Farsley Celtic made it three league wins in a row against teams vying for the playoffs as they defeated Clitheroe 3-1, writes Thomas Ritchie.
A brace from James Walshaw and a Ryan Watson strike gave Farsley the advantage before Kurt Willoughby scored a controversial consolation goal.
Clitheroe tested Farsley ‘keeper Graeme McKibbin early on with George West forcing a fine save as his effort was clawed away, before Brad Carroll was played in by Luke Wall and struck his effort straight at McKibbin.
Lamin Colley, making his first league start, tested Chris Thompson as he controlled a superb crossfield pass by Paul Walker before his shot was saved by Thompson.
Just moments later Paul Walker was the creative spark as Farsley took the lead, Walker’s through ball finding James Walshaw who raced through on goal before firing into the top left corner.
Midway through the second half two quick-fire goals put the result beyond doubt as Farsley stretched their lead.
First, Aaron Hardy’s free-kick was flicked on by Adam Clayton and bundled home by James Walshaw with only the goalkeeper to beat to bag his 25th league goal of the season.
Shortly after, some superb passing football resulted in substitute Lewis Nightingale playing in Ryan Watson, who fired home.
James Walshaw almost earned himself a hat trick as a quick Farsley counter saw Paul Walker feed Walshaw whose effort from a tight angle was parried away by Thompson.
With less than ten minutes remaining Clitheroe controversially pulled a goal back as Adam Clayton appeared to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick before Kurt Willoughby snuck in, stole the ball and slotted home despite strong claims from the visitors the ball had gone out of play.
Another controversial moment followed as Joe Mitchell appeared to head butt Farsley captain Aaron Hardy, with the referee only awarding a yellow card.
Graeme McKibbin was then forced into action by Luke Wall, before Joe Mitchell almost reduced the deficit. His effort from inside the box crashed into the post before the rebound fell to Luke Wall whose effort was sensationally saved by Graeme McKibbin to preserve Farsley’s two goal advantage, and seal the three points.
Clitheroe FC: Thompson, Ellison, Roberts, Rowlands, Brady (c), Mitchell, Carroll (Chruchman 74), Tuanzebe (Newby 71), West (Willoughby 59), Wall. Unused subs: Bromley, Davies.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Hardy (c), Howarth, P. Davidson (Daly 75), Clayton, Savory, Colley (Nightingale 66), Watson, Walshaw, Deacey, Walker (Serrant 78). Unused subs: Atkinson, Turner.
MOTM: Paul Walker
Attendance: 321