By John Baron
A superb performance by Farsley Celtic’s on-loan goalkeeper Kieran Flavell helped secure a hard-fought FA Trophy win at Bamber Bridge.
Flavell, on loan from Barnsley, produced a string of fine saves throughout the game – but his sensational second half performance against a dominant Bamber Bridge will long remain in the memory of the travelling Farsley fans.
It was The Celts’ 30th game on the road this season due to stalled work on a new 4G pitch at The Citadel.
Whether it was tiredness, off-field distractions or the absence of recently departed midfield talisman Danny Greenfield, The Celts were off the pace. They struggled to keep the ball and were outplayed for long spells by their Northern Premier League opponents.
The hosts were quickest out of the traps and were almost ahead after just eight minutes when Jack Baxter’s volley struck a post. Mark Cullen then drew a good save from Flavell before the lively Michael Potts headed just over the target.
Farsley slowly got a foothold and struck the opener on 22 minutes when a corner was played into the box and Conor Branson’s strike was flicked in by Darren Stephenson from a couple of yards out.
Potts came close to levelling just before the half-time whistle but Flavell got down well to his near post to deny the Bamber Bridge forward.
The Celts were dealt a blow at half time, with left back Bailey Sloane limping off through injury to be replaced by loanee Hayden Pickard. He joined fellow loanee Aaron Pickles – who impressed at centre back – in making his debut just 24 hours after being announced by the club.
Farsley almost doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half when a great move saw Stephenson square to DJ Campton-Sturridge, but the forward was unable to beat Pradic in the Bamber Bridge goal.
The rest of the half belonged to Bamber Bridge, who laid siege to the Farsley goal.
The Celts defended desperately but it was Farsley keeper Flavell, who impressed on his debut at Kidderminster last week, who made a string of fine saves to preserve the visitors’ slender lead.
Flavell made key saves to deny Chris Churchman’s 25-yard free-kick on 67 minutes before the on-loan Barnsley keeper denied Potts from point-blank range.
The 21-year-old shot-stopper then produced an excellent save to thwart Jack Baxter before another unbelievable late stop to deny Potts for a fourth time in the contest.
The Northern Premier League side continued to apply the pressure late on with a string of attacks and corners but stout defending from the Celts saw them progress to the third round.
Reaction
Farsley Celtic boss Pav Singh said: “It was a tough one, but the main thing is we got through to the next round.”
Line up
Farsley Celtic: Flavell, Hyde (Watson 61), Branson, Misambo, Pickles, Sloane (Pickard 46), Fielding, Turner, B Atkinson, Campton-Sturridge (Fox 69), Stephenson.
Subs not used: Mampala, Youmbi.
Next up
The Celts travel to South Shields next Saturday (3pm) as they return to National League North action. The game cannot be played at The Celts’ temporary home at Buxton FC as the ground owners are playing there, so the game has been switched to the North East.