By John Baron
Farsley Celtic’s strong pre-season campaign continued with a comfortable 3-0 win at Silsden AFC.
A first-half long-range drive from Ryan Watson gave The Celts the lead before a quick-fire second half brace from trialist DJ Campton-Sturridge wrapped up the win.
The home side started strongly, and they almost took the lead when their striker went clean through, only to put the ball wide of the Farsley goal when one on one with the keeper.
Farsley enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and played some attractive football at times.
The Celts came very close to doubling their lead a few minutes after the break when former Carlisle United forward Manny Mampala saw his curling shot from the edge of the area strike the crossbar.
Silsden almost equalised when Farsley’s trialist keeper parried a shot and the Celts manage to clear the ball in the ensuing scramble.
Farsley gaffer Clayton Donaldson made ten substitutions on the hour mark, and the changes breathed fresh energy and pace into his side.
Two more goals from a trialist followed – the first goal showing great pace and a finish which beat the keeper at the near post, the second was a composed finish from inside the box.
While pre-season is all about gaining match fitness and rhythm, Farsley have rattled an impressive 13 goals in four games, conceding just twice.
Although the opposition has been from the lower leagues and tougher challenges await, The Celts have notched three wins and a draw – a noticeable improvement on a shot-shy pre-season last year which saw them winless in six games and scoring just twice.
The Celts are back in action in just three days when they face their fifth of nine pre-season tests at Stocksbridge Park Steels on Friday evening. Kick-off at the Bracken Moor Stadium is at 7.45pm.
The supporters’ club minibus is travelling to the game. Contact John Stubbs on 07904 187327 to book your place.
Line-ups
Farsley ttarting XI: Trialist A, Assenso, Allan, Watson, Branson, Leverett, B Atkinson, Greenfield, Donaldson, Mampala, Stephenson.
Farsley team after 60 mins: Trialist A, Trialist B, Sloane, Misambo, Ellis, Walker, Turner, Fielding, Fox, Trialist C, Youmbi.