Goole AFC 2

The UniBond League One South's clash of the two bottom clubs, before kick-off at least, went the Vikings' way at the Hawthorns on Friday, with two second-half goals underlining their improvement after the break.

With the relegation scenario uncertain in these troubled times for non-league football - though few are prepared to admit it - the win stretches the gap to eight points between them and the Zebras, whose season was thrown further into turmoil last week with the resignation of their chairman, Mike Harness.

However, for at least a third of the game Brigg belied their position as they dominated the first-half exchanges. But for the woodwork, desperate defending and poor finishing, they would have taken the lead, and it took the shot against the bar from striker Rick Day to waken Goole to the fact they could not take the points for granted even at a time of goodwill to all men.

Fortunately, the message got home, and after Chris Tate headed home at the start of the second half, the outcome was never in doubt as the year ended on a winning note.

There was a hasty pre-match change for the Vikings when Steve Rollinson pulled up in the warm-up with a hamstring twinge, and Danny Buttle was drafted in from the substitute's bench. There were recalls for Adam Lee and Stewart Copnall, who both missed the Stamford defeat through holiday and suspension respectively.

A crisp, sunny and dry afternoon lent to perfect conditions and the opening exchanges were short on quality and goalmouth activity.

The Vikings marginally looked the better, but the home side responded well after their tentative start and through Nathan Emson and Paul Ashton started to assert.

Rick Day, who shot to prominence at the Hawthorns roughly this time last season, and who netted the winner at the Pleasure Grounds in the Boxing Day fixture 12 months ago, had two chances. The first with a shot wide of Chris Hill's post on 21 minutes and, four minutes later, he was unlucky with a 25-yard drive which thundered against the bar, and to safety.

At this stage the Vikings were struggling to put two passes together, but before the break they did get on top themselves and Stewart Copnall's mazy run won a corner. Danny Buttle's shot on the angle was saved by keeper Lee Herrick.

Zebras' manager Steve Housham said in his programme notes that they were finding goals hard to come by, and were gifting opponents goals in reply, but there was little his defence could do with the first goal of the match on 49 minutes.

A break down the left, albeit with a suspicion of offside in the build up, saw Buttle eventually provide a telling cross for Chris Tate to pull away at the far post and direct a fine header past the despairing Herrick.

A well-taken goal by the Vikings forward, and he almost made it two on the hour with another header, this time aiming it back across the goal, and it drifted wide with Adam Lee trying desperately to apply a touch.

The Vikings were asking most of the questions at this stage. They sealed the game with twenty minutes to go when Lee was twice baulked in the area by John Borland. The second time referee Lawson pointed to the spot as the striker went to ground and, after a hold up for no apparent reason, Lee confidently slotted home from the spot, despite regular penalty-taker Danny Buttle being on the pitch.

The Zebras, to their credit, never gave up, and with the Vikings sitting deep they allowed the home side one or two openings, with Hill doing well to save low down from Hutchinson. But with Ben Spilman introduced in the closing minutes there were one or two openings for Goole to extend their lead, although only a free kick by Luke Jeffs seriously threatened the home goal.

The midweek friendly angling club held their competition on Christmas Eve at West Cowick and there was a win for Barry Rudge from peg 13 with a catch of Skimmers and Roach weighing 15-14-0.

Second was Steve Cross with 10-15-0.

In the Open at Staddlethorpe on Saturday, another win for Barry with Roach, Perch and Skimmers from peg 14 weighing 13-13-0 ahead of son Kirk with 12-14-0 and third Steve Cross with 9-15-8.

And in the Open held on Sunday at West Cowick, Market Weighton's Matthew Young with Carp, Ide and Skimmers from peg 14 had the winning weight with 12-13-0.

He was followed by Goole's Andy Waters with 8-15-0 and the in-form Kirk Rudge, making it an excellent weekend for the Rudge dynasty. Steve Cross, also in form, was fourth.

