Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Parkgate 3-3 Albion Sports
Josh Moore scored a hat-trick for Parkgate. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Josh Moore’s hat-trick made sure new Parkgate manager Graham Nicholas enjoyed a positive start, but the former Garforth boss must have been gutted as his side led 3-1 at one point.
Nicholas underlined his strength of getting teams well organised, despite having to patch a threadbare side up during his first week at Roundwood.
Parkgate showed their determination from the start and were duly rewarded on 13 minutes. The ball was crossed into the penalty area for Moore to head home, and no more than Parkgate deserved.
Things got better on 31 minutes when a Moore effort nestled in the net and it was 2-0. Albion were barely a threat until the 39th minute. Daniel Facey scored to reduce the deficit albeit against the run of play.
Parkgate carried on in the same vein from the start of the second half and it was no surprise when on 60 minutes Josh Moore completed his hat trick to make it 3-1.
But that’s when high-flying Albion started to hit back. Former Garforth man Asif Hussain scored from the spot to give them a lifeline.
Parkgate still pressed forward in search of a fourth goal, but Albion pegged them back with debutant Stephen Smith’s 75th minute equaliser. The last 15 minutes saw both sides search for a winner without any success.
The Teams
Parkgate: Lill, McGowan, Mumbanya, Yates, Alali (Captain), Higgins, Emmett, Cuckson, Moore, Thornton (Lindsay 70), Mason (Ajai 77).Subs unused: Wesley, Stacey, Simpkins.
Albion Sports (starting eleven): Bower, Khan, Kaba, Basi, Hussain, Firth (captain), Jenkinson, Barden, Facey, Habeeb, Smith.
Thanks to Steven Hewitt for this report.