By John Baron
Playoff hopefuls Chorley inflicted a heavy defeat on an inexperienced Farsley Celtic side packed with youngsters from its emerging talent squad.
The young Celts, who have a lengthy injury list and have seen a number of experienced players leave over the course of the season, gave a good account of themselves but were beaten by the stronger side.
Manager David Stockdale made three changes to the starting 11 after a narrow 1-0 defeat against league leaders Chester, with Ebenezer Ameho, Luke Edmondson and Tom Priestley-Standing all coming into the side.
The visitors made the worst possible start. Nottingham Forest loanee Will Brook made a great reflex save to keep out an early Chorley attempt after just two minutes, but the keeper failed to deal with the resulting corner and Tom Carr turned the ball home from close range.
The home side continued to create chances, with Carr almost adding a second soon after.
Farsley almost fashioned an equaliser when Essa Janneh’s header was blocked behind for a corner.
A good double save from Brook saw him deny Carr and then Ellis from a corner, and the hosts shot wide when clean through on Brooks’ goal. Farsley were still in the game and Manny Mampala dragged a shot just wide of the post.
Chorley’s second came before half time when Tom Carr when he was slipped in and he kept his composure to slot past Brook to double Chorley’s lead.
Five minutes after the break Carr completed his hat-trick before Eze further extend the hosts’ lead with a half volley on 55 minutes.
many teams would have just folded, but to their credit the Farsley lads showed character, kept going and played some nice football at times.
The spirited Celts remained almost pulled one back on 65 minutes when a good spell of passing saw Thomas Priestley-Standing’s shot from the edge of the box saved by Matt Urwin.
Manny Mampala’s free kick from distance was tipped over by Urwin, who later denied Mampala’s rasping drive.
The game was Farsley’s seventh defeat in a row and the club is without a win since Boxing Day as off-field issues continue to dominate the season.
Rushall Olympic’s 6-1 defeat at Brackley helped Farsley move off the bottom and into 23rd in the Vanarama National League North.
Next up for the Celts is a trip to Buxton on Sunday as they play a ‘home’ game against promotion hopefuls Kidderminster.
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