Jordan Turner was the hero for Parkgate
Parkgate revived their flagging season by coming from behind twice to win 3-2 at Garforth Town – their first Toolstation NCEL Premier Division success since mid-September.
New striker Jordan Turner was the Steelmen’s hero with two goals and an assist during the mad opening gambit to the second half.
Parkgate deserved their much-needed victory as they were able to exploit Garforth’s defensive frailties at critical moments – and end their own winless 13 league game run.
The home side actually looked good value at the interval. Curtly Martin-Wyatt’s rebirth as Garforth’s talisman under Adrian Costello continued as the striker planted a rocket in Parkgate goalkeeper Ben Brunt’s left-hand top corner in the third minute.
Apart from Parkgate forward Ben Thornton blazing over at the back-post from a golden chance, Garforth appeared comfortable.
That view changed seven minutes into the second half when Garforth sat back and watched as Turner guided the ball home from a cross from the right – with a tiny bit of help from one of the posts.
Parkgate kept coming at Garforth, who by this point were hanging on. Then on the hour and against the run of play, Javen Benjamin split the Parkgate defence apart with a fine long ball. Brunt hesitated and Jordan Outerbridge capitalised with a touch to outwit the goalkeeper and then a second one to slide the ball into the net.
The lead lasted 60 seconds. Whilst Parkgate deserved to equalise, the manner of how the goal was scored will make interesting viewing on the highlights package. Garforth goalkeeper Tom Osbourne went up to collect a dangerous high bomb and did well to catch the ball. That’s until a good strong from Turner forced the ball home. Incredibly, as everyone waited for the foul to be given, referee Mark Powell awarded the goal.
The official, perhaps lucky to get out of Garforth without causing a full-scale riot, was understandably jeered by the crowd. Matters then became worse for Garforth another 60 seconds later.
Turner was involved again – crossing for Oliver Yates to score a replica of Parkgate’s equaliser.
Garforth had little in response – apart from a strong claim for a penalty in the dying minutes.
Parkgate cleverly winded down the clock and even nearly killed Garforth off as Adam Johnson wasted a glorious chance.
Not that it mattered in the end, three points was all that was needed for Parkgate.
Garforth Town: Osbourne, J Alali (captain), Simpkins, Preece (Benjamin 30), Winn, Jones, Outerbridge, Hardey, Martin-Wyatt, Harris (Carter 52), Robertson (Oyebanji 77). Subs unused: K Alali, Jones.
Parkgate: Brunt, Yates, Lill, Bawett, Wesley (captain), Higgins, Kabeya, Naylor, Thornton, Turner (Johnson 73), Mbeua. Subs unused: Stuart, Hall, Aston, Lifudo.
Referee: Mark Powell
Ref Rating: 6/10
Attendance: TBC
Man of the match: Jordan Turner (Parkgate)
Well done parkgate