By John Baron
Farsley Celtic slipped to a first home defeat of the season on a disappointing afternoon at The Citadel.
The home side got off to a slow start and it was no surprise when Banbury took the lead when Adi Yussuf took advantage of some generous Farsley defending to fire the visitors in front after just ten minutes.
The Celts slowly started to find a footing in the game as the half wore on. They almost equalised in the 38th minute when a dangerous cross from the left by Smith somehow eluded Tom Allan at the back post.
And just before half time Darren Stevenson rounded the Banbury keeper, only for defender Fleming to block his goal-bound shot.
The second half saw both teams create chances but it was the visitors who came close to extending their lead on the hour mark. Lawson D’ath somehow fired wide after a quick counter attack, and five minutes later Obadeyi’s effort from inside the box was hit into the ground and went over the bar.
There were strong shouts for a Farsley penalty on 69 minutes when Ben Atkinson went down in the Banbury area, but the referee waved away the appeals.
The Celts at last started to apply some pressure, and nearly equalised on 79 minutes. Stevenson cut it back to Ben Atkinson, but he fired his volley over the bar.
Four minutes later Atkinson put in a great cross which Allan headed against the crossbar.
Banbury continued to look dangerous on the break and Farsley would play the final five minutes with ten men when striker Darren Stevenson received a straight red card.
The defeat leaves The Celts in 13th position in National League North and still awaiting their first home win of the season.
Next match
There’s no fixture next week after our elimination from the FA Cup at Scarborough on Tuesday night.
The next match is on Saturday, 7 October when we return to Scarborough for a league game. Kick off is 3pm and the supporters’ club is running a coach – call John Stubbs on 07904 187327 to book your place.
Line ups
Farsley Celtic: Zan-Luc Leban, Harry Sheridan, George Smith, Conor Branson, Rudy Misambo, Tom Allan, Jordan Carroll, Chris Atkinson, Darrren Stevenson, Ben Atkinson, Jake Forshaw. Subs: Ryan Watson, Clayton Donaldson, Sam Leverett, Isaac Robinson, Joao SIlva.
Banbury United: Jack Harding, Jack Tompkins, Simeon Maye, Tai Fleming, Lawson D’Ath, Ken Charles, Adi Yussuf, Dominic Revan, Emmanuel Maja, Aiden Elliott-Wheeler, Louis Hall. Subs: Craig Hewitt, Tope Obadeyi, Tyrell Hamilton.