Words: Thomas Ritchie
Photos: John McEvoy
Boston United continued their climb up the division with a dominant 4-0 victory over Farsley Celtic at the Citadel.
The Pilgrims were on the front foot from the outset and failed to relent throughout the 90 minutes, as they consigned Adam Lakeland’s side to a first home league defeat of the season.
The visitors set the tone for the first half in the early stages, with the first opening coming as a Connor Dimaio half-volley crashed against the top of the crossbar.
Luke Shiels then had a golden opportunity from a Joe Leesley corner, but after getting free in the six-yard box he could only head wide of the near post.
Midway through the first-half Boston deservedly took the lead, a long ball from goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons catching out the Farsley defence, with Joe Leesley nipping in ahead of Sam Kelly and rifling home.
Jordan Burrow then had a big chance to double his side’s lead as Leesley’s corner dropped to him at the near post, but Jake Charles threw his body in the way to make a terrific block.
And with half-time approaching the visitors threatened once more, but this time Sam Kelly was equal to it as he made an excellent save from Tom Platt’s fierce low strike.
The second-half began in the same vein, and the Pilgrims had soon doubled their lead as Fraser Preston was played in behind and kept his cool to slot home when one-on-one.
Within five minutes it was three, Leesley seeing his initial shot saved by Kelly, before he smashed the follow-up into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Farsley then fashioned their first clear-cut opportunity from a Jordan Richards free-kick near the by-line, but Adam Barton was unable to keep his header down.
Jordan Richards then came close from a free-kick, forcing Fitzsimons to push the ball away from the top corner with his effort from 30-yards.
With less than 10 minutes remaining the Pilgrims wrapped-up the victory with a fourth on the break, Preston keeping the ball in play and squaring for substitute Jay Rollins who tapped home.
Line ups
Farsley Celtic: Kelly, Richards, Hayhurst (Smith-Brown 46), C. Atkinson, Barton, Clayton ©, Lane, Johnston, Charles, Syers (B. Atkinson 65), Parkin (Walton 46). Unused subs: Bower (GK), Goldthorp.
Boston United: Fitzsimons, Tootle (Warren 85), Duxbury, Platts, Shiels ©, Burrow (Rollins 75), Bird, Dimaio, Hawkridge, Preston (Garner 87), Leesley. Unused subs: Green, Crook (GK).
Referee: David McNamara
Assistant referees: Jamie Waters & Gavin Hock.
