West returned to Garforth last Saturday, having defeated them last season in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, reports Phil Dodds. It was a game, like most that weekend, impacted by Storm Boelo. Credit to both teams though, as plenty of football was still played, in front of a crowd of 336.
After a goalless first half, with chances for both sides, the deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark. James Burgess’ shot for Garforth from 25 yards out skimmed across the surface and under West goalkeeper Steven Bessent. This proved the only goal of the game, and spirits were still high for West after a battling performance.
Next, sixth-placed Liversedge were the visitors in what was going to be a great challenge for West. There were chances for both teams in the opening couple minutes. Liversedge first, then James Harrison for West. His shot is just off target. Liversedge had the better opportunities in the opening 20 minutes, but West defended well.
West had a goal disallowed on the half-hour mark. Fin O’Gorman was pulled down by the Liversedge goalkeeper on the edge of the box and Michael Sweet put the ball in the back of the net. However, after discussion with the linesman, the referee awarded an offside in a let-off for
Liversedge.
The second half was played in similar fashion to the first, battling and controlled Liversedge found themselves down to ten men in the final minute, after a second yellow for striker Antony Brown, but in the short time remaining, West were unable to take advantage and made do with what was a valuable point against strong opposition.
West now sit 13th in the table, sharing 24 points with Garforth and Consett above them. This midweek, West made short work of Birtley Town at home in the Durham Challenge Cup second round, comfortably moving into the quarter-finals with an 8-1 win while the visitors ended the game with nine men.
Next up is a visit to Matlock Town this Saturday on league duty before welcoming Bradford (PA) to West the following Tuesday evening and Grimsby Boro the following weekend.
Phil Dodds
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
