Farsley Celtic’s excellent FA Trophy run came to an end as they were comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Southport FC with the gulf in class clear for all to see, writes Thomas Ritchie.
Southport took an early lead as a long throw was flicked on and then headed home by Jack Higgins.
Graeme McKibbin then made two fine saves to keep Farsley in the game, first saving Liam Nolan’s effort before Neil Ashton’s cross was turned goalwards by Celts’ captain Paddy Miller, which McKibbin pushed wide.
Jamie Allen came inches away from adding to the score as he superbly cut inside before he unleashed a fearsome strike which smashed against the upright. Jordan Lussey doubled the lead for Southport as he stole the ball off Aaron Hardy and curled his shot inside the far post.
Moments later it was three, Jamie Allen going down softly in the box under a challenge from Paddy Miller. Allen dusted himself down and stepped up to convert the penalty.
It was almost four before the half was out as Allen showed great awareness to take a quick free kick and played through Jordan Lussey who’s effort was saved by the onrushing McKibbin.
Farsley started the second half brighter and were almost given a lifeline as a superb ball by Paul Walker put James Walshaw through on goal, but his shot was saved by Magnus Norman before Richard Marshall put the rebound wide.
Substitute James Caton found himself through on goal after a terrific ball by Declan Weeks as Southport looked to add the icing to the cake, lobbing McKibbin only to see his effort hit the bar and fall away to safety.
But Caton did get his goal late on to cap a fine afternoon for Southport, being played in by Declan Weeks before he slotted home past McKibbin.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Hardy, Howarth, Turner (P. Davidson 64), Savory, Milller (c) (Clayton 46), Nightingale, Daly, Walshaw, Marshall, Walker (Hazel 63). Unused subs: Lofthouse (GK).
Southport FC: Norman, Lussey, R. Higgins, Ashton, Nolan (McKenna 70), Thompson (c), Allen (Caton 78), Hynes, Jones (Gray 55), J. Higgins, Weeks. Unused subs: Grimes, White.
MOTM: Jamie Allen
Attendance: 352