MARCUS WALMSLEY pounced in the last minute to give Gomersal victory in a fantastic RCD Under 18 clash at Jagger Lane.
Many players were showing signs of cramp from the unrelenting pace of the game when Walmsley took advantage of one last attack from the visitors to fire the winner past Honley keeper James Dewhurst, who had no chance.
Visiting supporters were in ecstasy as their team snatched all three points while Honley will be disappointed they didn’t get at least a point from a clash in which a single goal was always likely to settle the issue.
“That was a great a game and I can’t wait for the re-match,” said philosophical Honley manager Trevor Smeaton.
Gomersal still have a long way to go before they can start dreaming of winning the title but, for the moment, they remain unbeaten at the top of the division.
They finished mid table in last year’s Under 17s, but the addition of highly-experienced coach, Mick Potter, together with several new players, has propelled them along for Under 18 competition.
The Spen Valley side had dropped only two points from their opening eight games when they arrived in the Holme Valley in warm sunshine and a clash with a Honley side who are hoping to improve on last season’s third-place finish.
The game set off at a frantic pace, which was surprisingly maintained throughout, and referee George Sanders had his work cut out as play swung from end to end and both sides showed their determination with some crunching tackles.
Honley looked the more dangerous in the opening encounters and almost took the lead from a corner after just five minutes, but Eddie Walmsley was guarding the post to clear Richie Eales’ shot.
The visitors were finding it hard to find any rhythm and were reduced to firing long balls over the top as Honley gave them no time or space to create chances, and Joe Short gave the strong Gomersal support a fright when his shot from the left skimmed just the wrong side of a post.
Despite some good work from Johnny Bullivant on the right, the visitors were finding it impossible to carve out any clear chances.
Meanwhile, Honley’s confidence was growing as Dale Whiteley and Danny Sykes took control in midfield and their quick passing meant Gomersal defenders Nathan Smith and Ashley Burton had to be at their best to keep the game goalless at half time.
Gomersal were still struggling to create chances as the second half got under way but Honley’s last chance of the game came and went when Matthew Lee’s 20-yarder flew just over the bar.
Adam Womersley then started to take control for Gomersal and Honley keeper Dewhurst was forced to pull off a fine save from an Eddie Walmsley volley.
With just 60 seconds remaining it looked like it would finish all square, but Marcus Walmsley had the final say.
