaston (captain), McCrum, Lazenby, Turner, Coupland, Ward, Hamilton, Simpson. Subs: Hunter, Savage, Fletcher, Robertshaw, Lawrie.
Who Was In Charge
Darren Whatling (6/10)
Man of the Match
Luke McCrum (Garforth Town)
21-year-old Luke McCrum was exceptional for Garforth. Picture: Matthew Appleby