By Callum Petterson

An Alfie Wilkinson double was enough to secure all three points for Golcar United and put them top of the NCEL Premier Division.

In the first of five successive home games, the Weavers beat 10-man Tadcaster Albion 2-1 on Tuesday night.

Golcar were off to a worrying start as defender Shane Killock was forced off after just five minutes. However, a reshuffle and early appearance from sub Rico Kilbourn meant his absence was covered.

It was a cagey first half but midway through Golcar squandered a series of quickfire chances to go ahead.

Just over five minutes before the end of the half, Tadcaster midfielder Benjamin Tweed went in late and high on Golcar defender Nicky Clee. The midfielder was lucky to escape with just a yellow card for the knee-high challenge.

Just two minutes before half-time, Wilkinson gave Golcar the lead, as he flicked home with his head at the near post from a great corner by Ollie Russon.

 

 

After the break, the referee had seemingly lost control of the game, as tackles began flying in and players began pushing and shoving.

With 20 minutes remaining, Callum Petch had a huge penalty shout as he was dragged to the floor by a Tadcaster defender but the referee waved him up.

After this, the visitors went straight up the other end of the pitch and got their equaliser on the break, Luca Bolino grabbing the goal.

Golcar hit back almost immediately and just a minute later Wilkinson had earned them a penalty after he was elbowed in the face by Elliot Holmes.

This resulted in the Tadcaster defender receiving a red card, and substitute Sam Kitchen being placed in the sin bin for 10 minutes for dissent towards the referee.

Wilkinson stepped up to take the penalty, and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Substitute Kilbourn had a good chance to make it 3-1 and kill the game off with 10 minutes to go but his effort was narrowly wide of the target.

Golcar are back at the Skye Direct Stadium on Saturday October 12 (3.00) against Silsden. With no professional matches being played this weekend, Golcar are offering all fans pay what you want for this fixture. Gates will be open from 1.30pm.

Gallery of images by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE