Ralph Backhouse Memorial Cup
Garforth Town Legends 11-2 Bird In Hand Rangers
Garforth Town Legends captain Brett Renshaw collects the Ralph Backhouse Trophy from Ralph’s great nephew Jack Yelland and presents him with a signed Miners jersey by the players involved in the game. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Garforth Town Legends won the inaugural Ralph Backhouse Memorial Cup, but most importantly helped to raise lots of money for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal.
Ralph, whose ashes were scattered on the J.S White Community Stadium pitch afterwards, was a massive Miners supporter and he was well known in the area. His passing in February was a big shock to the club along with the community of Garforth.
Ralph would have been proud of the effort shown by the sides. Nick Black scored four times for Garforth, with man of the match Lee Connor chipping in with two – including a sensational long range screamer which went down as the goal of the day. Jassim Alali, Milton Turner, Jack McCarthy, Harrison Lightowler and Chris Fisher also found the net.
The Legends were on top early on, but it took 25 minutes for the opening goal to be scored. The Miners had a terrifying attack in Duncan Bray and Andy Rowan and the pair carved the Bird in Hand up with ease. Rowan was a Miners player for a long time in the 2000s and he is best known for scoring against Tadcaster in 2004, the game made famous for Brazilian Legend Socrates’ appearance. Former Pontefract Colls boss Bray was a prolific goal-scorer for Garforth in the early part of his illustrious career.
Tireless Bray was at the fore-front of every attack, contributing six assists in the process. He also rolled back the years by winning a penalty late-on.
Bray’s pass enabled Black to open the floodgates with the opener. Legends manager James Grayson then made an inspired substitution as he brought Alali on and he scored with his first touch. It was definitely a goal for Ralph as Alali was the last player that Ralph sponsored before his passing.
Danny Furlong scored twice for Rangers, in between a powerful Turner drive after a marauding run from his right-back slot.
McCarthy was given a thunderous heroes return from the Miners supporters when he came on as substitute so his goal received a huge cheer.
The next goal-scorer was fitting. As Ralph was a big believer in giving local talent a chance, it was appropriate that there was a past, present and future theme to the Legends squad. So when 16-year-old Lightowler, a member of Garforth’s new under 21s team, it was a nice moment.
The second half was one-way traffic. The Garforth Legends were literally camped in the Bird in Hand’s half and were rarely threatened at the other end.
Black, twice, and Connor had easy finishes to take Garforth’s tally to eight. Connor, an immensely popular Non League player in the West Yorkshire, then brought one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon after marching forward from his centre-back slot and planting a 30-yard unbelievable shot into the stanchion.
Shortly after he was presented with the chance to seal his hat-trick after Bray was wiped out. However, his chipped penalty attempt flew over the crossbar.
Fisher and Black made up for the miss by taking Garforth to eleven goals for the afternoon.
Brett Renshaw, one of Garforth’s greatest captains and skipper for the day, collected the trophy from Ralph’s young great nephew Jack Yelland at the end. Garforth were the winners, but the real winners were charity and community spirit.
Garforth Town chairman Brian Close (right) and Legends manager James Grayson laugh during the pre-match talk which Ralph watched over. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Ralph watched over the players in the dressing room. Picture: Mark Gledhill
The Garforth Town Legends team and management. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Bird in Hand Rangers. Picture: Mark Gledhill
There was a minute’s applause for Ralph, who passed away in February. Picture: Mark Gledhill
There was a big turnout from the local community. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Garforth Legends Adam Priestley, Paul Walker and Chris Howarth came to watch, but were unable to take play. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Current Garforth assistant manager Andy Sunley was a commanding presence in midfield. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Duncan Bray provided six assists and won a penalty, but could not. Picture: Mark Gledhill
A goal for Ralph. Jassim Alali, who scored with his first touch, was Ralph’s sponsored player. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Chris Fisher enjoyed his run-out for the Garforth Town Legends Team. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Andy Rowan, who scored in the game when Socrates played for Garforth, in action. Picture: Mark Gledhill
The reception for popular defender/midfielder Jack McCarthy was thunderous
Nick Black scored four and he rounded goalkeeper Dave Ross for this goal. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Nick Black in action in a Garforth Town jersey. Picture: Mark Gledhill
16-year-old Harrison Lightowler scored with one of his first touches. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Craig Tonkinson got a 70 minute run-out for Garforth Town Legends. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Lee Connor runs to the watching Chris Howarth after scoring his 30-yard screamer. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Connor did not get a hat-trick as he chipped his penalty over the crossbar. Picture: Mark Gledhill
The Bird In Hand’s wall looks terrified as deadly Dave Robertson takes a free kick. Picture: Mark Gledhill
The two teams and officials line up after the game. Picture: Mark Gledhill
What They Said
Garforth Town Legends manager James Grayson
Garforth Town Legends manager James Grayson shakes hands with Andy Sunley as the midfielder comes off
“Because of the Bank Holiday fixture schedule, it meant that a few of the club’s ex-players were unable to play because of Evo Stik games tomorrow (Monday).
“Fortunately we got to the day with 16 lads, who were all a credit to themselves. The commitment and enthusiasm was first class. Ralph would have been proud of everyone who took part, not just the Garforth Town lads, but the Bird in Hand as well because they never gave up despite the score-line.”
Garforth Town Legends defender Lee Connor
The Teams
Garforth Town Legends (4-4-2): Ben Hunter, Milton Turner, Chris Fisher, Andy Sunley, Brett Renshaw (captain), Lee Connor, Nick Black, Craig Tonkinson, Duncan Bray, Andy Rowan, Sam Leach. Subs: Jack McCarthy, Jassim Alali, Harrison Lightowler, Reece Buckle, Tommy Reynolds, Dave Robertson.
Bird In Hand Rangers: Dave Ross, Anthony Wilson, Damon Barrow, Liam Woods, Scott Fletcher, Barry Morris, Andrew Stower,, Mark Butler, Ryan Barrow, Danny Furlong, Richard Sykes. Subs: Matty Hurrell, Ian Sharman, Lee Higgins.
Who Was In Charge
Ricky Taylor (10/10)
Referee Ricky Taylor, his two assistants and the two captains. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Men of the Match
Lee Connor (Garforth Town Legends)
Garforth man of the match Lee Connor always plays with a smile on his face. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Danny Furlong (Bird in Hand Rangers)
Danny Furlong scored twice for the Bird In Hand Rangers
The full album of photos can be seen on the Facebook page of Mark Gledhill Photography.