Rothwell show More Reasons to send Garforth Packing

Unbeaten since October 2011 Town were confident that they could reverse the controversial result the last time these to two teams met.

Garforth started strongest and some determined defending helped keep the score at 0 – 0. Rothwell kept their shape well and despite continued pressure Jacob Murrays goal was rarely threatened.

Rothwell had few opportunities to break but continued to work hard and started to get back into the game with the frontline putting the Rangers midfield under pressure. A Garforth corner was dealt with well and Rothwell were able to break down the right side with Jacob Bues beating the opposition left back and delivering a low cross which was deflected out for a corner. Kai Wheeler took the corner which was cleared by the defender only as far as Harry Caton who met the clearance with a sweetly struck volley from a yard inside the area which flew through the crowded six yard box and into the bottom corner. The goal seemed to knock Garforths confidence who stepped back and allowed Rothwell to attack. Town took advantage of the extra space with some quick passing. Jacob Bues was a constant threat down the right hand-side and had the Garforth defence worried. Another run and cross from Jacob was met by Sam Pears close in, Sams shot was well stopped but again the deflected clearance only made it as far as the edge of the 18 yard box and was met by Arnie Dooner who arrived late and drilled his first time shot hard & low, to make it 2 – 0. Confidence was rightly high and Town continued to press and look for a third. Gartforth showed little up front, and any breaks were quickly dealt with by a solid backline. The defence challenged for every ball and won every header & with the ball on the floor they looked to pass it out through the midfield. The third goal game 5 minutes from half time, when Harrison Jones won another header and Harry Caton collected the ball and released Sam Van Den Briele, who controlled well and found Sam Pears in an advanced position. Sam looked to play the ball out wide but the Garforth defence was solid. Sam turned well and laid the ball off to Harry Caton who had continued his run into a central position just outside the area. Harry hit a first time shot which curled back inside the keepers left hand post. Town had more chances with Kaden Sharlotte breaking through on a number of occasions but some last ditch defending prevented him getting his shot away. At 3-0 down and on the back foot, Garforth will have been pleased to hear the refs whistle which brought an end to a good half for Rothwell.

With the first half won, the Town coaches were keen to encourage the players to continue the second half in the same way and aim to win the second half. A first clean sheet of the season was up for grabs and would secure a great win. Within 5 minutes of the restart the clean sheet had gone when Garforths striker ran into the box unchallenged and squeezed the ball under Jacob Murray who was unlucky not to make the save. The goal lifted the visitors and Town started to look nervous and lost discipline and shape. A few last minute challenges and a goal line clearance by Michael Throp kept the score at 3 – 1. Jacob Murray bossed the area and as in the first half Rothwell slowly started to get back into the game. Following on from his goal in the previous game Arnie Dooner attempted another overhead kick but without the same result. Both sides continued to have chances but it was the Garforth Keeper who was busiest, with the Rothwell Keeper being protected by a solid defence. With the clock running down Garforth broke through and looked to make it 3-2 which would have set nerves on edge in the final moments. With the ball played ahead of him the striker only had the keeper to beat, Jacob Murray was quickly off his line and challenged bravely,  low at the forwards feet and denied him the opportunity. Rangers seemed to sense the inevitable and the remaining minutes were played out in their half with no real pressure on either goal.

At the final whistle Rothwell had earned a fantastic 3-1 win. All goals were taken superbly with the stand out strike being Harry Catons first which will challenge Arnies Overhead strike for goal of the season. The defence also caught the eye and worked really hard as a team,  looking solid throughout.  Michael, Harrison, Oliver & Kai all challenged for every ball, kept a good shape and looked to pass the ball out of danger. The link up play between them and the midfield contributed enormously to what was a great performance. Man of the Match went to Harrison Jones who remain cool under pressure throughout.