Words: Alex Noonan
Photos: Simon Cullingworth
Farsley Celtic 1 Curzon Ashton 1
Farsley Celtic were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Curzon Ashton, and were left to rue a number of squandered opportunities in an entertaining clash featuring late drama.
The Celts were on a high after their 3-0 thrashing of Brackley Town last week, and made a strong start, Kian Scales’ pace pushing the opposition back. The on-loan midfielder thought he had put the hosts in front in the 15th minute, only for the goal to be ruled offside.
Farsley would go on to break the deadlock 20 minutes in, Scales involved again as he put in a dangerous ball which was converted by former Celts defender, Jordan Richards, for an own goal.
Check out the slideshow of exclusive photos from yesterday’s match below:
The visitors struggled to make an impact until shortly before the interval, when Tom Peers received the ball in the box, but finished with a tame shot at Max Dearnley.
The hosts started the second half strongly, and should have extended their lead. Jimmy Spencer played Scales through and he took it round the keeper, but somehow didn’t score in the open net, with some excellent last-gasp defending from Curzon.
The visitors began to push the leveller without ever threatening Dearnley’s goal, however, with five minutes remaining, the Nash were awarded a spot-kick when Lewis Turner brought down Connor Hampson. Josh Hancock converted to make it 1-1.
However, Farsley would still have an opportunity to snatch all three points at the death as Mwiya Malumo was tripped in the six-yard box as he tried to covert a cross. Jordan Richards’ afternoon got even worse, receiving a red card for the infringement.
It was Jacob Gratton who stepped up to take the penalty, but couldn’t convert what proved to be the final kick of the game as Chris Renshaw made an excellent save.
Line ups
Farsley Celtic: Dearnley, Turner, Scales, Johnson (Syers 79), Clayton, Butler, Allan, Atkinson, Spencer, Mulhern (Malumo 73), Parkin (Gratton 65). Unused subs: Morgan, Dube.
Curzon Ashton: Renshaw, Richards, Porsha, Matthews, Hampson, Mahon (Waring 70), Walker, Barton, Hayhurst, Hancock (Lowe 90), Peers (Hall 78). Unused subs: Dimaio, Hobson.
Attendance: 412.
Match reaction
Boss Russ Wilcox was left to rue missed chances and described the match as a rollercoaster – but praised the overall performance:
Next match
Farsley Celtic make a speedy return to action on Bank Holiday Monday, making the trip to Darlington.
Find out all you need to know ahead of the fixture.
KICK OFF
3:00pm
ADDRESS
Darlington Football Club, Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road, Darlington, DL1 5NR
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: £15
Concessions (18-24s/Over 65s/Registered Disabled/Student): £11
Junior (12-18): £5
Child (Under 12s with a paying adult): Free
It’s an additional £2 for a seated ticket.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or in advance online HERE.
PARKING
Matchday car parking at Blackwell Meadows is available on a first-come-first-served basis, at £5 per car. Please allow a little additional time ahead of the match and at full time to exit the car park.
There are also a number of Blue Badges spaces available, please e-mail dave.watson@darlingtonfc.org ahead of the match to reserve a Blue Badge space.
SUPPORTERS CLUB COACH TRAVEL
The supporters’ minibus for this fixture is FULL. The next minibus will be for the Celts trip to Hereford on Saturday, 10 September. To book your place on the coach for that game, contact John Stubbs on 07904 187327.
West Leeds Dispatch partnership
WLD has always been proud to support Farsley Celtic and grass roots football in our community.
Today we’re pleased to announce a formal partnership which will see us increase our coverage of the club, alongside additional promotions that will support both our organisations. We’re both led by volunteers and have the local community at heart – and we both like to win!
Make sure you never miss a kick with our new Farsley Celtic section.
