By John Baron
Resilient Farsley Celtic bounced back from their defeat against Spennymoor with a determined 3-0 win against Peterborough Sports.
The win came thanks to goals from DJ Campton-Sturridge, Danny Greenfield and Robbie Fox’s first Farsley strike on his full debut.
It was technically The Celts’ first ‘home’ win of the season, despite the game being played at Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Horsfall Stadium due to ongoing delays on installing a new 4G pitch at The Citadel.
The Celts were on the attack from the off. Ben Atkinson almost hit a second-minute opener as he went clean through on goal but he could only fire straight at Turbines’ keeper Peter Crook.
The Celts looked lively and their opening goal came when Campton-Sturridge was played through and superbly finished past Crook 10 minutes in.
Campton-Sturridge almost grabbed his and Farsley’s second eight minutes later but his shot smashed against the outside of the post from a narrow angle.
Sports had a period of possession either side of half time when they threatened an equaliser. Dion Semi-Ferris fired just wide on 33 minutes, and in the second half Farsley stopper Tom Wooster did well to deny both Matt Tootle and Elliott Putman.
Farsley netted a crucial second on 57 minutes as Fox, impressing in his first start of the season, played the ball through to Greenfield. The attacking midfielder kept his cool to finish superbly in the bottom corner.
And the victory was wrapped up 14 minutes from time as Fox caught Crook off guard when he lashed a brilliant volley into the bottom corner from 25 yards out to make it 3-0.
Substitute Manny Mampala should have added a fourth as the game entered stoppage time, but he couldn’t get his shot away and Sports managed to clear.
With difficult games at Hereford and Scunthorpe in the next week, three points were a must after just one victory and two goals in the previous five league games.
And the win was all the more notable given a mounting injury list – compounded by an ongoing transfer embargo – which meant the Celts only had two fit substitutes to call on.
Reaction
Manager Pav Singh will be hoping striker Campton Sturridge’s nasty looking foot injury, which led to his first-half substitution, isn’t as serious as it first looked ahead of a busy fixture list.
“It’s been a challenging period, but the belief in this squad has never wavered,” Singh said. “The players have shown time and time again that they thrive under pressure.
“These lads have shown their character when called upon, and we’re confident they’ll continue to rise to the challenge.”
Singh acknowledged the importance of balancing youth with experience. He added: “Our senior players – Darren, Ryan, Connor, Ben, Tom, Isaac, Rudy, and Lewis – are invaluable, not just for their performances, but for the guidance they provide to the younger lads.
“They help everyone push through the challenges of this unforgiving league.
“At this level, with limited contact time and resources, it’s about suffering together and finding those marginal gains. Stubborn in our goals but flexible in our methods.”
Watch Pav Singh talk about his delight at his players’ reaction following back to back defeats against Spennymoor and Kettering:
Next up The Celts, who sit a creditable 12th in the National League North table, are back on their travels for their 23rd consecutive game (including pre-season) played away from The Citadel as they make the long trip to Hereford.
Line up:
Farsley Celtic: Wooster, Hyde, Fielding, Misambo, Allan, Sloane, Watson, B Atkinson, Greenfield, Campton-Sturridge (Youmbi 35), Fox (Mampala 85). Subs not used: Assenso, Turner.
County Cup result
A young Farsley side made up of players from the emerging talent squad also played in the West Riding County Cup last night, putting in a spirited performance before going down 5-3 to South Leeds FC at the South Leeds Stadium in Middleton.
Sponsored content
