Farsley Celtic played out a 0-0 draw with fellow promoted side Lancaster City on a warm evening at Throstle Nest, writes THOMAS RITCHIE.
It was a game low on chances and quality with Farsley struggling to find their passing rhythm and looking for the long ball too often, which was easily dealt with by a stout Lancaster defence. On the plus side, The Celts did continue their unbeaten start to the new campaign.
Farsley came close to taking the lead midway through the first half as Paul Walker found James Walshaw in the area. He flicked on to Ben Atkinson, whose effort was cleared off the line by Lancaster’s Paul Dugdale.
From the resulting corner Chris Atkinson found Adam Priestley, whose powerful header was well held by Lancaster shot-stopper Joshua Powell.
Lancaster then carved out their first opportunity, however Ryan Winder’s shot from the edge of the box was comfortably saved by Celtic stopper Graeme McKibbin.
Joshua Powell was called into action again moments later as Chris Atkinson played a neat one-two with James Walshaw, before his effort was well saved by Powell at the near post.
Lancaster captain Richard Mercer should have given the visitors the lead, as Ryan Winder’s free-kick found him in the box. However, he failed to make a clean connection and McKibbin gratefully grasped onto the ball.
In a second half of few chances Farsley started brightly as Isaac Baldwin whipped in a cross from the left to Walshaw, but he failed to direct his header on target.
Farsley struggled after the substitution of creative spark Adam Priestley, however Lancaster created another excellent opportunity shortly after as Ben Hudson played a long ball forward to Hannu Tam who found himself through on goal, but McKibbin raced out to deny the Dolly Blues’ frontman.
Farsley managed to forge one final chance in the sixth minute of added time, as Ryan Watson’s free-kick found Adam Clayton who saw his header blocked before his follow up effort was smothered by Powell, with both sides forced to settle for a point on a night of frustration.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Harris, Baldwin, C. Atkinson (Marshall 79), Pollard, Clayton, Priestley (Watson 65), B. Atkinson, Walshaw ©, Cartman, Walker (Parkin 72). Unused subs: Porritt, Trenerry.
Lancaster City: Powell, Hudson, Dugdale (Sumner 68), Westwood, Clark, Mercer ©, Winder, Steel, Kilifin (Wood 84), Tam (S. Bailey 68), Harris. Unused subs: C. Bailey, Mayers.
MOTM: Adam Priestley
Attendance: 233
