Revenge and promotion. Those are the two things on the minds of everyone associated with Farsley Celtic, from the players to the supporters, writes Thomas Ritchie.
On Saturday the biggest game in the short history of the reformed Farsley Celtic will take place as they face local rivals Ossett Town for a spot in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division and step three in the non-league pyramid.
The two clubs renewed their rivalry in the 2011/12 season when The Celts returned to this level following a glorious season in the NCEL.
Since then the two clubs have faced off on 14 occasions. Farsley have won 10 of the games and have also played out two draws. However, both of Ossett’s victories came in this campaign as they did the double over The Celts, so will head into this game full of confidence.
Two late goals saw Ossett snatch a victory on Boxing Day from the jaws of defeat as Alex Peterson struck a late winner. Less than two weeks ago the sides met again as Ossett dented Farsley’s title hopes as they left Throstle Nest with a 2-0 victory, Martin Pembleton with the pick of the goals.
Farsley enter the game on the back of two flawless performances as they scored nine goals and conceded none.
On Saturday Farsley rounded off the regular season with a 5-0 destruction of Kendal Town before another dominant performance saw The Celts past Colne FC with a 4-0 success, giving the defence their first back to back clean sheets since 3rd September.
Next game:
⚽️ #FCFCvsOTFC
🏆 @evostikleague Playoff Final
📆 Sat 29th April
⏰ 3pm
🏟 Throstle Nest, LS28 5BE
🎟 £7,£4,£1#COYC #oneclub 🔵🔵🔵🔵 pic.twitter.com/alKzyvHBAb— FarsleyCeltic (@FarsleyCelticFC) April 26, 2017
Aiden Savory, Adam Clayton and Lewis Nightingale were all on the score sheet on Tuesday as well as the league’s top scorer James Walshaw who bagged his 49th goal of the campaign.
Farsley have lost just one of their eight games, however that was an Easter Monday defeat against Saturday’s opponents.
The cup and promotion double will be the target for Neil Parsley and John Deacey who have a full squad to select from other than Alex Davidson who has missed the second half of the campaign with injury.
Ahead of the game Celtic captain Aaron Hardy said:
“We will do what we do best and that’s work hard and try and move the ball around and play our stuff.”
Ossett meanwhile have been transformed under the management of Grant Black and have shocked everyone by reaching the playoffs.
Town are unbeaten in eight games, their last defeat a crushing and surprising 6-1 defeat to Droylsden.
Their playoff spot was sealed after a 1-1 draw on the final day of the season against Trafford.
Town travelled to Scarborough on Tuesday and upset their hosts in front of a bumper crowd of 1,004, with a Jason Yates brace and a further strike from Ashley Jackson helping Ossett to a 3-1 victory to set up an all West Yorkshire final.
With all eyes on Saturday Ossett manager Grant Black said:
“We look ahead to Saturday where we face, for me, the best team in the league.
“We have no time to dwell on what we have done, we now prepare to go to Farsley and try to finish the job. I am so proud of the boys, they push themselves to the limit every game and as I’ve said if we continue to do that no matter what happens on Saturday the future will be bright for the club.”
Make sure you’re at Throstle Nest on Saturday to witness the biggest game in the reformed club’s history, with the game taking place at Throstle Nest, postcode LS28 5BE.
Kick-off is 3pm and admission prices are just £7 adults, £4 concessions and £1 U16s. Your support is needed and always appreciated. #COYC!