A Garforth short on quality and options struggled to penetrate our County Durham visitors in the first half, who were appealing for a penalty after only a minute. Lucas Lowery went down when challenged by Harry Flatters after a hospital pass gave him sight of goal, but the referee waved play on. There was another chance for Lowery three minutes later when teed up by Oli Thompson, but he could shoot tamely at Flatters.
After struggling to handle Consett’s clever movement going forward, Town’s first real chance came on 23 mins. Harris Eggleston made a determined run into the box, but was denied by good defending. We were soon on the defensive again though, and The Steelmen were awarded a penalty when Isaac Walker was adjudged to have been tripped by Owen Marshall. Fullback Brendon Daniels stepped up and sent Flatters the wrong way to put his side in front.
Another opportunity for Eggleston came on 24 mins. Tricking his way into the box, his low shot went just beyond the far post via a deflection. Flatters was called up to keep Town in the game however a couple of minutes later when making a great save with his feet to deny Walker when sent clear.
Soon after the visitors scored a deserved second when they were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out. Fullback Daniels took it and scored his second of the game with a cracking strike which flew in at Flatters' near post.
Town finally forced visiting keeper Harry Moss into a save on 39 mins when Eggleston twisted and turned in the box and forced a save with his feet to earn a corner kick. Three minutes later Eggleston played in Charlie Marshall in a good position who controlled but put a low shot wide.
The Miners were much improved second half against The Steelmen who seemed happy to sit back and play on the counter. Oli Patrick’s low effort was just wide five minutes in when set up by Max Tweddle, but two minutes later we were back in the game. Mutty Al-Jahadhmy worked in from the left and supplied Charlie Marshall who slotted home. Joe Allerton almost scored an immediate equaliser when his deflected shot was just over the bar after Al-Jahadhmy found him on the edge of the box.
A rare chance for the visitors to make it three saw a one-two between Danny Holdsworth and Walker, the latter hitting over the bar when well-placed. On 75 mins they did have the ball in the net when sub Matty Todd nodded home Daniels’ delivery, but was flagged for offside.
Town continued to go in search of an equaliser and sub Luke Aldrich was inches from finding it when getting on the end of Al-Jahadhmy’s cross, but his effort came off the post. On 90 mins the comeback was complete when Al-Jahadhmy was taken down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. The midfielder picked up the ball and sent Moss the wrong way to score his 6th of the season.
Late drama which, in a "refreshing change" from recent weeks, went Garforth's way and stretches our unbeaten run to five games. Paul Marshall's side are next in action on Tuesday when we entertain neighbours Ossett United (kick-off 7:45pm).
Town team: Flatters, Zachariou (Burgess 65), Tweddle, O. Marshall (White 65), Emery (c), Colville, Eggleston, Allerton (McAleese-Shorney 76), C. Marshall (Aldrich 76), Patrick, Al-Jahadhmy. Unused: Jeff.
Attendance: 471.