Toolstation NCEL Premier Division Round-Up
Midfielder Jonny Irving had to go in goal during promotion-chasing Eccleshill United’s big win.
Lee Elam’s side won 2-0 at Thackley despite goalkeeper Ed Wilczinski’s red card early on in the second half.
After a goal-less first half, Eccleshill went ahead one minute into the second half as former Farsley Celtic title winner Andy Cooper found the bottom corner.
Disaster then struck as Wilczinski wiped out former Eccleshill hero Chris Lever and was sent off.
Irving took over and Eccleshill had to withstand some pressure from the hosts.
So it was a big relief for the Eagles when substitute Luke Aldrich struck the killer second goal nine minutes from time.
The victory was a key one because they are now five points ahead of Garforth Town who were held to a goal-less draw by former Barnsley striker Nathan Jarman’s Barton Town who are now 17-games unbeaten.
The wind caused havoc for both sides and although the contest was entertaining, few clear-cut chances were created.
Garforth also had a threadbare side out as Joe Colley (knee) and Jamie Barkway (food poisoning) pulled out on the day.
Left-back Daniel Omosebi wasn’t fully fit either and didn’t last the 90 minutes.
Garforth forward Lee Turner had the best chance of the game when he burst clear early on.
But instead of scoring, he created a visual triumph for the bloomers reels after blazing the ball out of the ground after going one-on-one with goalkeeper Mikey Emery.
Barton were up against it in the second half due to the wind but their game-plan deserves huge credit as they were set-up brilliantly defensively.
Garforth caused odd moments of danger but Barton were solid across the pitch.
The lads from Lincolnshire also had arguably the best chance of the second half.