Words: Thomas Ritchie
Farsley Celtic progressed to the semi-finals of the West Riding County Cup with a 2-0 victory over Campion.
It was another opportunity for Farsley’s youngsters to impress as six academy products featured in the starting line-up, and it was one of those youngsters, Louis Fialdini, who secured the victory after Amos Kabeya had fired the Celts in front.
The lower-ranked hosts fought hard and certainly caused the Celts problems at times, and it was the North West Counties side who had the first real opening. Aiden Kirby found himself one-on-one with Kyle Trenerry, but the Farsley ‘keeper was quickly off his line to close down the angle and make an important stop.
As the half progressed Farsley grew into the game, and twice came within inches of taking the lead.
Firstly, Reggie Waud rattled the crossbar with a thunderous free-kick from 30-yards out, before some last-ditch defending denied the Celts; Sam Drake picked up a loose ball from a corner at the far post and managed to pick out Ollie Broe 15-yards from goal, but his low strike was blocked on the line.
Neil Ross’ side finally broke the deadlock midway through the second half, Louis Fialdini feeding Amos Kabeya who cleverly dinked the ball over Elliott Lightowler for his first goal in Farsley colours.
It was Kabeya and Fialdini who linked up once again for the second, the former this time turning supplier as he sent Fialdini racing through on goal, the Academy product keeping his cool to slot home.
Aiden Kirby almost gave Campion a glimmer of hope with two minutes remaining as he spotted Trenerry off his line, the shot-stopper relieved to turn around and see the long-distance strike the crossbar.
A chance at making it three West Riding County Cup successes in four remains alive for Farsley, and it is now just one defeat in 16 games in this competition, a run that dates back to 2015.
Farsley Celtic: Trenerry, Alasttal, Akiotu, Allan, Broe, Ingham, Atkinson © (Parkin 63), Drake, Kabeya, Waud, Fialdini. Unused sub: Clayton.