By Callum Petterson
Nicky Clee scored a cracking free-kick on his 800th career appearance as Golcar United beat third-placed Garforth Town 3-2 at the Skye Direct Stadium on Friday night.
George Doyle and Lee Bradshaw provided the other two goals as Golcar made it eight matches unbeaten.
Golcar started the game quickly, and almost took the lead after just five minutes, when Callum Petch headed Malakai Phillip’s cross just wide of the target.
It only took three minutes after this chance for the village to hit the target and open the scoring. Doyle recovered a loose ball on the edge of the box, jinked through the Garforth defence and tucked his shot into the bottom corner.
Just before the 20th minute, Ollie Russon had a chance to launch a ball into the Garforth penalty area from a long free-kick. Dan Naidole won the first header and knocked it into the path of Bradshaw, who found a clever finish.
It was 2-0 at the break and the first big chance of the second half came just after the hour mark.
Petch won Golcar a free-kick right on the edge of the box, and up stepped 40-year-old Clee, who spotted a gap in the wall and placed his free-kick into the bottom corner.
With under 20 minutes remaining, Garforth kicked off their attempted comeback. Keeper Sam Kelly did well to save a long-range effort but the rebound fell to Matt Antcliff, who squeezed the ball over the line to make it 3-1.
In the 90th minute, Garforth gave themselves one last chance. Lee Turner was given too much room in the box and got his turn and shot away with no pressure around him, pulling the scoreline back to 3-2.
Golcar, however, saw out the six additional minutes to claim maximum points.
Golcar’s next fixture is on Tuesday (March 13) when they face Barton Town at the Skye Direct Stadium.
Main image (top): Nicky Clee with joint managers Ash and Gav Connor and above and below Lee Bradshaw celebrates his goal.
Images by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
