By John Baron
A battling and resolute defensive performance saw Farsley Celtic secure a well-earned point at promotion-chasing Chester.
On paper it’s not a game travelling Farsley fans would expect to get much from. The hosts started the day in second place in Vanarama National League North, but Farsley’s players put their bodies on the line in a committed display against their more illustrious opponents.
The closest Chester came to scoring was when Kurt Willoughby’s free-kick rattled the bar with just ten minutes remaining, which sparked a late siege on the visitors’ goal.
But Pav Singh’s side showed character, passion and commitment in an epic rearguard action made all the more remarkable given the club’s off-field issues.
The first half was a quiet affair, as Pav Singh’s well-organised side held their own in a 45 minutes which lacked quality from both sides.
Chester had an early chance through Jack Bainbridge’s flicked header, which went wide.
Bailey Sloane almost put Farsley ahead with their first attack of note on 20 minutes, when the wing-back flashed his shot wide under pressure in the area following neat build up play involving Ben Atkinson.
Darren Stephenson then shot straight at Elyh Harrison in the Chester goal just before half time.
The match was notable for having two young Manchester United loanee keepers on opposite sides – Harrison for Chester and Tom Wooster for Farsley.
It was Farsley’s Wooster who was the busier of the two as the home side dominated the second half.
On 54 minutes Iwan Murray’s shot from 25 yards saw Wooster equal to the effort before Jordan Hunter’s attempt from even further out failed to trouble the Farsley goal.
The deadlock was almost broken after Chester’s Caton fired a low and inviting cross towards Kurt Willoughby, but Connor Branson intervened with a vital tackle.
The game’s key moment came on 80 minutes, with Chester looking increasingly dangerous. Willoughby’s powerful free kick from 25 yards smashed the crossbar before being scrambled clear.
On 88 minutes, a powerful low cross was sent into the box which ricocheted off the excellent Isaac Assenso, but thankfully the ball flew just outside of the post and behind for a corner.
Chester were reduced to ten men three minutes into stoppage time after Nathan Woodthorpe received a second yellow card for simulation when trying to win a late penalty.
The home side continued to press despite being a man down but the valiant Celts held on for a battling draw made all the more impressive given the players were still awaiting last Wednesday’s pay packet.
Including pre-season, it was Farsley Celtic’s 19th consecutive fixture away from the Citadel – including pre-season games. It’s a gruelling schedule for the team, and it’s a remarkable achievement that they sit in a respectable 11th place in National League North.
Work stalled on laying a new 4G pitch in July after an unspecified ‘historic’ problem was discovered by the club when removing the grass surface. Last week the club pointed to delays with a specialist subcontractor as concerned fans await a start date.
Whatever the situation with the pitch, the players and management team can’t be faulted for their attitude, application and togetherness.
Line ups
CHESTER: Harrison, Hunter (Roberts 61′) Rawlinson, Burke, Woodthorpe, Bainbridge, Weeks, Glendon, Murray (Caton 61′), Willoughby, Turner (Peers 61′) Subs not used: Pollock, Hancox
FARSLEY CELTIC:Wooster, Hyde (Fox 90+4), Assenso, Branson, Allan, Sloane, Watson (Fielding 80), B Atkinson, Greenfield, Campton-Sturridge (Youmbi 65), Stephenson.
Subs not used: Mampala, Misambo.
Attendance: 2,549
Next game
Next up The Celts have a place in the first round proper of the FA Cup at stake when they play Kettering Town in a ‘home’ fixture which has been switched to Guiseley’s Nethermoor ground. The match is next Saturday (3pm).