By Callum Petterson
George Doyle scored the only goal to see Golcar United progress in the FA Cup for the first time in their history.
The Weavers drew 1-1 at Padiham FC on Saturday and brought the Lancashire side back over the Pennines for an extra preliminary round replay at the Skye Direct Stadium on Tuesday night.
It’s only the third time Golcar have been entered in the FA Cup and both previous attempts resulted in an exit in the extra preliminary round.
Doyle’s goal in the 19th minute proved to be enough as Padiham finished the game with 10 men after sub Joel Melia was sent off for a second yellow card with eight minutes remaining.
Alfie Wilkinson twice went close, the second time denied by a great save from Matthew Hamnett who touched onto the post to keep his effort out.
Wilkinson then turned provider with some excellent footwork to set up Doyle who smashed into the top corner to put Golcar ahead. Doyle almost made it 2-0 five minutes later when he fired against the post.
Gallery of images by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
There was a double blow before half-time when skipper Dan Naidole had to come off with an injury that could sideline him for a while, and Ryan Hall also left the field with a calf problem.
Into the second half, and it was the Weavers on the front foot again. Just after the hour mark Wilkinson hit the post for a second time, leaving him wondering how he’d not got his name on the scoresheet.
Only being one goal behind, the visitors knew that they were still very much in the game but their hopes evaporated when Melia was red carded for two bookable offences.
Both Doyle and the unlucky Wilkinson had chances to seal it late on but the one goal proved enough.
Golcar take on Rossington Main in the NCEL Premier Division at the Skye Direct Stadium on Saturday August 10 (3.00).
