Harrogate Railway 0-4 West Allotment Celtic
Harrogate Railway were unable to turn tons of possession into chances as West Allotment Celtic made it through the FA Vase first qualifying round tie at Station View,
Two late goals made the score-line more emphatic and it didn’t reflect Railway’s presence in the game – in truth it was a good effort against another one of those Northern League giants with big resources.
Des Macorison’s men started really positively. Railway, definitely in their best shape playing-wise since the great days of the Billy Miller era, hit the bar early doors through 17-year-old Kieran Greenaway.
Celtic’s opener was far too easy. The visitors had applied some pressure, but not enough to cause a panic for the home side. Starting with their goalkeeper, Celtic carved Railway open with two passes. Abubaker Salim escaped down the left, strode into the penalty area and fired low past Joe Wilton.
Marquee summer signing Joe Jagger hit the side-netting to warn Celtic that Railway were still in it and half-time it was nicely poised. Celtic had been awarded a penalty with a minute to play of the first half after Wilton fouled Salim who went down very theatrically. Shane Jones’ penalty was poor as it was low and straight down the middle, making it an easy save for Wilton.
Railway pressed high up the pitch for the second half and dominated possession of the ball. But they had no end product. The style of play is great to watch, but most of the final passes were poor and Celtic were capable of causing huge problems on the break. With Railway’s defence playing such a high-line, Celtic got in behind several times.
Matty Hayton went past Wilton to score the second goal and leave Railway facing a Vase exit. Railway kept plugging away and free kick expert Jagger went close with a 25-yard pile-driver.
A goal-mouth scramble followed from the resulting corner, but nothing would come off for Railway.
The third and fourth goals from Michael Baxter and then Hayton both came from Celtic getting beyond Railway’s defence.
The Teams
Harrogate Railway: Wilton, Jordan, Swailes, Swales (McCrum), Lancaster, Shields (Ferguson), Greenaway, Whitehead, Jagger (captain), Sykes, Heeley (Fernandes). Subs unused: Newsome, Lightowler.
West Allotment Celtic: Hodgson, Higgins, Thompson, Forster (Trodd), Errington (captain), Scott, Baxter, Chapim, Hayton, Jones, Salim (Carney). Subs unused: Leech, Bates.
Who Was In Charge
Luke Lazenby (6/10)
How Many Were There
71
Railway Man of the Match
Kieran Greenaway