Easington 3rds 0

The final fixture of an eventful 2008 for the Viking Raiders Reserves brought a swift chance for revenge against the East Coast side in the East Riding County League, who had triumphed 2-1 only a few weeks ago.

Manager Andy Merrill had selection problems at the pitch inspection, with 16 players available for 14 positions.

The late withdrawal of skipper Jimmy Wattam and the no-show from Melia and Murray meant the Vikings had 11 at kick off, with Raspin and debutant Andy Kerr arriving late. This meant Australian Ash Hulme, more accustomed to having a cricket bat in his hand, made his full debut at the game of "soccer".

The Raiders acquitted themselves well on a glue-pot surface which made any kind of passing difficult. They came closest when Dan Neal's fine volley hit the left upright. Meanwhile, at the other end, Kraig Barnes had to be alert when a deflected shot left him scrambling across goal as he changed direction.

Nigel Halford and Dave Woodcock formed a formidable centre-half partnership and the reserves are certainly blessed with arguably the best centre defenders in the lower divisions.

The breakthrough eventually came when the Raiders moved the ball out right and 16-year-old Jordan Masterman found Lewis Stannard with a great through ball, the latter's clinical finish belied his years and put the Reserves one-up at the break.

Despite the strengthening of their third team with players not known at Easington, former "cod head" Dan Neal was moving around the quagmire in strong fashion, clearly determined to show his old mates who was boss in the centre midfield battles, putting in numerous crunching tackles and mixing it up with some good distribution to win his first Man of the Match of the season.

It was his superbly-weighted pass onto Stannard's defence-splitting run that allowed the youngster to add a second with a great finish and clinch the points.

Hulme worked tirelessly alongside Neal and although a little unsure of his positional play, he deserved his standing ovation when replaced by Andy Kerr.

At the back Halford, Woodcock and Sutcliffe were their usual confident looking selves, giving little change to the unfortunate Easington attackers.

James Kerr had his best game yet of the season showing some great touches and it was with high spirits that the first and second team headed for Doncaster for their pre-Christmas trip.

Anthony Raspin impressed with some nimble footwork in flares alongside Dave England although Neal's earlier exertions clearly took a toll on his night-time performance as he departed home early.

All in all, a great day, night and year, has been had by the Vikings football club and they await 2009 with eager anticipation.

Halifax District FA 2

The Goole and Thorne FA were able to field a full strength side for this match at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds on December 18 - and it showed, as this was truly an excellent display by our local lads.

The hosts were quick off the mark as they knew how Halifax would play, following their 4-3 win in West Yorkshire in October.

Kinghorn came in for is debut alongside Gillyean at centre half, which pushed Masterman out to right back and Kirk at left back. This gave Goole and Thorne a strong and physical  back line and the first goal was scored by the right back when he found space on the right-hand side, cut in and hit a 30-yard screamer.

This settled the team down and with Goole and Thorne playing five across the middle against the three midfield opponents they were totally out-classed, with Bennett, Cuttel and Holt running the show by finding the wide players in Hedley and Daniels. It wasn't long before a second goal was scored and it came when lone striker Vause was found by Masterman, who beat the defender and sent the ball into the back post, which was hammered home by Daniels.

Halifax were limited to few first-half chances, with keeper Ward called into action only once, making a great reflex stop

Vause scored the third from the penalty spot and then grabbed another before half time.

Halifax started the second half the brightest, which was to be expected . They were awarded a strange penalty which only the flagging assistant knew what it was for.

Vause then restored the four-goal cushion with a great finish.

Hirst and Stevens replaced Bennett and Hedley with 20 minutes to go and Goole and Thorne reverted to their normal 4-4-2 formation.

Halifax scored a second when a high ball into the area was tapped home.

A great result and a fine performance by all the lads, leaving a winner-takes-all encounter when the Goole and Thorne DFA take on DFA at the Pleasure Grounds on Sunday week, January 11, with a 1pm kick off.

Phil May has gained his gold tag, which is the last belt before the coveted black belt Phil is now studying for his First Dan, which normally takes around 14 months of training before being able to take the next level of grading and achieve black.

