Toolstation NCEL Division One
Hall Road Rangers 0-0 Harrogate Railway
Harrogate Railway wing wizard Rob Youhill’s earlier than anticipated return from injury was the main talking from Mick O’Connell’s side’s draw at Hall Road Rangers.
Marquee summer signing Youhill dislocated his ankle in their first pre-season match and had been expected to be out until the New Year.
However, Youhill, in his fourth or fifth coming at Station View and one of the few remaining relics from the great Billy Miller era, came on as a second half substitute to cause Hall Road numerous problems in the dramatic finale.
His presence helped brighten up a fairly drab encounter, played out in windy conditions and on a heavy pitch, which neither side deserved to win.
Hall Road striker Chris Spinks dangled an early carrot to test Railway goalkeeper Joe Wilton who answered with a smart stop by turning the ball out for a corner.
Wilton had to stay strong towards the interval when a scramble in the goal-mouth nearly allowed Hall Road to nick the lead.
The crowd had to wait a while for the next big chance as that came deep into the second half.
Railway’s Marcus Day’s driving run was halted superbly by Tom Bennett who swirled and exceptionally played a diagonal ball to send Sam Robinson away down the left.
He crossed first-time to the back-post where Reece Moody snuck in and missed the best chance of the game as his shot came back off the post – possibly with the help of Wilton’s foot.
By now Youhill was on-the-field and bringing back the memories of the days of crossing for Nathan Cartman to score.
The winger was a danger man and he sent a couple of mouth-watering crosses into the Hall Road penalty area but no-one was near the end of them.
Day also caused a few issues for Rangers who were under the cosh towards the end.
Credit goes to Hall Road centre-half James Piercy, an accidental poster boy for Non League Yorkshire, who led his side’s defence magnificently late-on.
The ex-North Ferriby man made several hugely important interceptions as Railway probed for the winner.
Ultimately though a draw was the right result.
What They Said
Hall Road Rangers joint manager Dave Ricardo
“It was a hard-fought game by both sides and I thought in terms of physicality they were the best side we have played against since I have been at the club (six or seven weeks).
“They matched us in terms of intensity and with the pitches turning now it is hard to get 90 minutes of quality.
“You have to win the battle first and they stood us to be counted.
“They looked to hit us on the break at times and they looked a threat.
“However, our defence was superb.
“We hit the post, their ‘keeper (Joe Wilton) made a fantastic reaction and we had lots and lots of set-pieces.
“Ironically against Retford nearly everyone went in.
“I think a neutral watching that game would say a draw was a fair result.”
Harrogate Railway manager Mick O’Connell
“I think it was a fair result overall.
“Hall Road put us a bit of pressure in the first half and we didn’t really deal with it very well.
“We dealt with it better in the second half but they are a dangerous team on the break.
“We huffed and puffed but didn’t do enough to win it.
“They had the best chance to win it.
“Joe, our goalkeeper has made two brilliant saves.
“When we brought Robbie on we put some good balls in the ball but we didn’t do enough to get on the end of those crosses.”
The Teams
Hall Road Rangers: Macauley, Galloway, Britton, McGarry, Knaggs (Wray 68), Piercy, Muirhead, Bennett, Moody (Harrison 87), Spinks, Robinson. Subs unused: Bullement, Griffin.
Harrogate Railway: Wilton, Hardcastle (Gore 90), McDaid, Thirkell, Holmes, Morris, Crosby, Danby (Shaw 77), Day, Greenway, Robertson (Youhill 68). Subs unused: Mutch, Norman.
Who Was In Charge
Thomas Day (8/10)
How Many Were There
81
Man of the Match
James Piercy (Hall Road Rangers)
