Words: Thomas Ritchie
Photos: John McEvoy
Farsley Celtic slipped to a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Chorley, as the FA Cup giant-killers staged a late comeback to snatch all three points at Victory Park.
The Celt Army twice took the lead only for Chorley to hit back, before Connor Hall struck decisively for the Magpies with eight minutes remaining.
Despite ultimately falling behind, it was the hosts who should have taken the lead early through Harry Cardwell. Steven Drench denied the forward before the follow-up was fired wide, and just moments later he found himself one-on-one with the Farsley shot-stopper, who stood his ground to save.
The Magpies were left to rue those missed chances when Jimmy Spencer fired Farsley in front. Jordan Richards picked Spencer out 10-yards from goal at the second attempt, and he made no mistake as he swept home.
But within three minutes Chorley were level as Will Tomlinson’s corner was only cleared as far as Elliot Newby, who crossed for Andy Owens to head home.
Both sides had chances to take the lead without testing either ‘keeper, before Spencer struck for a second time, on the stroke of half-time. Paddy Lane carried the ball forward as Farsley broke, and played a superb ball through to Spencer who kept his composure to slot home when one-on-one.
The visiting Celts started the second-half in a positive fashion as they strove to extend their lead, and almost did so when Spencer superbly held the ball up for Lane, who drove into the box from the right before flashing an effort just wide.
However, it would be Chorley who found the next goal when Harvey Smith lost his marker in the box and powered home a header from Newby’s corner.
Jamie Vermiglio’s side continued to be a threat from set-pieces, with Newby delivering countless excellent deliveries, and Harry Cardwell really should have headed his side in front from inside the six-yard box.
Newby was at the centre of everything the hosts did well and was the provider for the third time as the turnaround was completed. The winger fired in a low cross-shot that was pounced on by substitute Connor Hall to finish first-time from close range.
As Farsley pushed for the equaliser Cardwell squandered a couple of excellent opportunities to finish the tie on the break, but it would not ultimately cost Chorley as they held on for all three points.
Line-ups
Chorley: Urwin, Birch, Halls, Leather ©, Calveley, Caldwell, Newby, Tomlinson (Reilly 35 (Smith 45+3)), Shenton, Henley, Owens (Hall 64). Unused subs: Baines, Ustabasi.
Farsley Celtic: Drench, Richards, Hayhurst, C. Atkinson, Allan, Clayton, Lane (Walton 83), Johnston (Barton 89), Spencer, Syers, Parkin (Ellis 83). Unused subs: Trenerry (GK), B. Atkinson.