Graham Nicholas bowed out as Garforth Town manager by guiding them through in the FA Vase
Graham Nicholas bowed out as manager of Garforth Town by guiding them into the FA Vase second round with a slender 1-0 win over Hebburn Town.
Luke Mangham’s strike after the interval gave new Ossett Town boss Nicholas the perfect send-off after over two years in charge at Wheatley Park.
The win also gave Garforth’s supporters something cheer about after a week that became unsettling when preparations for the crucial Vase tie were disrupted by the announcement of Nicholas’ impending departure.
The now coming week is even bigger for the club as the two joint-owners have to appoint a new manager as quick as possible ahead of the visit of Parkgate next week.
Players are expected to depart in the next ten days and five have already announced their departures.
One is star striker Mark Simpson, who almost put Garforth ahead in the opening minutes. Hebburn goalkeeper Steven Hubery was equal to his effort.
Hebburn also had two chances cleared off-the-line in an entertaining first half.
Mangham forced the decisive goal with a neat strike from the edge of the penalty area within moments of the second half starting.
Hebburn’s best chance to take the tie to extra-time was when Channon North broke through and fired wide.
Garforth held out and Nicholas was able to to say goodbye on a high note.
Garforth Town: Hunter, McCarthy, Harris, Monfredi, Rogers, Shelton, Simpson, Preece, Moore, Mangham, Alali. Subs: Robertson, Lund, Martin-Wyatt, Smith.