By John Baron
Farsley Celtic reached the FA Cup fourth qualifying round for the first time since 2007 – but were made to sweat by a determined Wythenshawe Town side two leagues below them.
Striker Darren Stephenson’s well-taken first half goal was enough to take the spoils in what proved to be Farsley’s only attempt on target in a tight 1-0 win which was televised on the BBC iPlayer.
Wythenshawe were the better team for the most part. They twice hit the woodwork and forced Farsley keeper Tom Wooster into a string of second-half saves.
But the Celts battled to an important win to lift spirits among beleaguered fans, who are yet to see their team play at The Citadel this season due to delays in laying a new 4G pitch.
The home side started the better of the two teams and on 17 minutes Farsley were let off the hook after Hepple was allowed space to run at goal and his effort hit the post before bouncing to safety.
Farsley’s first effort came when Bailey Sloane moved into the penalty area but shot into the side netting under pressure from a defender.
The visitors were ahead a short time later. Ben Atkinson played the ball through to Darren Stephenson, who beat the offside trap, took the ball around the keeper and showed great composure to slot home for his fifth goal of the season.
The hosts continued to battle and had a half-chance just before half time when Abankeah headed goalwards from a corner but Tom Wooster got down to make a comfortable save.
The second half saw the hosts enjoy the lions’ share of possession. Wooster pulled off a good save to deny Hepple early on. They came even closer ten minutes’ from time when a free kick clipped Wooster’s cross bar.
The final few minutes saw Town throw everything at Farsley as they went in search of an equaliser. Wooster denied George Boyd and then got down well to save from Edwards’ free kick before the sub fired a second shot just wide of the goal.
The Manchester club even threw their goalkeeper forward in the dying embers of the game but couldn’t force the equaliser they arguably deserved.
The game was Farsley’s 20th consecutive match played away from the Citadel, including pre-season. Players and staff should be rightfully proud of their achievements in such challenging circumstances. Hats off should also go to the club’s loyal away support, many of whom have already travelled countless miles – and spent a lot of money – supporting their side this season.
Fans will now be hoping for some positive news on work starting on laying the new pitch. It looks increasingly unlikely that it will make the Spennymoor home game on 19 October and Peterborough Sports three days later. They’ll also await news on the lifting of the club’s transfer embargo, which was imposed earlier this week.
Reaction
Manager Pav Singh was pleased with the spirit of his players and to get past a difficult opponent.
Next match
Farsley are back to National League North action next Saturday when they travel to Chester (3pm).
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