by Josh Makin
Farsley Celtic face Southport in a huge match at The Citadel on Good Friday as both sides look to claw themselves away from the relegation zone.
Gaffer Clayton Donaldson said that “something has to give” in his post-match interview after the 4-1 defeat to Hereford last weekend, and he will be looking for Farsley to finally put an end to their recent struggles as the Celts take on Jim Bentley’s Southport.
Farsley are back at The Citadel after the previously mentioned defeat away to Hereford where the Celts found themselves 4-0 down at half time after a bizarre ten minutes at Edgar Street which saw three goals for the hosts put the result beyond doubt. The Celts improved in the second half and managed to grab a consolation from Ryan Watson in the dying embers of the match.
Donaldson is eager for Farsley to build upon the second half performance at Edgar Street, saying: “The boys will be giving 100% in terms of effort and hopefully, with a little bit of luck on our side and less mistakes from ourselves, I think we’ll be able to get a positive result.
“I think a change in fortunes is needed as well as deserved. Our luck in recent games hasn’t been there but us and the boys are looking forward to it so hopefully we can end this run of defeats and get a good result.”
Speaking on the Southport game, Donaldson said: “The Good Friday fixture is always a great game for neutrals, players and everyone involved to look out for and we hope it will be a good friday for Farsley Celtic.
“Southport have picked up some decent results as of late so they are in good form, but at the same time The Citadel is not an easy place to come to and get a result.
“We will have the crowd behind us as usual which we will need as we want that twelfth man to spur us on and get us over the line.”
Isaac Assenso was still injured for the clash with Hereford, so it’s touch and go for whether he will be available for this weekend. Joao Silva is available after returning from loan.
It’s been a tough season for Farsley’s Easter Friday opponents Southport, who have spent the majority of the 2023/24 season in the relegation fight, however after recent results Jim Bentley’s men find themselves in 15th place, eight points clear of 21st placed Rushall Olympic. Southport have four wins out of their last six after most recently defeating already relegated Bishop’s Stortford 4-1 in midweek.