Harrop earns Town a point against Garforth

Knaresborough Town 1-1 Garforth Town 

Knaresborough Town striker Luke Harrop earned his new side a point with the second half equaliser against reborn Garforth Town at Manse Lane.

Mark Simpson’s effort put the Miners in control early on, but Knaresborough fought their way back and deservedly levelled midway through the second stanza of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division clash.

The draw means Garforth have recorded their best points return from their three opening league games since the latter part of the Dave Parker era in 1998. 

It was a great point too. Rob Hunter’s men were really on the ropes in the second half. Understandably the Miners were tired after two epic performances in the shock victories over Shildon in the FA Cup and then at Yorkshire Amateur on Saturday in the past seven days.

Their jaded legs showed as Knaresborough turned the screw and arguably should have gone onto win it.

In some respect though, Garforth will be disappointed not to have won considering Sean Hunter’s two first half chances.

The in-form striker breached Knaresborough’s back-line twice – the first coming in the opening two minutes. Knaresborough manager Paul Stansfield stood open mouthed as his defence parted like the red sea and Hunter scuttled away. The home side only escaped because Hunter shot wide.

Garforth made them pay soon after. Incisive attacking play saw the ball land at Simpson’s feet and the striker turned on the edge of the penalty area and sent an outstanding low drive into the far left-hand-bottom corner.

Hunter’s second chance was next. Again he left the Knaresborough defence for dead. This time goalkeeper Sam Lee rescued his team-mates with a save.

The home side then took control. Before the break, Harrop’s header that goalkeeper Toby Wells palmed clear was their best opportunity.

As the second half unfolded, a Knaresborough equaliser was inevitable. Stansfield’s troops are constantly knocking on the door and tiring Garforth were dropping deeper and deeper.

The pressure eventually told and Harrop struck from close range to net Knaresborough’s first goal of the new campaign.

If you were a betting person there was only one winner now. But for whatever reason Knaresborough did not kick on.

Apart from Brad Walker’s effort which cannoned back off the crossbar, Garforth, boosted by three fresh legs in Dan Williams, cult hero Curtly Martin-Wyatt and Kane Bingley, were relatively unruffled and even had the odd break forwards themselves. Substitute Martin-Wyatt went close with a header.

The Teams 

Knaresborough Town: Lee, Powis, Kidd, Thirkell, Bradley, Lenehan (captain), Baker, Parkes, Harrop (Bromley 85, Donoghue (Garbutt 19 (Stewart 71), Walker. Subs unused: Cooper, Cook.

Garforth Town: Wells, Wilkinson, Buttle, Barker, Turner (captain), Morris, Priestley, Porritt (Williams 68), Simpson (Martin-Wyatt 71), Colley, Hunter (Bingley 68). Subs unused: Kearsley, Silva.

Who Was In Charge 

Jamie Waters (7/10)

How Many Were There

138

Man of the Match 

Lee Turner (Garforth Town)

Captain marvel for the night, Lee Turner is slowly turning into an action hero for Garforth having played in nearly every position for them this season. He ran himself into the ground last week against Shildon and he did so again against Knaresborough.