Farsley Celtic remained top of the league as they ground out a 1-1 draw at home to Droylsden, with a Ryan Watson thunderbolt earning The Celts a point, writes Thomas Ritchie.
Droylsden almost took a shock lead early on, as Adam Farrell was allowed to race through on goal despite appearing offside, however Graeme McKIbbin was in position to make a fine save.
Farsley then suffered a blow as Peter Davidson was forced off with an early injury, but Paul Walker came close just before the half hour mark.
His dipping volley from the edge of the box produced a superb save from James Coates in the Droylsden goal, who continued where he left off from the first time the two sides met.
Both sides exchanged opportunities early in the second half, as Ryan Watson shot wide for Farsley before a dangerous cross from Droylsden’s Shaun Holden agonizingly evaded the three players queuing up to nod home.
Jordan Deacey almost gave Farsley the lead as he found himself one on one with James Coates and Ross Daly awaiting a pass, however he went alone and Coates made a fine stop.
With fifteen minutes remaining a stunning strike from Ryan Watson edged Farsley in front. Lewis Nightingale’s corner was headed out by Domaine Rouse to Watson, whose first-time strike from 30 yards flew into the top corner.
Droylsden almost hit back immediately as a scramble in the box saw McKIbbin attempt to palm the ball away to safety before The Celts bundled it clear.
With five minutes remaining Droylsden deservedly levelled as Jamie Frost was played through on goal before lobbing Graeme McKibbin in the Farsley net.
The Celts then went on the attack looking to regain the lead, with Paul Walker feeding Lewis Nightingale who’s neat turn gave him a shooting opportunity before he fired over.
With Nightingale picking up a knock, goalkeeper Tom Morgan made his first appearance on his return to Throstle Nest up front, however it was Droylsden who nearly won it with Jamie Frost directing the ball goal wards, however heroics on the line from Nathan Turner ensured the points would be shared.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Hardy, Howarth, Turner, Clayton, P. Davidson (Atkinson 16), Nightingale (Morgan 90), Watson, Daly, Deacey (Marshall 65), Walker. Unused subs: Colley
Droylsden FC: Coates, Antoine-Clarke, Holden, Connor, Smith, Daly (Smith 79), Rudge (Frost 65), Rouse, Kilheeney (c), Farrell, Caddick. Unused subs: Hasley-Cregg, Samuels, Bianga.
MOTM: Shaquille Antoine-Clarke
Attendance: 188
