Garforth celebrate captain Andy Hawksworth’s late winner
Skipper Andy Hawksworth’s late 35-yard pile-driver edged Garforth Town to a 3-2 opening day victory over Rainworth in the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
Garforth almost caught Rainworth cold in the opening seconds when Mark Simpson latched onto a stray pass and darted towards the Wrens’ goal, but his touch deserted him and the chance disappeared.
After quarter of an hour of the teams getting to know each other, Max Curzon raced onto a cross by the tricky Lewis Bingham, but, over-stretching, he could only divert the ball over the Garforth goal.
In a half that saw sporadic attacks by both sides, it was the Miners that made the first concerted spell of pressure, staring when Spencer Lund went past Rainworth goalkeeper, Joe McCormack. His cut-back was cleared before Simpson could it home.
Andy Hawksworth then saw his header from the resulting corner cleared off the line. Curtly Martin-Wyatt then nodded a header across goal, but again Simpson was denied by a desperate clearance.
The visitors also had a near miss when Ben Hunter scrambled to stop Jordan Harris getting on the score-sheet.
The opening goal was scored by Rainworth. Bingham stayed calm in the Garforth area, before rolling the ball back for Sam Dockwray to place a controlled low shot past Hunter.
Their joy was cut short just before the break. A sweeping Miners’ move ended when Danny Harris teed up Simpson, who eventually got his reward.
Those late back from half time refreshments will have missed the first of Hawksworths’ two goals in this game.
His first was also sublime. Ashley Preece put in a deep cross which the Garforth skipper stretched for, deftly half volleying a finish into the top corner.
Simpson could have extended Garforth’s lead before Dockwray again placed an effort beyond Hunter.
Just as the game seemed to have fizzled out and was heading for a draw, up the pitch drove Hawksworth from right-back and sent a tremendous strike towards to cue wild celebrations.
Garforth Town: Hunter, Hawksworth, Robertson, Shelton, Rogers, Alali, Simpson, Lund, Martin-Wyatt, Mangham, Harris. Subs: Preece, Jones, Smith, Simpkins, Smith.
Referee: Andy Smith
Attendance: 61
Thanks to Jon McGourty from Garforth Town for this report. You can submit reports, team-lists and photos to Non League Yorkshire by emailing info@nonleagueyorkshire.com.