By John Baron
Farsley Celtic were held to a draw for the second game running as their pre-season campaign continued against a well-organised Silsden AFC side last night.
The Celts travelled to the Office Interiors Stadium with several trialists in the squad as they looked to get more minutes under their belt, with new player/head coach Clayton Donaldson playing his first 45 minutes for the club.
Silsden were well marshalled at the back by former Farsley Celtic legend Adam Clayton, who left the Citadel during the summer after eight seasons and more than 300 appearances. Former goalkeeper Kyle Trenerry also appeared for the home side, but was largely untroubled on a night of few chances.
It was the visitors who started the brighter of the two teams, Chris Atkinson heading straight at Trenerry, before Ryan Watson went close when clean through. Marley Blair then made a great run through the middle before firing over the bar after 14 minutes.
A Watson free kick was deflected behind after 28 minutes and shortly after Rudy Misambo came close for Farsley as his downward header sailed just wide of the post.
The rest of the game was a stop-start affair, with the Celts making six substitutions at half time as Donaldson tried to get minutes in as many legs as possible and help integrate the club’s 11 new summer signings into the team. The hard-working home side rarely threatened.
The Celts, who are clearly trying to play more of a passing/possession-based game this season, almost won it right at the death, with Conor Branson heading just over from a George Smith free kick.
The match finished 0-0 and follows a 1-1 draw at Brighouse on Saturday. The Celts know tougher pre-season challenges lie ahead as they entertain Halifax Town, Huddersfield Town and York City before travelling to Guiseley ahead of their first game of the National League North season at new boys Rushall Olympic on August 5.
