Garforth Town 3-0 Handsworth

Garforth got their league campaign off to a perfect start against a new-look Handsworth side.

Garforth were on the attack straight from the start and when Adam Porritt scampered past his man on the right byline, his cut-back to Mark Simpson ended with Handsworth keeper Benjamin Townsend making a point-blank save.

Although the Miners got off to a bright start, Handsworth looked the stronger side as the first half progressed, until Garforth got a debatable goal on thirty seven minutes. The debating point being who actually scored it!
Adam Porritt whipped a ball into the box and Mark Simpson stretched out a toe to possibly get a nick on the already goal-bound ball. His presence was at least enough to confuse goalkeeper Townsend.

Toby Wells was called upon to make a save on the verge of half time to send Garforth into the changing rooms with the lead.

With Adam Priestley away, Sean Hunter was given the role of partnering Mark Simpson in attack and took his chance with a clinical finish through the legs of Townsend just four minutes after the break.
The chance came from a long kick from Wells, a flick on from Lee Turner (making his 100th appearance for Town) and through ball by Simpson. Hunter did the rest.

The third, killer goal, came from a similar position. Wells onto the head of Turner and into the feet of Simpson. The Garforth number nine still had plenty to do. With his back to goal, he rolled his marker and dispatched a clinical finish into the far corner.

When Handsworth danger-man Marley Grant weaved his way into the box and looked like he might pull a goal back, a combination of Joe Colley and man of the match Mike Morris (pictured) raced to fling themselves into the line of his shot.

Grant had another good effort before the end, but Wells was on hand to tip his shot over to earn a clean sheet.

A very positive start to the season for Garforth and just the boost they wanted ahead of a tricky FA Cup tie at Shildon next Saturday.
A coach for that match is leaving the Bannister Prentice Stadium at 11.30am and there are seats available for £10.