Garforth Town 0-2 Sunderland Ryhope CW
Garforth Town were given another reminder of the old glories they hope to recreate as club great Olly Hotchkiss inspired Sunderland Ryhope CW to a comfortable FA Vase victory.
Man of the match Hotchkiss dominated the second qualifying round tie and deservedly received a standing ovation by both sets of supporters, not just because of his quality performance, but his leadership skills too.
Only a select few deserve red carpet treatment at Garforth. Hotchkiss and his team-mates who famously secured the club’s ever league finish in 2012 are on that list. As is the mastermind of that achievement, Steve Nichol – the club’s greatest manager.
Nichol, now the youth development head honcho at FC Halifax Town, even made a surprise and rare appearance at the Bannister & Prentice Stadium to catch-up with his old prodigy – only his third time back at the ground since leaving the manager’s post in 2012.
Hotchkiss’ well known father and brother Tom were also welcomed with open arms. Older brother Tom gained notoriety during the old NPL days for his passionate support of the team from the terraces.
Memorably or infamously, depending on how you look at it, he was once ejected from a less than 100 crowd at Radcliffe Borough by an over-zealous steward who was unhappy with his exuberant celebration to a Garforth goal. He spent the rest of the game watching from outside the ground.
The red carpet was certainly well-used as the crop of 2019 rolled out it on the field too.
Garforth had the majority of possession, but did little with it. Gibraltar International Adam Priestley, a team-mate of Hotchkiss’ in the team of 2012, was the home side’s main threat, but he had little service and chances were almost non-existent.
Northern League outfit Sunderland’s 17th minute opener was careless and against the run of play. The Miners completely switched off from a corner and Trewick netted from close range.
With options on the bench, such as Mark Simpson and Sean Hunter, it was hoped Garforth could mount a comeback.
However midway through the second half, it was all over. Courtesy of Hotchkiss’ peach of a pass, Sunderland countered. Bird went through, but instead of taking on the last Garforfh defender, he passed to Rae at the far right post. The attacker had acres of space and time to pick his spot and seal Ryhope’s passage.
A reminder for Garforth on two fronts. One of former glories and two that there’s a lot of work to do if they want to create new chapters of great moments.
The Teams
Garforth Town: Wells, Fergus, Chippendale, Bingley (Simpson), Low, Coupland (Silva), Priestley, Turner (captain), Martin-Wyatt, Williams (Hunter). Barker. Subs unused: Colley, Beaston.
Sunderland Ryhope CW: Harkness, Walker, Cocks, Wallace (Vincent), Lay, Trewick, Skidmore, Hotchkiss (captain), Rae, Bird, Weirs. Subs: Winter, Vincent, Procter, Devlin, Ellis, Cranston, Robson.
Who Was In Charge
Gareth Thomas 10/10
How Many Were There
139
Man of the Match
Olly Hotchkiss (Sunderland Ryhope CW)
