An injury-time strike from Ben Atkinson capped a fine Farsley Celtic comeback and earn a hard-fought 2-1 win at Warrington FC.
The Celts bounced back from Saturday’s disappointing defeat at Scarborough, despite falling behind early to a goal from Mikey O’Neill.
But Farsley’s lively 18-year-old debutant Cole Hyde struck an equaliser midway through the second half. And substitute Atkinson’s low shot from the edge of the box squirmed through the grasp of Warrington keeper Dan Atherton to earn the three points in the 92nd minute.
Home keeper Atherton was called into early action, a strong save denying the lively DJ Sturridge, before the hosts went ahead after just four minutes. Connor Woods’ cross was cushioned down by Gez Sithole for O’Neill who fired home to make it 1-0.
Sturridge had another chance soon after, this time attempting to round Atherton, but the young striker was forced wide.
The second half saw Farsley gain control of the game, with the home side struggling to create much from open play.
The equaliser came on 65 minutes. Sam Fielding played the ball out to the right for the onrushing Hyde, who hit a clinical finish low into the bottom corner.
Substitute Robbie Fox hit a firm left-foot shot that was parried away and Alex Kiwomya fired a shot into the side netting as Farsley pressed.
Just as the game looked as if it was heading for a draw, Kiwomya played a neat one-two with Atkinson, who fired a shot from 20 yards that the keeper fumbled at his near post to earn the visitors a dramatic 92nd-minute winner.
It was Atkinson’s fourth goal in five games, and his side’s third win in five consecutive away games due to ongoing renovation work at The Citadel.
The performance was a welcome improvement after Saturday’s limp surrender at Scarborough Athletic. The win continues Farsley’s decent start to the season and leaves them in sixth position on nine points in the National League North.
Gaffer Clayton Donaldson praised his players after the game:
Line ups
Warrington Town: Atherton, White, Hannigan, Gumbs, Woods, O’Neill (Harris), McDonald, Bennett (Southern), Dixon, Sithole (Rodwell-Grant), Grivosti (Miles). Unused subs: Gill.
Farsley Celtic: Ombang, Allan, Misambo, Branson, Sloane (Turner), Leverett (Atkinson), Fielding (Watson), Greenfield, Hyde, Sturridge (Fox), Stephenson (Kiwomya).
Next match
The Celts travel to Alfreton Town on Saturday (3pm) for a tough challenge at Billy Heath’s promotion hopefuls.
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