By Thomas Ritchie
Farsley Celtic picked up what could prove to be a valuable point as they drew 0-0 away at Alfreton Town.
The Celts had the clearest chances, Dave Syers hitting the crossbar in the latter stages of the match, but a point apiece was probably a fair reflection of the 90 minutes.
It was the hosts who were on the front foot early on, but the Reds were unable to trouble Kyle Trenerry in the Farsley goal. Bailey Hobson flashed an effort wide on the break, whilst an audacious long-range effort from Dayle Southwell drifted just past the upright.
Midway through the opening period, Farsley had the biggest opportunity to break the deadlock as Dave Syers won a flick on to send Will Hayhurst bearing down on goal; however, he was unable to get the ball out of his feet for a shot, attempted to round the ‘keeper, and could only find the side netting from a tight angle.
The final action of the first 45 saw Trenerry called into action for the first time, standing strong to palm away a powerful strike from Southwell.
The opening to the second half was a scrappy affair, with Farsley forced to adjust after Jerome Greaves (injury) and Luke Parkin (illness) were both forced off, after 45 minutes and an hour respectively.
But the big chance for the visiting Celts would arrive with 15 minutes remaining; Sam Walker whipped in a dangerous cross from the left, and Dave Syers outjumped the hosts’ defence but could only guide his header onto the crossbar.
Farsley could have been left to rue that missed opportunity as Alfreton had late chances of their own, Trenerry making an important stop low down to Matt Rhead, whilst Conor Branson struck a first-time volley over the bar from 10 yards out.
Ultimately, both sides will have been left feeling like they could have won the game; but for Farsley, it was the first point away from home, and the first clean sheet, since the goalless draw with Guiseley on January 2.
Farsley manager Russ Wilcox said it was a fair result, but lamented his side’s inability to convert their chances:
Alfreton Town: Willis, Clackstone, Wilde (Ceesay 62), Branson, Smith ©, Wiley, Preston, Lund, Rhead, Southwell, Hobson. Unused subs: Smith-Eccles (GK), Butterfield, Sutton, Johnson.
Farsley Celtic: Trenerry, Turner, Digie, Clayton, Butroid, Atkinson, Walker, Parkin (Gratton 58), Syers ©, Hayhurst, Greaves (Mulhern 45). Unused subs: Jessop, Westcarr (GK), Sutton.
Attendance: 387.