Evo Stik Division One South
Shaw Lane Aquaforce 3-3 Goole AFC
Nick Guest has probably finished off Shaw Lane’s title hopes after scoring twice for Goole in the 3-3 draw
Nick Guest probably delivered the fatal blow to Shaw Lane’s title hopes after Goole pulled off a dramatic comeback in Barnsley.
Runaway leaders Stafford Rangers only need four more points out of their last two fixtures to be crowned champions. Aquaforce have to win their final three games to have any chance of nicking top spot.
The Ducks only have themselves to blame as at half-time, they were 3-1 ahead and very comfortable. Goole manager Lee Morris, the former Shaw Lane assistant boss and striker, managed to lift his side and they gave everything in the second half. Captain Sam Colbear paved the road back before Guest stole the headlines with the late equaliser and his second of the night.
It was like déjà vu for Aquaforce fans as two years ago, Guest scored twice for Hemsworth to kill their NCEL Division One title chances in the dramatic 3-3 draw.
Goole showed their capabilities of causing an upset early on. Poor defending did see Lee Bennett tee up James Walshaw to go through and score for Aquaforce, but Goole responded straightaway as Guest’s delicate diving header levelled matters.
Aquaforce finished the first half very strongly. Jono Wafula deservedly regained the lead for them with a turn and finish inside Goole’s penalty area. A careless foul on Adam Priestley then earned them a penalty which was tucked away by Walshaw.
But Aquaforce incredibly failed to show for the second half. Goole goalkeeper Tom Nicholson was rarely tested and once as Colbear headed home, Shaw Lane’s position was certainly in the balance.
That said, it wasn’t until the five minutes when Goole got their reward for staying in it. Aquaforce were caught out in defence, leading to Luke Mangham sprinting down the right wing. By now the home side were really exposed and men were queuing up in the penalty area for Goole. Instead of choosing to cross for Ben Greasley at the back-post, Mangham rolled the ball to Guest, who rolled the ball into the net.
Goole AFC manager Lee Morris:
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Morgan, Stohrer, O’Brien, P Davidson (Istead 74), Radford, Meynell, Wafula, Thornhill (captain), Walshaw, Bennett (Potts 26), Priestley. Subs unused: Dempsey, A Davidson.
Goole AFC: Nicholson, Steeple, Taylor, Foster (Stannard 79), Colbear, Varley, Greasley, Booth, Guest, Mangham, Robson. Subs unused: Cotton, Thornton, Morris, Kay.
Referee: Jamie Rhodes
Ref Rating: 7/10
Attendance: 132
Man of the match: Luke Mangham (Goole AFC)
Men against boys in the first half but good management from Moz and hard work and determination from Goole against the highest paid team in the division showed that you never give up. Excellent finishing from Nick and solid defending in second half could have resulted in 3 points for goole not just 1?