It was a tense and scrappy encounter where the two defences often cancelled each other out, and when chances did present themselves, quality in front of goal was lacking.
Among a number of Garforth connections the match was sponsored by the Bob Hunter Memorial Fund. The late father of former Town manager Rob and grandfather to former striker Sean, Bob could often be seen supporting the team during their time at the club. On the field for Knaresborough were former Miners Sam Barker, James Beaston and Jack Lazenby and off it there was one for seasoned Garforth fans in coach Lawrence Hunter, part of our 2011-12 squad which reached the NPL North play-off semi-finals.
Jamie Barkway was unfortunate not to put The Miners ahead on 15 mins when his arrowed strike crashed off the bar after Luke Aldrich teed him up from a long throw-in. A Charlie Marshall header was then denied on the line by defender Will Lenehan when picked out by Mutty Al-Jahadhmy. In between those was a chance for Barker for the hosts who shot wide when played in by top scorer Slater Barnes-Cook.