Also stepping up to the mark was Kelly Hanlon, who has attained her orange belt, also known as 6th Kyu. Kelly has been training at Wadu Rye for two years and will now start studying for her fourth belt.

The Wadu Rye Karate club is open every Monday night at Little Rascals from 8p.m. The young and not so young are welcome and you can contact sensei Darrel Haigh on 01262 670743 for further information.

Although two divisions higher, and probably favourites to succeeed, the East Coast side will be wary of previous trips in league encounters to Goole, and with optimism riding high there must be every chance that the tie will be close.

Team selection was taking place after last night's training session and in-house match arranged at headquarters.

The second fifteen are at home to Selby, and will be looking for a repeat of their win back in September against the Swans.

Stamford 3

There was no pre-Christmas cheer for the Vikings, nor festive spirit from referee Akers of Doncaster either, with visitors Stamford taking the spoils at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds on Saturday.

The defining moment of the match? It came eleven minutes from time as Goole, trailing 2-1, had another huge penalty appeal ignored by the match referee, rather as at Quorn a fortnight ago.

This time Willie McGhie appeared to be brought down unceremoniously inside the area, although the Stamford players claimed afterwards that the tackle was outside, but it was all made irrelevant as play continued, much to the Vikings' disgust, and their anguish deepened with cautions for dissent shortly after.

From there Stamford clinched the win with the goal of the game from Matt Oswin in injury time, but the result was harsh on a Goole display that deserved better, especially with the injuries and unavailability.

There was an impressive full home debut for Ben Spilman as well, and it would have been even better had he managed to break the deadlock with the last action of a goalless first half, where he did well to get in behind the Stamford defence by shooting wide of a gaping goal.

Other than that it was first half that went in spells, Goole on top, the visitors having a good middle segment, but the Vikings looking the stronger late in the half culminating in the best chance of the 45 minutes.

Chris Tate worked tirelessly in a lone role up front in the absence of Adam Lee (holiday) and Jason Hardy, who has been released for disciplinary reasons, and he and Nicky Darker forced good saves from Davies early in the proceedings.

Stamford, difficult to beat if statistics are to be believed, had a Tony Thorpe chance before injury curtailed his day, and a shot by Danny Cotton which the flu-stricken Chris Hill fumbled, but then appeared to save well from the rebound only for a goal kick to be given.

Kirk wasted a fine opportunity, indecisive in shooting, when he had looked offside, and then the Spilman effort closed the half.

And that miss was to prove costly three minutes into the second half when an unmarked Adam Cunnington beat Hill from inside the six yard box from a corner, huge question marks over the marking there.

Goole appeared stunned for a short while, but were given a new lease of life, first when Danny Buttle's powerful run and cross deserved better reward, but shortly after they were level when a long break in play at a Stamford substitution eventually saw Brad Hill put the Vikings level on 59 minutes from close range.

Spilman's last act before his surprise withdrawal was a run along the dead ball line which needed someone on the end of the pull back, alas there wasn't.

However it was the visitors who regained the lead on 65 minutes, Miles Chamberlain on hand as the defence were guilty of ball watching once more.

Hill was desperately close to a second equaliser for Goole three minutes later, and to their credit they kept the pressure on, and if that penalty appeal had gone their way - and it should - the game may have been saved, but as it was Oswin's superb strike in injury time wrapped up the points for the Lincolnshire outfit.

Easington United 2

Vikings moved into third in the East Riding County League Premier Division table with a win over bottom club Easington on Saturday.

They managed, as usual, to make harder work of the task than necessary, but in the end were deserved winners.

The home team started well, moving the ball around well, and the pace of Giles, Sharp and the two Lattimore's causing Easington's defence problems.

The first goal came after twenty minutes, Chris Lattimore diving low to head in Sharp's long throw. The same player doubled the lead soon afterwards, racing clear from brother Ashley's through ball, rounding the keeper and finding the net.

Vikings created a number of further chances, but wayward finishing and a fine display from United's keeper kept the score down.

