TONIGHT has been scrawled in my diary ever since the NWCL fixtures were released. But why has a match at Golcar United in Division One North on a Tuesday caused my heart to beat like a child’s on Christmas morning,?
While the majority of games were play behind closed doors, the action on the pitch was absolutely gripping, with Matt Gray’s Sutton United eventually lifting the title following an epic battle at the top with Torquay United, Stockport County and Hartlepool United.
Neil Reynolds’ men led through a trialist in the opening minute of the second half, but after Fin Sinclair-Smith hit the inside of the post, George Johnston tapped home the leveller in stoppage time.
The striker, who scored 35 goals in 78 games for the League Two Bluebirds and spearheaded promotion to the EFL in 2019-20, has signed a three-year deal.
Released by Championship side Reading last summer, House, 21, scored nine goals in 37 games for the Spitfires and thrilled the Silverlake with a succession of stellar performances.
Hard-working, humble, honest – the Sulphurites captain has been the perfect leader for boss Simon Weaver, both on and off the pitch, in the last four years and it’s no surprise he’s lifted three trophies during that time too.
Hardcastle was part of the Barrow side which was promoted to the Football League last season and was also called up to the last England C squad to play Wales C in March 2020 –a game which was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic