Late Beesley goal hands Railway victory

Player-manager Paul Beesley netted in the 87th minute to seal a 3-2 victory for Harrogate Railway on the road at Clipstone.
Paul Beesley fires home Harrogate Railway's winning goal at Clipstone. Picture: Caught Light PhotographyPaul Beesley fires home Harrogate Railway's winning goal at Clipstone. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Paul Beesley fires home Harrogate Railway's winning goal at Clipstone. Picture: Caught Light Photography

The win was the Locomotives’ second in succession following last week’s thrashing of Maltby Main, and moves the club up to 16th in the NCEL Premier Division, following an improved run of form that has seen them lose just once in their last seven games.

Their latest success was achieved courtesy of a good start to proceedings, the visitors taking a two-goal lead inside half an hour.

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Dan Barrett opened the scoring on 17 minutes, and Stephen Bromley doubled Rail’s advantage 11 minutes later.

Clipstone’s Ellis Wall trimmed the deficit with a spectacular strike in the 31st minute, but Beesley’s men were good value for their 2-1 lead at the interval.

The hosts produced a much-improved display in the second period and, after a period of pressure, they were awarded a penalty, but remained behind after the spot-kick was blazed over the crossbar.

Clipstone kept pushing, however, and eventually drew level when George Milner ran through on goal and slotted the ball under the advancing Ben Ledger in the 75th minute.

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Railway came under further pressure and had to dig deep to remain on terms, but then thought they had reclaimed the lead.

A strike by Fraser Hansen was parried by the Clipstone keeper and there was a scramble to the ball at the far post with Chris Ovington winning it and forcing the ball into the net.

Railway’s celebrations were however cut short as the linesman flagged for offside, much to the bemusement of the visiting players.

The men from Station View were not to be denied though, and with time running out the ball fell to Paul Beesley on the right flank. Leading by example once again, the player-boss stepped into the box and smashed a thunderous strike into the back of net to seal the three points.

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