Farsley Celtic earned another crucial three points with a 5-3 victory, despite a rather lacklustre performance against the battling ten men of Bamber Bridge, writes Thomas Ritchie.
Five different scorers were on target for The Celts who retained their position on top of the table, bouncing back after Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Goole.
Farsley took an early lead as Adam Clayton headed home his ninth goal of the season into the top corner from Jordan Deacey’s corner.
Shortly after Farsley were able to double their advantage as Graeme McKibbin’s long ball was allowed to travel through to Paul Walker, who slotted past Steve James in the Bamber Bridge goal.
McKibbin then repeated the trick as a slip in the Bridge defence allowed Richard Marshall to latch onto the long ball, but this time James was able to make the save.
Bamber Bridge grew into the game and played the better football as the Farsley defence were made to panic more than once, and McKibbin was forced into action to save from Alistair Waddecar’s effort.
On the stroke of half-time Paul Walker came close to adding to his tally, however his half volley clipped the crossbar.
Bamber Bridge were reduced to ten men early on in the second half as ‘keeper Steve James lost the ball to Paul Walker, who was tripped as he attempted to score.
As a result, James was dismissed and Richard Marshall converted the penalty to make it 3-0.
Bamber Bridge immediately got back into the game as Sam Freakes’ cross was nodded home by Alistair Waddecar.
Farsley restored their three-goal cushion as Lewis Nightingale saw his shot parried by stand in ‘keeper Matt Lawlor straight into the path of Jordan Deacey, who rounded Lawlor and slotted into the empty net.
Alistair Waddecar came close to bagging a brace as he was fed by Jamie Milligan before Adam Clayton superbly cleared his strike off the line.
However, Bridge did get back into the game as Milligan’s hopeful ball into the box fell to substitute Stuart Vasey who bundled his shot home.
The three points were all but wrapped up for Farsley as some nice build up play saw Richard Marshall work the ball to Walker and he picked out Lewis Nightingale who swept the ball home past Lawlor.
Bamber Bridge did add a consolation in added time as Jamie Milligan’s free-kick fell to Stuart Vasey who hooked home to conclude the scoring.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Hardy (c), Howarth, Atkinson (Turner 80), Clayton, Savory, Nightingale, Watson, Marshall, Deacey (Serrant 73), Walker. Unused subs: Daly, Colley, Morgan.
Bamber Bridge: James, Bowyer, Dodd, Lawlor (c), Heaton, Staunton-Turner, Waddecar, Linney (Marlow 74), Riley (Milligan 59), Potts, Freakes (Vasey 59). Unused subs: Doughty, Gregory.
MOTM: Paul Walker
Attendance: 192