A first ever hat-trick for Curtly Martin-Wyatt, a brace from Danny Harris and a stunner from Mark Simpson saw the Miners record a first win in 12 years over our neighbours, and crucially more than likely confirm our Premier Division status.

A common feature of Garforth games since Christmas has been giving away the first goal, but any nerves on the terraces were soon settled when Town raced into a two goal lead. A great passing move three minutes in ended in Khalid Alali laying off to Danny Harris who finished into the bottom corner.

Pontefract’s first chance came on 5 mins when Jack Mawson shot over the bar from a good position when supplied by Kane Reece, but a minute later Garforth doubled their lead. Another flowing move saw Harris pick out Curtly Martin-Wyatt at the far post who obliged by heading across Ponte keeper Liam Corbett and into the net for his 30th goal for the club.

A couple of chances followed for Colls’ Liam Radford and Mark Whitehouse, but weren’t able to test Osborne in the Town goal. Their defence struggled to cope with Simpson, Martin-Wyatt and Harris going forward, and on 20 mins Town had the chance to give themselves an unassailable lead after Harris was brought down in the area. Referee Luke Watson agreeing with his linesman who spotted the foul and duly awarded a penalty. Martin-Wyatt was the man to take it and found the bottom corner of the net, despite Corbett getting a hand to it.

Its fair to say our side isn’t used to finding themselves in a 3 goal lead and in the latter stages of the half were giving the ball away allowing Ponte to give themselves hope. A 25 yard drive from Liam Radford was saved by Osborne at his near post on 27 mins and eight mins later Josh Corbett shot narrowly wide after a great block by Greg Kidd. Even so Harris almost put The Miners out of sight on 38 mins when his powerful strike was brilliantly tipped over by Liam Corbett. On 40 mins it was 3-1 when a free-kick was headed down by Dave Burniston to former Town defender Chris Kamara who smashed into the roof of the net.

Half time seemed to steady the nerves, and in time Adie Costello’s team would start to enjoy themselves. A minute after the break Martin-Wyatt was denied at close range by Corbett from Spencer Lund’s corner, but fears of a Colls comeback were soon put to bed with a fourth goal on 51 mins. Simpson got himself amongst the scoring with a second goal in as many games, and arguably his finest in a Garforth shirt. Martin-Wyatt was brought down in midfield, but the referee played advantage and Harris was able to pick out the striker who delicately chipped Corbett into the top corner.

Martin-Wyatt found the net with a chip of his own on 57 mins after making a great challenge 30 yards from goal, but was ruled out for offside. Four mins later Jassim Alali made a crucial block on the line from Craig Rouse to prevent him reducing the arrears after an initial shot was parried by Osborne.

Garforth soon had the visitors’ defence on the ropes again though with another break forward. Simpson found Martin-Wyatt just outside the box who shot wide under challenge. On 72 mins though it was 5-1 when sub Tim Robertson made a foray down the right to find Martin-Wyatt who unselfishly set up Harris to stroke the ball into the bottom corner for his second of the game.
On 75 mins Kamara had a long range drive punched out by Osborne, but the action soon reverted to the other end of the pitch. Martin-Wyatt almost grabbed a hattrick with a diving header which flashed wide after more good work from Robertson, but he didn’t have to wait much longer to collect the match ball. Four minutes from time he rounded off the scoring when he was put through and his low shot slipped through the hands of Corbett to find the bottom corner. A goal which brings his total to 21 for the season, the highest of any player since Adam Priestley’s 23 in 2010-11.

A magnificent team performance from Adie Costello’s side to give confidence ahead of the upcoming double-header with title-chasers Tadcaster.