Garforth Town 2-1 Bridlington Town

Garforth had something to smile about again after a 2-1 win over Bridlington Town.

The result finally brings to an end a run of five games without a win for the Miners.

Bridlington had the better of the opening ten minutes with a few shots on goal, with Jake Day shooting over from the edge of the box.

Garforth started to grow into the game though, and Luke McCrum - returning to the starting lineup after an injury - headed wide.

Twice in succession, Garforth tried to catch Bridlington keeper Philip Dobson off his line, with Mark Simpson's chip being caught, and Lee Turner's effort tipped over.

On 35 minutes Garforth took the lead courtesy of Turner. Mitch Hamilton chipped the ball forward to play the striker through, and the number 9, having beaten the offside trap, rounded the keeper before slotting home to make it 1-0.

Dan Coupland played a one-two with Sean Hunter for Garforth's next chance, but his shot was blocked.

At the other end, Pete Lawrie's clearance fell to Bridlington striker Day, who could only shoot wide.

Lawrie was then called into action to stop a volley from Joel Sutton, struck from outside the box.

Much like the first half, Bridlington started better, with shots from Brett Agnew and Sutton. The former had another attempt as he headed just wide at the far post after a deep cross.

Day was denied a shot on goal by a great challenge from McCrum, which led to a corner. From the set piece, a shot from the edge of the area was saved by Lawrie.

Bridlington's pressure paid off on 71 minutes as they found an equaliser. A great ball from right back Andy Norfolk was misjudged by Lawrie, and it was headed past him by Day.

Just five minutes later though and Garforth were back in front. Coupland picked up possession in the centre of the pitch, and played in Turner, who took the ball wide. He then played it across goal to find Mark Simpson, who, after a few touches, managed to finish to restore the lead. The goal was Simpson's 60th for the club.

Garforth continued to venture forward as they worked hard to retain the advantage. James Beaston won the ball in the middle, starting a move which culminated in a curling Coupland shot being saved by Dobson.

With Bridlington pushing to equalise again, Ryan Donoghue made a crucial challenge late on to deny Agnew a shot on goal. It was resilient defending like this, coupled with several long clearances from Luke Kitson, that helped Garforth hold on to the three points.

The 2-1 victory marked a much welcomed return to winning ways for Garforth, who are now 11th in the table. They will look to use this result as a springboard and will hope for a similar performance in the next game, away at table toppers Handsworth Parramore next Saturday.

By Samuel Bannister