Golcar United’s automatic promotion hopes suffered a huge blow as they conceded a last-gasp stunner to lose 2-1 to Knaresborough Town at the Skye Direct Stadium.

Joe Clegg’s goal early in the second half proved not to be enough as two goals in the final 15 minutes by the visitors meant they took the three points.

On a warm day in HD7, the visitors started the brighter of the two teams. Within five minutes, they had a huge chance as Dom Creamer’s effort beat Harry Stead but was superbly blocked by Kiero Lawrence.

But just like in recent games, Golcar grew into the game. Our left side consisting of Nicky Clee and Callum Petch were lively and superb and they were why Golcar became the better side. Clee’s intricate through balls matched with Petch’s pace and direct style of play forced Knaresborough back 5 yards and meant they were defending for the remainder of the first half.

Our best chances of the half came within minutes of one another. Petch cut inside and fired a fierce shot that was deflected and forced Knaresborough’s goalkeeper Tom Brown to have two attempts at claiming the ball. Within a minute, Petch was causing problems once again as his cross found Alfie Wilkinson in the box, but his effort was superbly saved by Brown.

It didn’t take long in the second half for the opening goal to be scored. Once again, the play began on the left and it eventually found its way to the middle to George Doyle, his lovely layoff found Joe Clegg on the right, and his strike went into the bottom corner to give The Weavers the lead.

Golcar continued to be the better side and Doyle had a few efforts to score for what would have been a fifth game running. His best chance came from a wonderful cross by Ryan Hall on the right, but his header went just wide of the far post.

Golcar’s efforts to get a second were significantly disrupted by let's just say… some reckless challenges and some… surprising decisions that meant Knaresborough carried on with 11 men and with 15 minutes to go, they found an equaliser.

A brilliant delivery from Jack Lazenby from a free kick from just outside of the box was met by their number 9 Jack Dyche, and his header back across the goal beat Stead and stunned the Golcar players.

Then in stoppage time, Knaresborough’s winner happened. A great turn and strike from Ezio de Santis from the edge of the box sparked jubilant celebrations from the visitors. The goal was so late that Golcar didn’t have enough time to mount a meaningful attack.

The result now leaves Golcar six points off the top spot and are now third with 5 games remaining. Our next match is on Tuesday (11th March) in an NCEL League Cup Quarter Final clash against table-topping Silsden at the Skye Direct Stadium and our next league game is away to the already relegated Winterton Rangers on Saturday (15th March).

Golcar: Stead, North, Pashley, Larence, Clee, Russon (Naidole, 79), Clegg, Wilkinson, Hall, Doyle, Petch (Kilbourn, 79).

Scorer: Clegg (47)

Attendance: 378