Ben Atkinson scored a dramatic, late equaliser as Farsley Celtic fought back to draw 1-1 with Nantwich Town on a freezing spring day at the Weaver Stadium, writes Thomas Ritchie.
Harry Clayton had given the hosts the lead in the first-half before Atkinson struck in the 89th minute, to extend the Celts’ unbeaten away record to 10 games.
Farsley had a fantastic chance to take an early lead from the penalty spot as Lewis Turner was felled in the box by Nantwich goalkeeper Myles Boney. However, Boney atoned for his error as he superbly saved Nathan Cartman’s spot-kick, the Farsley forward without a goal since late January.
Nantwich made Farsley pay immediately as an uncharacteristic and rare mistake from Adam Clayton allowed Harry Clayton in and the Dabbers’ forward slotted home to give the hosts the lead.
Harry Clayton then should have doubled Nantwich’s lead as he beat the offside trap and raced through on goal, before an unfortunate bobble saw him lose control and Farsley were able to clear.
Graeme McKibbin came to Farsley’s rescue minutes later as he made an excellent save to deny Jamie Morgan, before Cameron Murray managed to get back and scramble the ball clear.
Nantwich continued to dominate and came agonisingly close just moments later, as McKibbin saved well from Joel Stair and then the Farsley defence were able to repel Clayton McDonald’s follow-up.
Harry Clayton should have doubled Nantwich’s lead after being played in by Troy Bourne, and he was able to round McKibbin but his strike could only hit the side netting.
Adam Lakeland introduced Isaac Baldwin at the break, and the substitute almost had an instant impact as he made a great run before his effort was cleared off the line.
Nantwich continued to create opportunities, as Sean Cooke crossed to Jamie Morgan who was denied by a fine McKibbin save.
With just over 20 minutes, Farsley had an excellent chance to equalise with Baldwin at the centre once more, playing a swift one-two with Danny Ellis before being denied by a terrific save from Myles Boney.
The Celts continued to dominate the remaining stages and came close when Nathan Cartman’s clever flick was saved by Boney, before Danny Ellis beat Boney to Lewis Turner’s cross but headed just wide.
Farsley were finally rewarded for their efforts with two minutes remaining as Paul Walker hung a cross up to the back post where substitute Ben Atkinson rose highest to head home past Boney.
Nantwich were able to fashion one final chance in the fourth minute of added time after good work down the left from Jordan Cole who crossed to Harry Clayton, but he could only turn the centre over the crossbar, both sides forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Nantwich Town: Boney, Morgan, Wildin, Stair, McDonald ©, Bourne, Mwasile (Cole 72), Mullarkey, Clayton, Cooke, Cotterell (Griggs 85). Unused subs: Wakefield, Killilea, Jones.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Wells (Baldwin 46), L. Turner, C. Atkinson, Elllis ©, Clayton, Murray (Watson 55), N. Turner, Walker, Cartman, Parkin (B. Atkinson 67).
MOTM: Isaac Baldwin
Attendance: 298
Referee: Ben Atkinson
