Golcar United boss Ash Connor wants to see Tuesday night’s special atmosphere re-created for Saturday’s home game against Ilkley Town with another bumper crowd expected.
The Weavers produced an astonishing fightback to come back from 3-1 down at half-time to beat AFC Darwen 4-3 on Tuesday.
Top scorer Ash Flynn grabbed all four goals in what was an emotionally charged night at the Skye Direct Stadium.
The club remembered Wayne Knapton, a former player, manager and all-round legend, with a minute’s applause. His family and friends were guests of honour at the ground.
On the electric atmosphere Connor said: “The fans on Tuesday were unbelievable. I think it’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever been involved in since being at the club.
“It was a special moment when everyone stopped and applauded Wayne in the 70th minute. I wasn’t at the club when he was here but no one has anything but good words to say about him. He certainly was a club legend.
“When the fourth goal went in it was just unbelievable the noise our fans made.
READ MORE: Emotional tribute night to Wayne Knapton
“We want to create that atmosphere again on Saturday against Ilkley and with Huddersfield Town being on international duty we are hoping a few more Terriers might come and watch us too.
“The support we get on and off the field is huge both in terms of helping to carry the team during matches and financially by people coming through the gates.”
So far this season Golcar home crowds have totalled 2,484, an average of 311. That’s second in the league behind well-supported Bury AFC but, amazingly, 200th in the average attendances table for non-league football generally.
On Saturday’s opponents Ilkley, Connor insists their lowly league position doesn’t mean an easy ride for his joint leaders, beaten just twice this season.
He said: “We haven’t played Ilkley before. They were in the West Yorkshire League previously and so they are an unknown quantity to us. They are near the bottom of the table so they will come to us fighting for their lives.”
Looking back at Tuesday’s victory over AFC Darwen, Connor was disappointed with Golcar’s start to the game and being two goals down so early on.
He was even more concerned as they went 3-1 down going into half-time. However, a half-time team talk helped to turn the Weavers around.
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On the performance he said: “I don’t think we played bad in the first half we just made errors.
“That’s seven goals we have conceded in two games which isn’t good enough. We need to get playing like we did a few weeks back. The second half was much better and at times we really turned it on.
“Flynny will get all the plaudits for scoring the four goals. However, it really was a strong team effort with everyone really putting a shift in.”
Ash Flynn now has 23 goals to his name this campaign. He was delighted with his contribution on the evening but also praised his teammates for their efforts too.
Flynn has recently returned to the side after suffering from a hamstring injury.
On his goals he said: “It’s great to score four goals but I am more buzzing for the team. It was nice to come back from injury, especially to help the team get the three points.”
On the overall performance he added: “We had to win that game if we are serious about challenging for the league title, especially after Saturday’s performance at Blackpool where we weren’t at the races at all and lost 4-1.
“I didn’t think the first half performance on Tuesday was that bad. Darwen scored two fluke goals and we made a mistake for the third goal.
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“I missed two chances in the first half, Buddy Cox missed one as did Dan Naidole so we could have gone in on level terms or been ahead at the break.
“I think we defended very well in the second half and we took our chances. I know I will get the headlines for scoring four goals but I personally thought Kiero Lawrence was man of the match and Buddy worked his socks off next to me which allowed me to get the goals.”
A fascinating battle is brewing for Golcar’s golden boot this season as Naidole had a goal spurt while Flynn was sidelined and now has 17 goals in all competitions.
Flynn is enjoying the challenge and said: “I’m not worried if Dan scores more than me as it’s a team game. He’s one of my mates off the pitch so it’s good to see him doing well.
“To be honest I expect that from Dan as him and Joe Skarz are our best players in my eyes.”
Tickets are £5 or £3 for concessions and can be booked HERE. Kick off at the Skye Direct Stadium is 3pm.
