Altofts FC

 A local game this evening at Altofts FC, the opposition Thackley FC were sure to provide a stern test being semi pro and coached by consummate professional Jamie Price, formerly of York City. The set up at Altofts is a good one with a little stand, a bar and a car park, they seem geared up to go for promotion from the West Yorkshire Premier League should they so wish.


The ground is walkable from Normanton train station and I got chatting to a groundhopper from Lancashire who was jn attendance and was an Oldham supporter, which made for good conversation. I drove and it's just off junction 31 of the M62 through an industrial estate. There were a couple of familiar names in the Thackley lineup with former Albion Sports captain Aran Basi at centre back and former Garforth striker Hass Gorji at number 9.


Thackley took the lead after 20 minutes through that man Gorji with a smart finish, however Altofts dug in and didn't look outclassed in this first half, equalising fifteen minutes later with an excellent cross from the right and a diving header. Thackley did have the ball in the net a minute later as they seeked an immediate response but the flag was up for offside. Then just before half time Altofts found themselves clean through but the shot lacked power and was easily saved.


Price marched out early after the interval and did not looked best pleased as his team came out minutes after him, he had clearly given them a rollicking and it worked. Ten minutes in, a cross from the left and it eluded the keeper and just rolled over the line, I don't think the waiting striker even had to touch it. Two minutes later and Altofts needed a good save to keep them in it before the rebound was blasted over. On the hour the ref played on after what appeared to be a deliberate handball and the ball was poked home for 3-1 and game over. Price had clearly got the reaction he wanted.


The goals weren't finished yet, five minutes later Gorji stroked home a free kick before ten minutes later a shot curled in from the edge of the D after a good passing move. The gap in quality was very telling at this point. There was time for Thackley to hit the bar from an excellent powerful shot before the whistle went as full time was blown.









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