By John Baron
Now that’s more like it! FC Farsley secured their first-ever competitive win by beating Ealandians in a seven-goal thriller at Throstle Nest.
The phoenix club had lost their opening three games but secured a welcome three points in a 4-3 victory over Ealandians, with striker Lewis Hanse grabbing a hat-trick.
It was Farsley’s best performance of the season so far in a ridiculously entertaining game with was a fine advert for the Yorkshire Amateur League Supreme Division.
An impressive first half saw the home side dominate and carve out numerous chances in front of a crowd of almost 300.
The hosts capitalised on their bright start by taking the lead through Lewis Hanse’s 12th-minute spot kick. But a minute later Farsley keeper Tom Metcalfe fumbled the ball into his own net from a corner to gift Ealandians an equaliser.
Farsley piled on the pressure and but for the visitors’ debutant goalkeeper Bryn Evans they could have been several goals ahead. They regained the lead with a composed finish by Liam Ord just before half time but again within a minute Farsley’s defensive frailties were exposed, Paine converting a penalty following handball by Aiden Hawkridge.
It was 2-2 at half time, with Farsley left wondering how they weren’t ahead.
It was all Farsley after the interval with man of the match Hanse a real handful. He went to onto complete his hat-trick with strikes in the 48th minute (thanks to a fine assist by Hawkridge) and on the hour when he raced clear of the Ealandians defence.
The home side were a threat every time they attacked and looked to be cruising to a historic first win. The new-look central midfield partnership of Sanchez Payne and Gilles Foka helped Farsley control proceedings.
But inside the final five minutes Ealandians had a goal disallowed for offside through Hudson, and he found the net in the 89th minute with a decent close-range finish.
There was still time for a dramatic late equaliser, with the visitors missing a great chance to make it 4-4 at the far post deep into stoppage time. But Farsley held on for a deserved victory, with the final whistle sparking a mixture of joy and relief from players and fans alike.
“Farsley are back” sang the jubilant Farsley faithful at the end as they applauded the players and staff off the pitch.
Supporters have had a thoroughly miserable time in the past two years and you have to go back to April 2024 for the last time a Farsley team won at Throstle Nest.
While fans will be hoping the victory kickstarts their season, they will be delighted and relieved that Saturday, 22 August 2026 will go down in history books as the phoenix club’s first competitive win. FC Farsley 4 Ealandians 3.
Line up
Next match
Farsley are back at Throstle Nest when entertain Leeds Medics and Dentists on Wednesday evening, kick off 6.30pm.
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