Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Albion Sports 2-4 Garforth Town
It was me: Garforth captain James Beaston claims his goal – which put Garforth 2-0 up
A clinical attacking inspired Garforth Town to their first away win for eleven months – a victory that also ended their seven game losing streak.
Goals from Mitch Hamilton, Mark Simpson, Vincent Dhesi and influential captain James Beaston guided the Miners to a result that brings a lot of relief to everyone at the J.S White Community Stadium.
A solitary goal success at Maltby Main last October was their last piece of joy on the road – 15 away games go. A lot has changed at Garforth has changed since. Simpson, the hero in Maltby, is the only survivor of that side.
Initially Adrian Costello picked up the pieces of a Garforth squad which had been mercilessly torn apart in the space of 24 hours. Rob Hunter has since taken up the task and he has been steadily continuing the rebuilding project, which will take time and patience.
Garforth are far from the finished article, but there is clear progress. Going forward with Simpson, Hamilton and Dhesi, Garforth have a frightening attack with real pace. Hamilton and Simpson can get past defenders as if they aren’t there. Dhesi also has that in his locker. Hamilton, the son of former Garforth and Farsley striker Mark, was on a different level to Albion’s defenders and he was by far Garforth’s best player.
The defence has been a major concern as goals have been leaked for fun. Against Albion, with a different formation with Luke McCrum sitting in front of the defence marking danger man Karl Hall, Garforth restricted Albion’s attack to only a few chances.
The Miners had too much power and pace in the final third for Albion. Simpson powered past veteran left-back Asif Hussain for the opener in a dream first half for Garforth. The forward crossed and Jack McMurrough was the first to try his luck. That attempt was saved by Kyle Trennary. Fortunately the ball fell loose and Hamilton rode to the rescue.
One soon became two when Jamie Allsop’s free kick from the right was helped home with the slightest of headers from Beaston.
Facey then presented Albion with a way back before Garforth restored the two-goal lead – and it was a collector’s item too. Hamilton teased and probed Hussain and came out on top when his perfectly floated cross was met by the head of Simpson, who proceeded to score a rare headed goal.
Goalkeeper Paul Hagreen produced a very key save straight after the interval. He denied a through Rhys Jenkinson and that inspired Garforth to seize the initiative and kill Albion off. Dhesi beat the offside trap and sent a powerful effort into the top corner from 25-yards. It proved too much for Albion defender Aran Basi to take as within ten seconds he was sent off for a crazed rant at the officials after claiming that Dhesi was offside.
Even against ten men, it was still understandably nervy for Garforth – especially when Facey scored again midway through the second half.
Facey’s second goal proved to be a false dawn and Garforth’s players walked off to big cheers.
Simon Poole in battle for Garforth
Garforth celebrate Mitch Hamilton’s opener
Jack McMurrough was excellent in midfielder for Garforth
Jake Rose turns away from his opposite Albion Sports numbers
Jamie Allsop took the free kick which James Beaston scored from
A collectors goal: A rare headed goal from Mark Simpson
Beaston congratulates Simpson on his goal
James Beaston wins a header
Vincent Dhesi beat the Albion offside trap to add the fourth
Albion defender Aran Basi saw red for his comments to the officials after Dhesi’s goal
What They Said
Garforth Town manager Rob Hunter
The Teams
Albion Sports: Trennary, Khan (K Basi 52), Hussain, Jenkinson, Firth (captain), A Basi, Barden, O’Brien (Elam 75), Facey, Habeeb (Annor 56), Hall. Subs unused: Bower, Soda.
Garforth Town: Hagreen, Poole (Woodhead 64), Headley, Allsop, McCrum (Dunnett 80), Beaston (captain), McMurrough, Rose, Simpson (Leach 85), Hamilton, Dhesi. Sub unused: Smith.
Who Was In Charge
Danny Jarvis (8/10)
Referee Danny Jarvis sent one Albion Sports player off
How Many Were There
49
Man of the Match
Mitch Hamilton (Garforth Town)
Mitch Hamilton was too good for Albion Sports