The visitors did threaten, mostly from set pieces, but stand-in keeper Lee Gelder provided safe hands throughout.

The score was 2-1 at the break, following a well-placed header from a free kick just before the whistle.

Easington had their best spell of the game early in the second half, and an equaliser came on the hour. The referee was conned by a theatrical fall in the area, awarding a penalty which was converted.

At this stage the game could have gone either way, but Raiders worked their way back into it with a couple of substitutions proving crucial.

Good scoring chances came and went as the home side failed to capitalise on their dominance, but with twenty minutes left, Man of the Match Chris Lattimore completed a second hat-trick of the season to put his side back in front following good work by Marshall, and Ashley Lattimore then made the game safe late on with a superb left-foot strike.

Raiders have no game this week, returning to action on January 3 with a league fixture against Holme Rovers at Western Road, weather permitting.

Goole RUFC 1st XV 18

Two points before the Christmas break was as good a present as Goole could have asked for, in this must-win Yorkshire Three fixture at bottom club Baildon on Saturday, exacting revenge for an opening-day defeat back in September.

It was certainly not a thriller or classic, but Goole always looked the better side, even though Baildon made a spirited last ditch attempt to snatch the game.

Baildon Moor in the background set an impressive backdrop, however the gloomy skies and constant drizzle seemed to set the tone for the game.

Goole dominated up front, without ever really getting going, but yet again they let the opposition off the hook, when well in charge of proceedings.

It started well enough for the visitors, as in the seventh minute No. 10 Phil Neal was on hand to support good play, muscling his way over for the opening try.

Three minutes later, following more Goole domination, they were awarded a penalty, which Stoakes dispatched to take an eight-point lead.

There then ensued a ten-minute spell of dour rugby from both teams before Goole stepped up the pace when Shand broke through the home defence. His momentum created a set of three phases of play, resulting in Stoakes scoring Goole's second try.

This score appeared to galvanise Goole, who within four minutes had again crossed the home try line. This time it came from a penalty kicked to within ten metres of Baildon's line. Morris got the line-out ball, the forwards drove to open up the space for Neil Cawood, again deputising at centre, to score in the right hand corner.

It was at this point that the visiting spectators could have expected a landslide, but poor decision-making again put Goole on the back foot, this obviously gave the home side some impetus and with three minutes left on the clock, the hosts charged down a kick by Craik, won the race to the line, and scored under the posts.

At 18-0 to Goole, Baildon would have had a massive task on their hands, but seven points before the break, coupled to the wind and slope behind them in the second half, was just what the doctor ordered.

So to the second half. Two things stood out, in what was to be an agonising 40 minutes for all concerned, and they came on 50 and 64 minutes.

First an interesting fracas, with handbags to the fore, shirt collars grabbed, lots of interaction, and two players singled out without an eyelash out of place.

Dave Woodhall received ten minutes in the bin for his work at the forefront of the scuffle, unfortunately the Baildon hooker got his marching orders when for some reason the official decided he warranted a harsher punishment?

The incident managed to spice things up, with the home supporters in good voice, mostly on the back of the referee's decision-making. To their delight he eventually got it right for them, when their winger ended up running clear down the left wing to evade captain Dougherty's last-ditch attempt to stop him scoring in the corner. Goole were actually hard done by, as the original pick was clearly knocked on some five metres.

So, to an interesting last 17 minutes, which to be fair saw Goole dominate and control play without being able to kill the game off. Each time near the home line they managed to give the ball away. It is fair to say that Goole got dragged into playing at Baildon's level, and for that they should know better, but they did snuff out any last-ditch attempts by the home side spending most of the last period in their '22'.

For Goole, Wayne Battersby had a good day, continually mopping up defensively. Morris again managed the line out well without having a hair out of place, but youngster Sam Atkinson was the pick of the bunch.

His lineout throwing was good, his work in the scrum good, and his work in open play very good, and this performance won him the Goole Times Man of the Match award.

