Farsley Celtic’s late late show against Curzon Ashton on Tuesday landed the gaffer his first official ‘manager of the week’ award – but for Clayton Donaldson the real boost was securing an important three points against difficult opponents.
“The award feels great and like all the hard work we’ve been putting in as a club is starting to pay off,” Clayton said. “Everybody has bought into what we’re trying to do and how we are trying to play, from the players to the management team. Hopefully it’s the first award of many!”
Tuesday’s match against Curzon saw a 94th-minute equaliser and a 97th-minute winner, which the gaffer felt was just reward for our second half performance.
“First half we looked off the pace. We looked like a team which hadn’t played for two-and-a-half weeks and we spoke at half time that we needed to get back to playing like the team which had done so well in the previous five games.
“I felt we finished strongly. After about an hour Curzon were starting to tire but we kept our foot on the gas and we were looking the stronger team, which reflects all the hard work we’ve been putting in. In the 97th minute we were still hungry and looking for the winner.”
Clayton praised the debut of new striker Michael Coulson, who hit the late winner for the Celts with a stunning free kick.
“Michael’s all-round game was excellent on Tuesday. He brought experience up front. It’s never easy in this league and sometimes you need someone who knows how to buy a foul and use their experience and he did that all game. His goal was the icing on the cake.”
Clayton is anticipating a tough game tomorrow, with Banbury coming off a good win at King’s Lynn on Tuesday.
“It will be hard-fought game. They beat us 1-0 at our place earlier this season and deserved to win the game, and they will be confident after their win midweek. It’ll be a tight game but we’re on a six-match unbeaten run ourselves and we go into the game with confidence and in good form ahead of a busy Christmas schedule.
“It’ll be two teams battling for the points and not much in it, but we have the belief to go there and gain all three points.”
Kick-off time
The match kicks off at 3pm.
Team news
The Celts have no new injury concerns following Tuesday night’s win against Curzon Ashton. Conor Branson will return to the squad after being unavailable midweek.
Darren Stephenson is still out injured and Lewis Turner is stepping up his rehabilitation after a long-term injury.
How are Banbury United faring?
Farsley Celtic will make the long haul south in fine form as The Celts are now unbeaten in their last six in the League and will have been invigorated by their stunning last-gasp comeback to beat Curzon Ashton.
Banbury United sit a point and two places behind 14th-placed Farsley, having played a game less. They notched an impressive 2-1 win at King’s Lynn Town on Tuesday, but have one of the worst home records in the league and will be looking to improve that record on Saturday.
Tickets and supporter information
Ticket and admission prices for the game, and all the important information for travelling fans, can be found here.