Farsley Celtic put in a clinical performance as they bounced back from Saturday’s defeat at Lancaster, writes Thomas Ritchie.
The Celts earned a crucial three points against promotion rivals Scarborough Athletic as they won 4-1 at Queensgate in a game marred by a strange refereeing display.
The difference in class was apparent early on with Farsley racing out of the blocks, The Celts’ attackers looking to take on the Scarborough defenders at every opportunity, particularly down the right hand side.
Richard Marshall got the better of Dave Merris early on before making a great run and picking out Paul Walker in the box, who shot wide.
Farsley continued to attack down the right, with Jordan Deacey this time breaking tackles and crossing to Peter Davidson at the far post who took one touch to get the ball out of his feet and finishing past Scarborough ‘keeper Tom Morgan.
Jordan Deacey was again creating problems for the opposition defence with his cross nodded down by Adam Clayton to James Walshaw who hit the back of the net from close range to double Farsley’s advantage.
This goal also set the record for most goals scored in a season for the reformed club. However, Scarborough immediately got back into the match as a low snap shot by Cameron Murray beat Graeme McKibbin in the Celtic goal.
Farsley continued to push for the remainder of the half with a couple of half chances from free kicks, but the shocking stat is that eight yellow cards were dished out in the first half alone!
Farsley continued to take the game to Scarborough and captain Aaron Hardy hit the woodwork after being played in by Richard Marshall, his cross-cum-shot striking the outside of the far post.
Scarborough then had their best chance to equalise through ex-Celt Jacob Hazel as Dave Merris’ free-kick fell to him in space, only for Hazel to slash at the ball and send it high and wide.
Just before the hour mark Richard Marshall was in disbelief at his failure to score, with Graeme McKibbin’s free-kick flicked on by Walshaw to Paul Walker, whose cross picked out Marshall inside the six yard box, before he skied his effort over the crossbar.
Paul Walker did extend the Farsley lead, Peter Davidson slipping the ball through with Walker slotting home past Morgan. T
hen came a bizarre period of play in which both sides had a player dismissed either side of Dave Merris producing a fine save from McKibbin.
First Farsley were reduced to ten men with Richard Marshall receiving a second yellow card and his marching orders for a reason that couldn’t be seen by the naked eye.
Less than ten minutes later Benny Igiehon was also dismissed for a second yellow card for an innocuous challenge.
As the game headed into injury team James Walshaw added the icing to the cake as he was put through on goal by substitute Chris Atkinson and he fired home to cap off a superb 4-1 victory.
Scarborough Athletic: Morgan, Price (Flint 46), Merris (c), C. Bolder (A. Bolder 70), Turnbull, Ible, Igiehon, Murray, Logan, Nelthorpe (Dennison 79), Hazel. Unused subs: Humble, Lucid.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Hardy, Howarth, P. Davidson (Daly 89), Clayton, Savory, Marshall, Watson, Walshaw, Deacey (Atkinson 89), Walker (Colley 89). Unused subs: Nightingale, Serrant.
MOTM: Peter Davidson
Attendance: 285
