Simon Parkes hails Knaresborough Town's 'team spirit' following dramatic win over Golcar United

Two goals to the good early on and seemingly cruising to all three points, the Manse Lane outfit found themselves 3-2 down by the 75th minute of Friday night’s NCEL Premier Division clash.

But, Boro did not let their heads drop despite seeing the game turned on its head and quickly got themselves back on terms before going on to net a stoppage-time winner.

And Parkes was left delighted by his players’ “reaction” to finding themselves behind in the contest.

"We did start the game exceptionally well,” Knaresborough’s manager said. “We went 2-0 up early doors and were worthy of that lead. But, from that point, we let Golcar come at us and they are a very exciting team with a very good midfield and forward line.

"They finished the first half the stronger, they got the goal to go 2-1 and then an early goal in the second half.

“They then took the lead to go 3-2 up, but the one thing I was massively impressed with was our reaction. To be 2-0 up and then 3-2 down, it’s a tough one to take, but the reaction of the boys was exceptional.

"And that’s a credit to the changing room, the environment here and the team spirit, which is starting to shine through now. The spirit and confidence we showed to win a game like this is huge.

"We got it back to 3-3 and then the game just kind of opened. They hit the post and could have gone on and won it, we had a few corners and goal-mouth scrambles and then got the last-minute winner, which was fantastic.”

Knaresborough deservedly broke the deadlock after a quarter of an hour of play.

Jack Degruchy’s initial shot was saved by Golcar goalkeeper Josh Moore, only for the loose ball to break for Ben Gelder, who slotted home his first of the season.

A second arrived just five minutes later when Sam Leverett’s right-wing corner was met on the volley and finished by Dan Thirkell.

Oliver Russon halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time, before George Doyle equalised three minutes after the resumption.

Doyle then struck again with 15 minutes of the regulation 90 remaining to put Golcar ahead for the first time on the night.

But, Boro made it 3-3 within four minutes after Leverett swung in another corner from the right and the ball was knocked down to Harry Coates, who bagged his first goal for the club from close range.

Alfie Wilkinson then hit the upright with United looking the more likely to snatch a late winner, however that decisive goal arrived at the other end when Alex Ingham slammed home following Slater Barnes’ left-wing corner.

Victory leaves Knaresborough fifth in the Premier Division standings after six rounds of fixtures. This Saturday, they visit Heaton Stannington in the FA Cup first qualifying round (3pm).