Words: John Baron
Photos: John McEvoy
Farsley Celtic missed out on a potentially lucrative place the first round proper of the FA Cup thanks to an injury time goal by visitors Kettering Town.
The Celts haven’t made the first round since 1974-1975 season when they lost 2-0 in front of 11,000 fans against third division Tranmere Rovers at Elland Road.
Yesterday’s fourth round qualifier was played at Guiseley’s Nethermoor ground due to stalled work on a new 4G pitch at The Citadel – but the team couldn’t quite replicate the achievements of over 50 years ago.
Kettering took a second-minute lead via Wes York after Farsley failed to clear a corner. The visitors missed several chances to extend their lead in a one-sided first half where Farsley struggled to get going against their lower league opponents.
The home side changed things around at half time and put in an improved second half performance.
Darren Stephenson was played through and held off two Poppies defenders before driving his shot past Jezeph in the Kettering goal from close range for the equaliser.
The game changed on the back of two refereeing decisions.
Farsley’s Danny Greenfield was pulled down by Kettering captain Connor Johnson when he appeared to be clean through on 75 minutes, but controversially the referee only awarded a yellow card.
Six minutes later, the hosts were reduced to 10-men when skipper Conor Branson slid in from behind on Kelly-Evans and received a straight red.
Kettering, who were arguably the better team on the day, then snatched a dramatic 93rd-minute winner. A cross from the right was nodded into the box and Noel-Williams lashed the ball into the roof of the net to spark wild celebrations from the large visiting support.
The game in photos
Photographer John McEvoy was on hand to capture the action:
Match reaction
Manager Pav Singh congratulated Kettering but admitted his side ‘wasn’t good enough in parts’ and said his players needed to dust themselves down for the league. Watch the video below:
Next up
Farsley’s attentions revert back to National League North action, when they are due to ‘entertain’ Spennymoor in a home game to be played at Bradford Park Avenue’s Horsfall Stadium next Saturday.
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