As the kick off time got closer, there was genuine apprehension from the gathered spectators that the game may not take place due to the low cloud coverage that resulted in the pitch resembling a spooky scene from a Simpson’s Halloween Special or The Hound of the Baskervilles. Thankfully the referee considered the game playable leaving the spectators view of the game limited to approximately 25% of the nearest playing area to their location.

As in previous games Goole started on the front foot, applying pressure on the home team defence and whilst this resulted in an early missed penalty, they soon put that behind them with a super 8th minute try following possession from a lineout mid-way into the Huddersfield half. Standing adjacent to the line out location I was able to see the start of the fast hands passing movement as it disappeared into the fog towards the far touch line where I have been told that Billy Walker scored the unconverted try out wide. 0 – 5.

This early score certainly woke up the home team as they then spent some time in the Goole half and were rewarded with a successful penalty to bring the score to 3 – 5 as the foggy conditions continued. Huddersfield came back at Goole again although what was actually happening on the field remaining a mystery to the majority of spectators that were left trying to figure out what was going on by the volume and tone of the referee’s whistle when play was beyond their 25% limit of vision. A loud high-pitched whistle identifying a penalty, whereas a low volume whistle indicating a minor infringement and a resulting scrum or lineout. Who then had the put-in generally being worked out by the position of the back line of each team. Cheers and groans from the far side of the pitch creating an interesting guessing game at the opposite side as the spectators wondered what was the cause of the noises.

After repulsing the home team's attacks it was now Goole’s turn to apply pressure as they turned down a chance of three points from a penalty to run the ball. First receiver Charlie Walton gave the move some impetus and after numerous phases, it was reported that fullback Robson Jones got over for a try that was converted by Rhys Moore. The first half ending with a missed penalty attempt by the home team leaving the half time score at 3 – 12 and with no sign of the low cloud / fog thinning out.

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with Goole applying early pressure with Jack Smith’s powerful runs being a constant threat, along with the remainder of the pack who shared the carrying responsibility throughout the match. Goole had a try correctly ruled out for crossing, but it was not long before their efforts were rewarded with an excellent penalty from Moore to increase the lead to 3 – 15.

Goole did not have the chance to feel comfortable with this lead as the home team came back strongly. They continued to find it extremely difficult to break the Goole defensive line but in the end they did not have to as a kick into some rare open space in the 17th minute, was latched on by the speedy Huddersfield attacker to gather and score under the posts for a straight-forward conversion. 10 – 15.

A yellow carded Connor Walker was replaced by James Chantry with James Taylor coming on for the hard-working Louis Sugden as Goole reacted positively to this setback and went back on to the attack. Robson Jones from fullback joining the attack jinked and found open space before offloading to Will Townend who put winger Walker in for his second try of the match. The unsuccessful conversion attempt from out wide making the score at 10 – 20 and slight breathing space for Goole against this very competitive Huddersfield side.

The positive commitment was to continue and when the referee's whistle, and the players position, indicated a penalty to Goole. It was kicked towards the corner for a line out that was won by Goole. In the blink of an eye, Jack Smith went over for Goole’s fourth bonus point try before you had time to walk down to get a clearer view. With the score 10 – 27 and just ten minutes remaining, this was Goole’s game, and that is how it ended. The home team being in possession for the remainder of the game but again finding it impossible to break the Goole defensive line or create any quality possession in open ground.

So, in summary, a great team display from Goole from the limited view that I had, despite clocking up 20,000+ steps walking round the pitch trying to get nearer to the action. No problems in the scrum and the reorganised lineout went far better than expected. Once again, there were some very complimentary comments from the home team and supporters in recognition of Goole’s performance. The overall organisation, commitment, communication, and ability that we have seen in previous performances was once again clear to see. Very difficult to choose a man of the match from this overall team effort with significant contributions from all eighteen players in the squad.

Goole can now build on this momentum as they face two challenging fixtures in the next couple of weeks. Third placed Hullensians, at home next week, and a challenging away game against second placed Keighley on their artificial pitch. The results from these two fixtures being likely to have a major influence in the final league standings.