Athletic Not GOOD Enough
The Goods Office faced their sternest challenge thus far against last seasons Division 1 winners Buffalo in the Roy Mellor Memorial Trophy Semi-Final. Confidence in the Athletics chances were high after the convincing victory the previous week and they couldn’t have got off to a better start at a windy West Park. Good Work on the left from Adam Heywood resulted in little Al Johnson converting a free header from 6 yards out in the opening minutes. The Goodies then made the fatal error of sitting back on the 1-0 lead and allowing the visitors to dictate the game.
Buffalo looked dangerous on the attack and even a strong Goods Office defence lead by Stalwart Tom Kinghorn could prevent Hodgekiss breaking from the left flank and slotting past Tipping in goal on the half hour mark. Buffalo then took the lead shortly before half time with an almost identical goal and Athletic were guilty of being a little flat footed at the back.
The Goods Office started the second half aware of what was required from them but unfortunately were never really able to recreate the kind of football that they are capable of. Shortly after the break Goods Office lost Ash ‘the engine’ Andrews to injury after a bad fall. He was to be replaced by Cannon who did well breaking up the play in the middle of the park. However it was soon 3-1 to the visitors after Athletic failed to clear their lines. At this stage last season all the sides that have merged to become Goods Office Athletic would have let their heads go down and given up the fight. It is testament to the new mentality that has been instilled in the squad that they were soon back in the game. Crisp and Kerr linked up well to find AJ free in the area who finished with a well struck half volley. 3-2.
The game then turned scrappy with neither side wanting to give an inch in a tight contest. Unfortunately the goodies eventually gave that inch and the visitors were put 4-2 up by Davidson who’s ‘shot’ looked like it was rolling harmlessly past Tippings left post only for it to sneak in.
The 2 goal deficit was immediately reduced back to 1 by Kerr who continued his strong scoring record for 09/10 season. This set up a final 20 minutes of Goods Office pressure. Gormley replaced Gawthorpe on the right and Munday to the field in place of AJ up front. The Goodies took the game to Buffalo and had several corners and long throw ins that could of put the home side level with a bit of look; but the Thorne side defended resiliently to get the result and passage to the first cup final of the season.
A good litmus test for the newly formed Goods Office Athletic who can take encouragement from matching last years league victors in almost every department.
A special Thank you goes to Howden Joinery Ltd Supply Division for their kind sponsorship.
