Dan Naidole scored a late winner in Golcar United’s 3-2 victory at Frickley Athletic on Saturday – securing the newly-promoted side’s status in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division for another year.
It was a tough start to the season for the Weavers but players found their feet and the squad was strengthened and a run of results saw them climb away from relegation danger.
Attacking midfielder Naidole scored 25 goals as Golcar were promoted via the play-offs last season and his winner on Saturday was his 16th of the current campaign.
On securing safety, he said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to do it. It shows how everyone’s hard work at the club has paid off. It also shows how far Golcar has come as a club.
“We won’t relax now, though, just because we’ve secured our safety. If you ask all the players they want to push on up the league, win as many games as we can and finish as high as we can.
“Hopefully we can now enjoy our football a bit more knowing there is no pressure on us. If we keep winning games we could maybe break into that top eight and, personally, I’d love to reach 20 goals. Anything approaching last season’s total will mean it’s been another good season.”
Against Frickley, Alex Hallam gave Golcar the lead with his first goal of the season but the home side hit back with goals from Richard Collier and Lloyd Smith.
Golcar top scorer Kayle Price equalised with his 24th of the season before Naidole grabbed the winner with eight minutes remaining.
Golcar are six matches unbeaten in the league and take on bottom club Yorkshire Amateur at the Skye Direct Stadium on Saturday March 11 (3.00). Tickets are £6 adults and £4 concessions.
