New-look Harrogate Railway fought back twice from two goals down to earn a 4-4 at Garforth Town and spoil Adam Priestley’s homecoming.
Gibraltar International Priestley, in his first home game since his much-heralded return, had seemingly set Garforth on the road to a straight-forward victory with two early first half goals. However, Railway fought back through trialist Patrick Thomas and Josh Shields.
Mark Simpson and Curtly Martin-Wyatt restored Garforth’s two goal advantage after half-time. Railway kept going and Shields and new captain Joe Jagger secured a draw late-on.
It was a great entertainment, and a repeat of the memorable Toolstation NCEL Premier Division 4-4 draw between the sides in November 2017.
Garforth were cruising that day too. Leading 3-1 until goalkeeper Peter Lawrie needlessly got himself sent off and they ended up needing a spectacular Lee Turner strike to rescue a point.
Similarly, Garforth had enough chances to ease to victory in the 2019 edition. Garforth’s marquee summer signing Priestley had missed a sitter from two yards out, minutes before he broke the deadlock with a trademark finish.
Railway then narrowly escaped conceding a penalty when Fraser Lancaster brought down Simpson on the 18-yard line. Priestley venomously hit the free kick, but watched his effort flash just wide.
He did not have to wait long for the second goal – firing into the bottom corner after given acres of space and time.
Instead of folding, Railway made some changes and hit back with two quick-fire goals. A header from Thomas brought Railway back to life before Shields capitalised after the visitors counter-attacked.
Jagger even spurned the chance to put Railway in front as half-time loomed.
Priestley’s strike-partner Simpson, Garforth’s record goal-scorer, got himself on the score-sheet straight after the interval. It took some perseverance to shrug off the Railway defence, but it paid off in the end as the tight finish rustled in the net.
Garforth brought off Priestley and Simpson and sent on the likes of Dan Williams and Martin-Wyatt and it was the latter who appeared to have sealed the win with his bullet header.
Ultimately he hadn’t. Former Garforth defender Luke McCrum set up Shields for the third. Jagger then equalised with a low drive.
Both teams will certainly take a lot of positives. The partnership of Simpson and Priestley is bound to be a successful one, while Railway are clearly going into the season well-prepared and capable of scoring goals.