Dan Naidole believes Golcar United’s 5-2 demolition of league leaders Campion shows the side can compete with the best.
Naidole scored the opener – and missed a penalty – as Golcar outplayed Campion on their own turf, coming out 5-2 winners.
Campion remain four points clear of Emley at the top but Emley have four games in hand and Naidole said: “The result showed we can compete with the top teams in the league when we perform to our best.”
Golcar moved up to 12th in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division but remain nine points adrift of the play-off positions having played more games than their rivals.
It’s been an up and down campaign for Golcar with lots of changes in personnel and Naidole said: “It’s been an inconsistent season for us. If we turned up every week like we did against Campion I’m sure we would be pushing for promotion.”
Naidole said the top six remained the target and added: “The Campion result is a great confidence booster for the lads.”
Naidole put Golcar in front in the 14th minute and Ollie Russon made it 2-0 just before the break. Kai Phillip made it 3-0 in the 55th minute to put the Weavers in control.
Aidan Day pulled one back for the home side but George Doyle and Phillip again scored within the space of two minutes to make it 5-1.
Golcar could have added a sixth in the 90th minute but Naidole blasted his penalty over the bar. There was still time for Patrick Sykes to grab a second for Campion but it was too little, too late.
Naidole added: “I thought each player from the starting 11 to the substitutes showed great attitude and togetherness.
“We were solid defensively and clinical in the final third. I was really pleased with my own performance and opening the scoring for us. After my mistake in the Tadcaster game, which cost us a result, I felt I owed the lads.
“I was gutted to miss the penalty even though the game was virtually over. Maybe the heavy legs got the better of me.”
George Doyle gives the victory sign. Images by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
Injuries, suspensions and player departures have also had an impact this season but former Emley striker George Doyle has been a key signing and pacy Kai Phillip is developing fast.
Naidole added: “George has been a great signing and was just what we were missing. Along with Buddy Cox they both give us a different threat in attack. George knows where the goal is and is a team player.
“Kai is establishing himself very well and with a full season under his belt last year he has come on this year.
“He is a defender’s nightmare. If he keeps on with the goals and assists I am sure he’ll go higher.
“The team has been developing but every now and then there are knock-backs with injuries. The Campion game was the first in weeks where we had a number of lads back from injury and suspension and a fully fit squad.
“Hopefully now we can kick on with no more injuries and build that consistency.”