Goole now go into the Christmas break knowing they have only two training sessions before facing Bridlington in the first round of the Yorkshire Shield on January 3, 2009.

A lot will depend on this game, perhaps not a long run in the competition, but more about who gets selected for the next league fixture, followed by the Junior Vase encounter away to Barnsley.

Andrew Wilson, James Ruhmann and dave Rose hope for 100% attendance at both sessions, as they try to get things in place for the New Year tests to follow.

All are expected to be at both sessions at the club. Let's hope this helps Goole off to an excellent New Year.

It was generally accepted that the relegation at the end of last season was a blow to the club as a whole, and yet the new season has seen the introduction of youngsters into a new-look first team, and whilst results on the field have been mixed, and they currently lie halfway, they are on the cup trail in the Junior Vase into 2009.

It is below the first team where the Minis and Juniors continue to make giant strides, plenty of commitment being shown from the Under 7s right up the Under 16s, and the results so far at all age groups have been encouraging.

However, more players are always needed, and if you are interested in joining a thriving band, sessions take place at the club on Thursday evenings between 6pm and 7pm and on Sunday mornings 10.30am -12 noon, when there are no scheduled games, or tournaments.

With a former distinguished player in Dave Chappell as chairman, combining coaching roles with the Under 10s (see left 09-18 SU) the future is bright at Westfield Banks.

The Zebras have had a dreadful first half to the campaign, their only league win so far coming at Sheffield last month, whilst the Vikings' position of course has been made worse by their points deduction.

Goole have a decent record in recent seasons against the Lincolnshire side, and on a normally reliable Hawthorns playing surface still possess plenty of ability to widen the gap between the teams - currently standing at five points.

Saturday's 3-1 home defeat against Stamford appeared to be another routine run of bad luck that has afflicted Nigel Danby's men so far.

The scoreline didn't do justice, and had they been awarded a clear-looking penalty eleven minutes from time, there could well have been a different outcome.

Two differing views from two managers of course, Stamford manager Dougie Keast told the Goole Times: "I have to say from where I was, I didn't see it but my players told me any foul was outside the penalty area anyway."

Nigel Danby on the other hand merely felt his side had been derived of a penalty, and points for the second time in three weeks;

"It happened at Quorn, and again here, Willie has a goalscoring chance, he is hardly going to fall down for the sake of it, as with 'Cop' (Stewart Copnall) the other week."

Otherwise the Vikings boss felt his side deserved something from a gale they contributed to so much, especially with a squad down to the bare bones.

"We played well today at times, and the score didn't reflect the balance of play as a whole."

More bookings mean a couple of players face one match suspensions and Craig Morley and Willie McGhie will miss the Carlton game on Saturday week, but are available for Friday's game at Brigg as will Adam Lee, who returns from holiday and Stewart Copnall, who missed Saturday's game through suspension.

James McDaid is unlikely to be fit for Friday, but may return for the New Year Day game with Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Debutant Nicky Harper, who came on Ben Spilman in the second half on Saturday impressed the management, and there is also a possibility that Duncan Bray may return to the VPG in the New Year after he returns from a family holiday.

The much-travelled striker has left Retford United by mutual consent after joining from Goole in September, but had struggled to lay down a regular place in the Nottinghamshire side's line-up.

Members' draw

Meanwhile tickets are on sale for the second Member's draw, another initiative by the club to raise much needed finance at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds.

The first one was a success in October and the next draw takes place on January 29 with cash prizes from £50 down to £10, ten in all.

They are £1 each and available from club officials and also on sale at the ground on match days.

With reports generally around the country of clubs in financial trouble, at long last many are having to find ways and means of supporting themselves - not that Goole AFC can be guilty of that - it is something they have tried to do, but are having to aim that bit higher in order to survive.

Victoria Rangers 3

The final game of 2008 turned into a successful morning's work for Victoria Rangers as they reached a second semi-final in as many weeks with a 3-1 victory over Real's young charges at Western Road on Sunday.

