Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Garforth Town 1-0 Staveley Miners Welfare
Swedish-American defender Kevin Terhaerdt’s first half winner defeated Staveley Miners Welfare and sent promotion-chasing Garforth Town up to second in the Premier Division table.
Terhaerdt, whose watching parents timed their visit to the UK perfectly, stabbed home the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time which also extended Garforth’s unbeaten league run to 11 games.
The memorable night further strengthens belief in a push for a return to the Northern Premier League for the first time since 2013, something that has seemed like the impossible dream for years.
But under miracle-working manager Paul Marshall and with a hard-working side of mostly previously unknown players, the Miners head into the second half of the season believing in miracles.
Miracles do happen at Garforth as well – they once had a former Brazil World Cup international playing for them.
The crowds are flocking back too.
Just under 150 people watched this encounter on a cold night and Marshall will be hoping his target of 250 will be breached at Saturday’s home clash with AFC Mansfield.
Marshall said his in-form side were worth watching as they are the only team in the Premier Division to score in every game this season and are defensively solid.
That remains true after the nerve-jangling victory over Staveley who were unlucky not to come away with a point.
There was little in it and both sides had spells of pressure.
Garforth’s best period was towards half-time.
Star frontman James Burgess went close with a chance in a difficult position.
He had then a deflected shot that went out for a corner.
Australian Jed Zanos delivered the perfect cross and Terhaerdt poked it into the bottom corner from close range.
Hass Gorji had the opportunity to double their lead straight after the break but he blazed the ball high and wide.
Marshall placed his head on the roof of the dugout, perhaps knowing it could back to bite his heroic side.
Staveley enjoyed a lot of possession and they were desperately unfortunate not to equalise when Toby Wells tipped over Rob Doolan’s header.
The celebrations were loud when the final whistle was blown.
They could get louder as the season goes on.
The Teams
Garforth Town: Wells, Leach, Silva (Zachariou 66), Low, Denton (captain), Terhaerdt, Zanos, Fitzgerald, Burgess (Pilkington 90), Gorji (Marshall 84), Colley. Subs unused: Ragan, Thompson.
Staveley Miners Welfare: Alberry, Bell, Oglesby, Lindley (captain), Eades, Langton, Worrall, Doolan, Grant (Boocock 77), Poole (Froggatt 60), Kay (Price 77). Subs unused: Wilkinson, Varby.
Who Was In Charge
Mark Findlay (8/10)
Although the game kicked off late, Mr Findlay enjoyed a non-controversial evening. During one of two breaks over ball issues, Mr Findlay also showed the attributes to be a crown green bowls player when his refereeing career reaches its natural conclusion.
How Many Were There
148
Man of the Match
Kevin Terhaedt (Garforth Town)