Railway take all three points in drama filled Radcliffe Borough clash.
Harrogate Railway claimed their first win of the season with a 4-1 success over Radcliffe Borough at Station View after both sides were reduced to ten men.
Railway manager Lee Ashforth opted for the 4-4-2 that had caused Spennymoor problems in the second half of Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay with Stephen Bromley replacing Charlie Clamp.
Railway took the lead after 15 minutes when Jordan Outerbridge struck a defence splitting half volleyed pass to release Vincent Dhesi through on goal and the attacker unselfishly squared for Bromley to slide into the goalmouth and put the hosts ahead.
The referee then took centre stage in the final five minutes of the half as he brandished red cards for both Callum Hoctor and Lawrance Hunter.
Hoctor had reacted angrily to Dhesi’s challenge and lashed out at the Railway number ten under the nose of the linesman who quickly informed the referee and sent Hoctor on his way.
Just three minutes later Hunter went to ground in the middle of the pitch and, although no contact was made with the opponent, a set of studs were showing and the left-back was quickly dismissed.
The visitors then found an equaliser in the 52nd minute when a ball was delivered towards Matthew Davies and, although Tom Goodwin was quick off his line to close his opposition down, Railway’s ‘keeper’s clearance cannoned off Davies and into the net.
After an offensive change from Ashforth saw Railway move to a back three, the hosts took the lead for the second time of the afternoon when Dhesi picked up possession 18 yards out and curled a right footed effort into the top corner leaving Chris Cheetham with no chance.
It was a moment of brilliance that put the result beyond doubt, however, as Jack Stockdill spotted Cheetham off his line and expertly lifted the ball over the out of position goalkeeper from 40 yards.
Railway then got their fourth and final goal of the afternoon when Ryan Sharrocks sent a low cross in from the right for Roy Fogarty to tap into the net with his first touch since coming on.
Harrogate Railway 4-1 Radcliffe Borough