The game started brightly with both teams playing attractively, and Real took the lead with a fast flowing move on the counter after a Rangers free kick at the other end of the field was cleared.

United's keeper pulled off a fine save to deny Rangers an equaliser, but they were powerless to deny them eventually when Shane Woodall's flick from a Lee Gelder pass allowed Stuart Slack to fire home from the edge of the area.

Minutes later Vic were ahead when Lee Davidson fed Jason Newman and he rounded the keeper to finish from a tight angle.

In the second half it was mostly Rangers but it took them until eleven minutes from time to seal the win, with Ryan Mitchell rounding three defenders to hammer home a low shot.

Neil Huntington had a shot well saved by the keeper near time, and although the visitors fully deserved their win, United were far from disgraced.

The Mansfield Brewery Man of the Match award for Rangers went to Lee Harrison.

The Goole and District Sunday League now takes a Christmas and New Year break like most of the country and will be back on January 10.

Five defeats on the trot were completely forgotten by the Carter Street side as they fired into a 4-1 half time lead. Shipwrecks fought back gamely, but Matthew West steered his team to their first success of the season. Could this be the start of a winning run?

Elsewhere, Vermuyden Vultures did well to hold the very capable N.U.R. Neanderthals to a five-all draw in this second and third place clash. This result was not a disaster for the Neanderthals, who are now only three points adrift of the leaders Marshland Menaces, who battled gamely to beat Royal Predators 6-4. Marshland's top players were Mike Lumley and Dean Nicholls who are both on fire at present.

Liam Parry and Mark Simms steered Royal Flush to a much-needed 6-4 away win at Percy Punters, who are a bit short on wins themselves, although their captain Phil Cowling believes we have yet to see the best of his Airmyn side.

Emma Longster was delighted that her Packet Panthers occupy pole position in Division Two after avoiding a disaster in their 'derby' game with Packet McChickens, whom they narrowly beat 6-4 in a brilliant fast-potting match.

Female Player of the Year Diane Sowden and Adam White won two frames apiece for the Panthers, but youngsters Nathan Munday and Jamie Bunclark were equally outstanding for their opponents.

Jailhouse Jokers brought Half Moon Hunters back to earth with a 7-3 victory, orchestrated by the very talented Jamie Hughes and Matthew Dodson.

N.U.R. Clubbers have slipped down the divisions in the last year but, make no mistake, they are a live danger to all in this division. This week they moved into third place after a powerful 8-2 win over Charter Cheddars. Clubbers captain Neil Oldridge is confident his side are well capable of securing promotion back to Division One at their first attempt.

Charter Misfits and Middle House Lasses were equally matched and their five-all draw included top class wins for Maxine Johnson and Raph Rechie.

Seven wins on the trot is now the proud Premiership record of Board Inn Bandits who were pushed to the limit this week for a 6-4 triumph over Swinefleet Club. Early wins from Wayne Pollard, Pip Schofield and a clearance from the break by Chris Clark gave the Swinefleet lads a 3-2 interval lead, but the Howden side roared back by winning four out of the five second half frames. Dave Stevens and new signing Mike Pounder stood out for Sean Neal's side, who have seemingly far too many classy players at their disposal to let their eight point lead slip.

Buchanan Badstars are on a roll at present and occupy second place thanks to a 9-1 beating of Viking Wizards, who fielded a full side for the first time in many weeks. Seventeen-year-old John Erwin got Vikings' only point when overcoming the much-liked Dave Hunt, who was consequently subjected to a lot of banter from his fellow players.

With only three players available it was no surprise that Creykes Tigers went down 10-0 to Middle House Mavericks, who take fourth place under the guidance of their hard working captain Johnny Kidd.

Good play from Andy Merrill and Dale Masterman were the only highlights as Buchanan Badboys turned in their best performance of the season to easily beat Bottom House Bombers 7-3.

The remaining Premiership fixture between Woodland Wanderers and Packet Hasbeens ended in a five-all draw. Both sides played well but two players who deserve mention were Mick Stainton and Colin Hall.

