Celts' spurned a golden opportunity to draw first blood on 71 minutes when Rory Prendergast headed against the post when it looked easier to score.

And Rangers plunged in the knife by immediately racing up the other end of the pitch and grabbing the only goal of the game.

The match-winner proved to be Tom Thorley, who clinically fired home following a quick-fire raid.

New signing Andy Campbell was left to rue his luck more than most, after spurning two chances after the break for John Deacey's men.

The former Middlesbrough striker raced clear on 50 minutes, but home keeper Danny Alcock made a great save, and the frontman was denied a leveller for the visitors five minutes from time, but Alcock again showed his mettle to save his volley.

Farsley also had the best opportunity of the first half when James Walshaw headed just off target from Simeon Bambrook's free kick.

But they were lucky not to be down to 10 men on 55 minutes after a Dominic Krief tackle caused a free-for-all on the Stafford touchline.

Home manager Steve Bull, the former England international, and three of his staff ran on to the pitch demanding Krief be shown a red card.

STAFFORD: Alcock, Thorley, Reid, Wilson, Daniel, Amos, MacPherson, Palmer, McNiven (Dovey 87), Wellecomme, Loukes (Ingram 80). Subs not used: McMahon, Morris, Allen.

FARSLEY CELTIC: Aspden, Price (Stevens 80), Bambrook, Krief (James 70), Jackson, Santos, Downes, Bentham, Walshaw (Watson 59), Campbell, Prendergast. Subs not used: Backhouse, Penford.

REFEREE: M Amphlett.