Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Garforth Town 1-3 Athersley Rec
Kieran Scargill congratulates Kai Hancock after his goal
Athersley Rec positioned themselves for a push for a top six spot with a deserved victory at Garforth Town, who returned to action after a month off.
Brad Kilburn and Kai Hancock’s first half goals set the Rec on their way. Luke McCrum sparked a revival from Garforth on the hour mark, but McCauley Shilito settled the matter.
Although Athersley were excellent, Garforth’s month off did show. Having enjoyed a lot of momentum from the run of seven wins in eight leading up to the enforced break, the confidence shown during that run was not there.
Garforth switched off for the opener as Kilburn was allowed a free header from a corner.
The Rec continued to dominate. Kieran Scargill went close before highly-rated Hancock breached the Garforth back four and finished easily past goalkeeper Paul Hagreen.
Hancock almost put the game beyond Garforth on the stroke of half-time when his effort came back off the post.
Garforth were much better in the second half. They enjoyed a good period of pressure, culminating in Luke McCrum heading home Lee Turner’s superb in-swinging cross.
Instead of inspiring a Garforth comeback, Athersley gathered themselves together and gained back control of proceeding.
Although Shilitto’s goal was fortuitous as Hagreen spilled the ball, it killed the contest. The Rec finished strongly and could have easily added another as Hancock fired wide after being put through on Hagreen.
Action from Garforth Town 1-3 Athersley
Action from Garforth Town 1-3 Athersley
Garforth’s Jake Rose takes on legendary Athersley captain Ryan White
Kieran Scargill battles with Garforth’s Sam Leach for the ball
Kai Hancock in battle with Ryan Donoghue
Athersley defender Brad Kilburn opened the scoring
Athersley goalkeeper Shaun Penn holds onto the ball
Athersley’s Tom Copping tackles Jake Rose
McCauley Shilito scored Athersley’s third
After Luke McCrum had made it 2-1
An aerial battle
The Teams
Garforth Town: Hagreen, Leach, Kitson (Allsop 78), Beaston (captain), Donoghue, McCrum, Rose (Dhesi 70), Turner (Hunter 70), Simpson, Hamilton, McMurrough.
Athersley Rec: Penn, C White, A White, Kilburn, Copping, R White, Scargill, Almond (Glaves 70), Hancock, Cawley (Owen 70), Shillito (Bebbington 78). Sub unused: Scully.