Nathan Cartman scored the winner for Harrogate Railway in their 1-0 win over Burscough
Captain Nathan Cartman’s late goal ensured that Harrogate Railway recorded back-to-back victories in the Evo Stik Division One North and surpassed last season’s points total.
Railway were the better side in an entertaining encounter, but they had to wait until Cartman struck with 20 minutes remaining to take the lead.
Railway successfully held on to move up to 13th and secure consecutive wins after Saturday’s victory at Prescot Cables and manager Billy Miller was delighted.
“I think it was deserved over the course of the 90 minutes,” Miller told Sports Performer.
“I thought we came out of the blocks really quickly. The three new signings, Adam Baker and Malcy and Vasilious Katsamagkas, have given us a boost and put a new emphasis on people wanting to be in the team and that was evident tonight.
“We did take too long to get the goal because we had a couple of good chances in the first half. We said at half-time to Fatlum that if he scored in the first half that it would have capped off his half.
“He was tremendous tonight. His work rate along with Alex Metcalfe and Nathan Cartman was fantastic. The win takes us to 44 which is three above last season and that shows our progression.”
Railway were really fired up and Malachi Farquharson wasted two great opportunities inside the opening 13 minutes.
Burscough did create the odd problem for the Railway defence, but they were excellently marshalled by the superb Dan Thirkell and the back four dealt with everything thrown at them.
The home side should have gone in front as half-time loomed. Wing wizard Rob Youhill broke clear, but wasn’t in a position to shoot so he squared the ball to Fatlum Ibrahimi whose low strike inside the penalty area was saved at point blank range by Tim Horn.
Railway continued to attack with vigour as the second half progressed. Winger Adam Baker showed his ability when he skipped past several defenders before scuffing a shot wide of the mark.
Eventually the goal did come as the fog began to appear. Youhill’s left-hand-side corner was partially cleared and the ball fell to Cartman outside the penalty area. Railway’s leading goal-scorer powerfully struck the ball low and down the middle of the goal and he found the net.
Burscough almost replied straightaway as Jack Laird found some space, but Railway’s top goalkeeper Peter Crook made the save.
That was the last real attack from the visitors and Railway, who caused further problems in the closing stages, were able to celebrate a second win in three days.
Harrogate Railway: Crook, Hiza, Swain, Thirkell, Morris, Ibrahimi, Youhill (Jordan 83), Cartman (captain), Farquharson (Katsamagkas 70), Metcalfe, Baker (Bromley 73). Subs unused: Hunter, Ashforth.
Burscough: Horn, Quirk, Short, Williams (captain), Brown, Brookfield, Williams, Connolly, Beesley (Caddick 67), Laird (Smith 77), Brown (Pegler 77). Subs unused: Duff, Tonner.
Referee: N Munday
Ref Rating: 7/10
Attendance: 86
Man of the match: Fatlum Ibrahimi (Harrogate Railway)