Farsley Celtic produced a stunning comeback at Throstle Nest as they gained revenge on Stalybridge for Saturday’s defeat, winning a thrilling contest 5-4, writes Thomas Ritchie.
Stalybridge Celtic played scintillating football in the opening 25 minutes as they lead 3-0, before Farsley fought back to eventually claim the three points thanks to Kurt Harris’ winner.
Stalybridge took an early lead as Sebastien Julien won the ball in the box from Isaac Baldwin before squaring to Theo Bailey-Jones who slotted home for his second goal in two games against Farsley.
Farsley then carved out their first opportunity as Ryan Watson headed on to James Walshaw, with his half-volley flying wide of the upright.
The visitors continued to press and Graeme McKibbin was forced into action, making an excellent stop low down from Aidan Chippendale.
However, shortly after Stalybridge did double their lead as the ball fell to Alex Honeyball 12 yards from goal and he picked out the bottom corner.
Farsley then seemed down and out as Stalybridge started to run amok, as after a scramble in the box which the hosts failed to clear, Theo Bailey-Jones was on hand to find the back of the net and make it 3-0.
Just minutes later Farsley managed to grab a foothold in the game, as Ben Atkinson made a driving run in to the box and finished past Stalybridge shot-stopper Joe Slinn.
That goal gave Farsley a real lift, and they pulled another goal back after a terrific cross from Isaac Baldwin was superbly headed into the top corner by James Walshaw.
Farsley started to pile the pressure on the visitors and Ryan Watson came close, flashing wide from just outside the penalty area.
The Celts began the second half the brighter of the two sides, with Isaac Baldwin making a terrific run down the left flank and finding James Walshaw, who laid the ball off to Ben Atkinson, with his effort flying inches wide.
Stalybridge then doubled their lead, as after Julien was brought down on the edge of the box by Adam Clayton, Liam Dickinson curled the free-kick through the wall and into the bottom corner.
Just after the hour mark Farsley were once again back in the contest, as James Walshaw flicked the ball onto Isaac Baldwin in the box who fired home a terrific half-volley into the top corner to make it 4-3.
And five minutes later Farsley pulled level, as Paul Walker played through Walshaw, who fired home into the bottom corner.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Farsley received a dangerous free-kick on the right, which was fired in low by Ryan Watson and turned in off the post by Kurt Harris, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst the home faithful.
Stalybridge went searching for an equaliser and came closest when Liam Dickinson’s ambitious overhead kick went just wide, with Farsley able to take away three vital points, leaving Stalybridge without a win in six league games.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Harris, Baldwin, C. Atkinson, Pollard, Clayton, Priestley (Marshall 88), B. Atkinson, Walshaw (Cartman 90+2), Watson, Walker (Parkin 77). Unused subs: Porritt, Trenerry.
Stalybridge Celtic: Slinn, Morton ©, Neville, Brown (Gee 77), Ashworth, Honeyball, Chippendale, Roberts, Bailey-Jones, Julien (Ennis 75), Dickinson. Unused subs: Tongue, Burns.
MOTM: James Walshaw
Attendance: 215