Farsley Celtic made it four consecutive wins as they fought-back in difficult conditions to defeat Matlock Town, writes Thomas Ritchie.
The second-half was briefly suspended due to the snow, before Farsley struck twice through Danny Ellis to secure a 2-1 victory and a vital three points.
Jubilant Farsley boss Adam Lakeland commented:
“It was a great comeback and result today in tough conditions, and it’s not easy when you haven’t played in three weeks, but the spirit shone through again.”
Matlock did start brightly and came close through Richard German as his shot was saved well low down by Graeme McKibbin.
German then missed a glaring opportunity to give the hosts the lead after a terrific run from Jake Green down the right, somehow hitting the post with his effort from inside the six-yard box.
The Celts then had a chance to break the deadlock after some good work from Paul Walker, however his centre was turned wide by Ben Atkinson.
The Gladiators continued to dominate proceedings, Curtis Morrison cutting inside only for McKibbin to save, before Edward Cribley dragged an effort across goal just wide.
Just after the half-hour mark it was Matlock who deservedly edged in front from a well worked set piece, Shaun Harrad flicking home Michael Williams’ corner at the near post.
Shortly after Richard German was culpable for missing another chance that seemed easier to score, as he broke in behind and rounded Graeme McKibbin before blasting over the crossbar.
Farsley had their best chance of the first-half on the stroke of half-time, as Lewis Turner crossed to Nathan Turner, but his strike was comfortably saved by Richard Walton.
The Celts were much improved after the interval and had a brace of good chances in the opening ten minutes of the second-half. Adam Clayton turned Ryan Watson’s corner goalward only for Jake Green to clear off the line, and then Ben Atkinson blasted over from the edge of the box when well placed.
Less than five minutes after the snow delay Farsley pulled level, Lewis Turner’s cross finding Danny Ellis who tapped home at the far post for his fifth goal of the season.
Ben Atkinson had a terrific chance to put the Celts in front just minutes later, as some good work from Paul Walker and Nathan Turner saw the ball fall to Atkinson in front of goal, but he failed to hit the target from close range.
With around 15 minutes to go Curtis Morrison had Matlock’s best opportunity of the second-half, cutting in from the left before dragging his strike inches wide.
Farsley completed the turnaround with just over 10 minutes remaining courtesy of a second strike from Danny Ellis. Adam Clayton did well to win the ball high up the pitch before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Ellis to knock home from close range and seal a vital three points.
Matlock Town: Walton, Green (Limb 82), Wallace, Doyle-Charles, Yates ©, Wiley, Cribley (Jackson 69), Williams, Harrad, German, Morrison (Brunt 82). Unused subs: Phillips, Yeomans.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Wells, L. Turner, Harris (Murray 71), Ellis ©, Clayton, Watson, N. Turner, Walker (Parkin 76), Cartman, B. Atkinson (C. Atkinson 83). Unused subs: Bett.
MOTM: Danny Ellis
Attendance: 189