Everyone involved at Golcar might not have gotten over the midweek antics as the Weavers dramatically defeated Pontefract Collieries on Tuesday night, but it's time to refocus on the league—even if your heart rate hasn’t returned back to normal yet.

After going behind midway through the first half, Callum Petch restored an even scoreline on the brink of halftime. Early in the second, George Doyle put the village ahead, remaining that way until the dying embers of the game. A late Ponte equalizer allowed for a tense atmosphere around the ground, but in the very last few breaths of time—the unthinkable happened. Alfie Wilkinson slotted the ball away at close range to unleash controlled carnage, elation, and ecstasy around the home crowd. Your Golcar United have a cup final on their hands.

Before all that, though, it is time to pan back to the top of the table as the league campaign reaches the business end. Silsden may seem out of reach, but stranger things have happened—it may not just be playoffs for Golcar when all is said and done. However, with a game in hand against second place Hallam, Golcar can bunny hop Hallam if they beat… Hallam.

Sheffield side Hallam FC is a truly historic football club. Founded in 1887 in its current inception, Hallam has played at Sandygate since 1860—when its predecessor was founded. Sandygate is acknowledged by the Guinness Book of Records as “The Oldest Football Ground in the World.” In addition, the original club won the 1867 Youdan Cup—the first-ever football tournament.

After the demise of the Yorkshire League, Hallam were founding members of the NCEL, spending most of its time ever since in the Premier Division. Since arriving back in the Premier Division in 2022, the club has gone from strength to strength, with promotion looking more than possible this season as well as welcoming over 1,000 fans to Sandygate for home games.

With the international break spelling no game for either Sheffield side or Huddersfield Town, we hope to welcome a large crowd to HD7 on Saturday afternoon.

See you all there. Up the Village!

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Previous Meetings:

12/11/24 – Hallam 1-2 Golcar United (O. Russon, J. North) – NCEL PD – Att. 425

30/03/24 – Golcar United 0-2 Hallam – NCEL PD – Att. 411

28/11/23 – Hallam 1-6 Golcar United (O. Russon, A. Wilkinson, M. Phillip, G. Doyle x2, S. Barnes) – NCEL PD – Att. 323

30/08/22 – Hallam 1-3 Golcar United (S. Barnes x3) – NCEL PD – Att. 366

20/08/22 – Golcar United 2-1 Hallam (D. Naidole, K. Price) – NCEL PD – Att. 432

Current League Position:

Golcar United – 3rd 
Hallam – 2nd

Goals For:

Golcar United – 80
Hallam - 89

Goals Against:

Golcar United – 41
Hallam - 41

Top Scorer(s): *

Golcar United – George Doyle (24)
Hallam – Rio Allan (28)
*In the NCEL Premier Division (2024/25)

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

Where are we going? Skye Direct Stadium Longfield Avenue, Golcar, Huddersfield, HD7 4BT  How do we get there? From Huddersfield Centre: A62 Manchester Road to Milnsbridge. Left up Scar Lane, right on Sycamore Avenue, left into Longfield Avenue. From M62 J23: Take New Hey Road to Town Centre, then directions as above. Parking: On site or at local British Legion (Approx. 5 mins walk - 238 Scar Lane, Golcar, Huddersfield HD7 4AU)

What if I travel by public transport? Station: Huddersfield 3 miles. First Halifax Calder Valley & Huddersfield bus 301 from Huddersfield to Huddersfield (Scar Lane, East Street) three times per hour, journey time 16 min. Then, retrace along Scar Lane, left onto North Drive, left onto Longfield Avenue and ground is on right. Return bus is First Halifax Calder Valley & Huddersfield 302. Public transport directions courtesy of Andy Edwards.

How much is it going to cost? Adults: £6, Concessions: £4. Dogs allowed on a lead.

(Photo by Sean Doyle)