Following a brilliant 2024 for the Miners, the first test of the new year lies ahead on Saturday in the form of Consett AFC. The reverse fixture back in August saw both sides battle vigorously despite the 0-0 stalemate. Garforth will strive to go one better this time around and start 2025 with a bang.

The visitors currently sit 13th in the NPL East in comparison to Town in 9th, with eight points separating the teams. The 0-0 draw against the Miners seems to be an outlier of a result for the Steelmen this season, as many of their games have been goal-fests with scorelines such as 6-4, 6-2 and 4-3.

Consett have been on the receiving end of a few of them unfortunately, therefore the visitors currently have the poorest defensive record in the division with 53 goals shipped. However, their solid goalscoring record has steered them far clear of the drop zone.

The Steelmen were last in action on New Year's Day: a 1-1 tie against Heaton Stannington with club top scorer Isaac Walker notching his eighth goal in league competition this season. Walker also contributed by winning a penalty in the second half, although striker Brandon Holdsworth failed to convert from the spot. Another huge moment in the match saw Consett seemingly score from a corner, but the referee controversially determined it hadn't fully crossed the goal line.

Manager Jason Miller felt it was "two points dropped" on Wednesday and wants a "good response and a good performance away from home again" against Garforth on Saturday.

Returning to the Miners, a tough 3-1 defeat to Carlton Town last time out rounded off the year for Town. A Harry Viggars header wasn't enough to seal a result in front of the tremendous travelling support. No new injury concerns should affect Paul Marshall's team selection this weekend and with three more days rest than the visitors, Garforth should be refreshed and ready to bounce back with a win.

All your support in 2024 is deeply appreciated and played a massive part in such a great year for the club on and off the pitch. Town will look to hit the ground running this Saturday and start strongly to 2025.

Kick Off is at 3pm (subject to pitch inspection at 9:30am)