League fixtures resume after the Christmas and New Year break on Wednesday, January 7 and all players are reminded that the first Captain's meeting takes place the following evening at 8pm.

The committee would like to wish everyone involved within The Fosters Goole Pool League a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This recognises the commitment to developing youth cricket in the area. Two years ago the club took the step of offering coaching to local youngsters who were interested in developing their cricket skills. Now, the youngsters have their own Junior Section at the club and up to forty attend the weekly sessions, which take place at the ground every Tuesday during the spring and summer and at the indoor nets from January to March.

Head coach Paul Smith, who has led this exciting work, is rightly very pleased. "We now have a number of senior players who are fully qualified coaches," he said. "They give their time freely to help the young players, all of whom are keen to learn. The club has entered teams in competitive junior leagues and cup competitions and we are improving with every game. There are a number of very talented youth cricketers in the club and having Focus Club status provides them with a direct route to district and county level cricket when they are ready.'

Secretary David Cartwright is also delighted with the development.

"This is great news. We have come a long way in recent years and this is due recognition for the dedication and commitment of Paul and the coaches.

"The Club Mark award was the start of this process, in which our organisation was assessed and judged as sound. The coaches and key members are all CRB checked and we have full child protection policy and practice in place to ensure that the junior members are enjoying their cricket and that their parents can be assured their children are in safe hands.".

Michael Brook, the club's chairman, added: "It is an honour to belong to such a successful club and now we have so many young players coming through the future looks very bright.

"I would also like to extend our thanks to the club's President and landlord, Mr Neville Stones. His support and goodwill over the years has been remarkable and his generosity has been one of the key elements in placing the club in its current position and very are truly grateful to him."

Shepshed Dynamo 2

At long last, a slice of luck for the Vikings on Saturday afternoon as they edged out third-placed Shepshed Dynamo by the odd goal in five in a sensational finish to a UniBond League One South game that appeared dead on its feet with a minute to go of normal time.

The rain-lashed conditions had sapped the strength of both sides, especially the visitors, as they had played with 10 men for over an hour, when substitute Chris Tate latched onto a rebound off keeper Gary Hateley to fire Goole in front for a second time - game over?

Not a bit of it, substitutions here, there and everywhere, Shepshed forced two corners in quick succession in the first minute of added-on time, and Matt Milnes forced the ball home from the second of these, yet still the drama wasn't over as the Vikings, desperate for three points, went to the other end. From a right wing cross, there was Brad Hill to slot home at the near post to clinch it at 3-2.

An amazing ending, which had seemed unlikely as Goole huffed and puffed through the second half, dominating territorially against 10 men, but one always thought vulnerable to quick counters from the lively Leicestershire side, who will rue, but can hardly complain about, the dismissal of Daniel Fletcher after 37 minutes in an horrific looking challenge on Stewart Copnall, which even allowing for the conditions, looked highly dangerous.

To that point Shepshed had looked good on a marvellous Pleasure Grounds surface, despite the monsoon weather, and will wonder how they were only level at 1-1.

And yet after an opening nine minutes where they were largely on the back foot, Goole went ahead with their first foray and it was the in-form Copnall who latched onto a threaded pass from the midfield and beat Hateley with a low shot.

They then had a goal disallowed for pushing a minute later, but they were isolated raids in a visitor-dominated first half, although despite dragging the back four all over the field, Shepshed were frustrated in front of goal.

They did find a way through on 34 minutes, with Shane Benjamin forcing the ball home after good work down the right hand side, and although Dynamo were reduced to 10 men shortly after with that Fletcher tackle, ill-timed, reckless and dangerous, it took a fine save by Chris Hill to keep Goole level at the break.

The second half had few moments of excitement before the late, late show which had everyone on their feet, but it was Goole who had the best of the possession, Adam Lee coming the closest on a couple of occasions.

It was left to Brad Hill to show the captain's way, snatching that dramatic injury time winner as the Vikings not only won the game once, but twice in the marvellous climax.