By John Baron
Farsley Celtic fell to a 4-0 defeat at Blyth Spartans on a misty September night up in the North East.
The Celts were outplayed by a side with a strong home record and could have few complaints over the result, with Clayton Donaldson’s new-look side failing to hit the target for the third game running.
Despite going into the match on the back of an encouraging performance against King’s Lynn Town – where Farsley earned a 0-0 draw – a brace from Will McGowan as well as goals from Cedric Main and Michael Liddle saw a comfortable victory for Blyth.
On loan goalkeeper Michael Acquah, making his debut due to Zan Luck Leban’s international callup was soon picking the ball out of his net. Cedric Main fired Blyth in front on the ten-minute mark with a powerful low shot from inside the box.
The home side had other chances but Farsley slowly found a footing in the game. Joao Silva saw his first time effort trickle narrowly wide of the far-post.
And out-of-form striker Clayton Donaldson also became more involved and could have grabbed an equaliser after 30 minutes when he rounded Blyth stopper Alex Mitchell, before hitting the side netting from an acute angle.
Farsley had a strong shout for a penalty when Donaldson was pulled down, but not for the first time this season the referee’s decision went against The Celts.
The Celts were rocked just before half-time when Will McGowan found space on the right side of the box before curling past Acquah into the far corner to double the Blyth advantage. The home side thought they’d had a bizarre third before half time, but the linesman’s flag spared Acquah’s blushes.
Proceedings didn’t improve for Farsley in the second half when after just two minutes after the restart, McGowan claimed his brace and Blyth’s third following some sloppy defending.
Just eight minutes later, the result was put beyond all doubt when Michael Liddle rose at the back-post to score Blyth’s fourth, and confirm the night as one to forget for the small but vocal group of Farsley fans.
It was an error-strewn performance and Farsley, who lie in 13th in the National League North, will be looking to bounce back when they make the long trip to Gloucester on Saturday.
Line ups
Blyth Spartans: Mitchell, Evans (Oliver 69), Liddle, Clark, Cousin-Dawson, Bodenham, Hickey, O’Donnell (Arnison 63), Forbes, Main (Aitken 74). McGowan. Subs not used: Round, Shaw.
Farsley Celtic: Acquah, Carroll (Leverett 60), Leckie, Misambo, Allan, Smith, C Atkinson, B Atkinson, Silva (Robinson 51), Donaldson, Stephenson (Forshaw 56). Subs not used: Watson, Sheridan.
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