Farsley Celtic fought back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 and complete the double over the in-form Coalville on a wet afternoon at the Owen Street Sports Ground, writes THOMAS RITCHIE.
James Walshaw, Adam Priestley and Chris Atkinson were all on the scoresheet as The Celts made it back-to-back wins following Tuesday’s victory over Marine.
Farsley dominated the play throughout the opening quarter of an hour, and came closest to breaking the deadlock as James Walshaw’s header from Chris Atkinson’s free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by Coalville ‘keeper Matt Coton.
Graeme McKibbin was then forced into action for the first time as Kyle Bryant crossed to Daniel Creaney, who was denied by a superb McKibbin save.
Midway through the first half The Celts took the lead as captain James Walshaw was brought down in the penalty area, before he converted the spot-kick into the bottom left corner, despite Coton getting a hand on the ball.
Walshaw then had the ball in the back of the net once more from close range as Farsley continued to pressure the Coalville goal, but he was adjudged offside by the linesman.
Just after the half-hour mark Coalville equalised against the run of play as Dan Creaney played in Nat Watson who slotted home past Graeme McKibbin.
Coalville gained confidence from the goal, and as Farsley struggled to clear their lines Nat Watson fired in a dangerous low shot, which was deflected just wide.
McKibbin produced two fine saves in the early stages of the second half to keep Farsley on level terms, first saving with his feet from Blair Anderson, before superbly saving just moments later from Nat Watson, when one-on-one.
The hosts then edged in front as Anderson’s cross was met by Tom McGlinchey, with his effort turned into his own net by Farsley defender Isaac Baldwin.
Adam Lakeland then threw on Paul Walker and Adam Porritt as Farsley searched for an equaliser, and within moments Farsley were level. James Walshaw made a bursting run down the left flank before crossing to Adam Priestley who headed home, for what was his 50th league goal for the club.
Farsley then almost regained the lead as Ryan Watson found James Walshaw who skipped past a defender before his strike was palmed away to safety by Matt Coton.
Massiah McDonald then came inches away from giving Coalville the advantage as his shot across goal drifted inches wide of the upright.
Farsley completed the fightback to lead 3-2 with just over ten minutes remaining, with Paul Walker flicking onto James Walshaw who then delivered a terrific cross for Chris Atkinson to bundle home at the far post.
Coalville looked to pile on the pressure in search of an equaliser, but failed to produce a clear-cut opportunity and it was Farsley who came closest on the counter, as Mark Bett played in Adam Priestley who was denied by Matt Coton, but nevertheless Farsley held on for a crucial three points.
Coalville Town: Coton, Bryant, Taylor, Jenno, Freeman, Towers ©, McGlinchey (Mellors-Blair 79), Hollis (Cox 74), Creaney (McDonald 68), Watson, Anderson. Unused subs: Bassett, Hannis (GK).
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Harris (Porritt 61), Baldwin, C. Atkinson, Pollard, Clayton, Priestley, B. Atkinson, Walshaw © (Bett 90+1), Watson, Parkin (Walker 61). Unused subs: Ellis, Trennery (GK).
MOTM: James Walshaw
Attendance: 158
