Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Harrogate Railway 3-4 Athersley Rec
Athersley celebrate Kai Hancock’s injury-time winner. Picture: thesaturdayboy.co.uk
Kai Hancock stole all three points for Athersley with the dramatic last gasp winner at Harrogate Railway.
The see-saw encounter could have gone either way. Rising star Hancock actually broke the deadlock with the opener for the Rec in the eighth minute.
The goal was quickly cancelled as Railway player/manager Paul Beesley scored from a scramble caused by Chris Ovington’s corner.
In-form Lee Garside placed the Rec back in front before Railway hit back again, courtesy of a penalty. Beesley was brought down and Sam Denton converted the spot kick to end an exhilarating first half.
Railway did manage to lead once in the game. That’s Jordan Hendrie crossed for Denton to scored his second goal with a close range finish.
The Rec soon equalised. Their talismanic captain Ryan White forced his way into the penalty area and scored with the help of the inside of the post.
The Rec had to wait until added time to score the winner, but for many it was worth it.
This was a cracking game that crackled throughout. It deserved a late, late winner, but Rail had as many chances to get it as Athersley. Five star entertainment for a fiver! Special mention to ref Bickerdale. I reckon he got the penalty wrong but did well to keep his cool as players lost theirs in a frenetic encounter. Great stuff.