Toolstation NCEL Division One
Knaresborough Town 5-0 Grimsby Borough
Dan Thirkell and Knaresborough celebrate one of his goals. Picture: Craig Dinsdale
Knaresborough Town are back at the top of the table after spectacularly smashing title rivals Grimsby Borough, who had lost the plot by the final whistle.
On an unforgettable afternoon at Manse Lane, Paul Stansfield’s men side took the lead after just 24 seconds through Brad Walker.
They added their second goal three minutes later. Former Harrogate Railway wing wizard Rob Youhill’s free kick was met by Dan Thirkell who headed home.
The first Grimsby player to leave early was Luke Mascall. He was red carded in first half stoppage time for remarks made to the referee after a goal was disallowed.
Knaresborough scented blood. Will Lenehan went close, as did Steve Bromley as the pressure mounted on the visitors. Eventually a Thirkell free kick killed Grimsby off.
Youhill scored the fourth with a tap-in before the dismissal of Grimsby goalkeeper Scott Drury for verbal abuse.
Walker added the coup-de-grace at the death.