JOHN DEACEY is urging Farsley Celtic to rediscover their finishing touch in tonight's Blue Square North home opener with much-fancied Fleetwood Town.
The Celts' – mightily impressive in pre-season with wins over the likes of Bradford City and Leeds United – lacked a cutting edge in Saturday's 1-0 loss at Stafford, spurning several gilt-edged opportunities.
Rory Prendergast, Andy Campbell and Ja
mes Walshaw missed presentable chances, with boss Deacey seeking a more clinical approach tonight.
Deacey, again without skipper Amjal Iqbal (ankle), said: "We missed a few chances on Saturday, including one in the six-yard box.
"To be fair, we didn't play fantastically as we have been doing in pre-season, but did create lots of opportunities.
"We should have won the game, but that's football. If you create the chances, you need to finish them."
Deacey is expecting nothing less than a teak-tough test against the Fishermen tonight – a side he fully expects to be in the promotion shake-up next spring.
Fleetwood, promoted as UniBond Premier League champions last term, have spent heavily in the close season and were desperately disappointed to see Saturday's home opener with Hucknall Town postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Deacey said: "It's a very difficult game. They are one of the favourites and have signed a lot of players and have put a lot of money into it.
"They'll be up there along with Southport, Stalybridge and Telford. They'll be the teams to beat.
"They signed Witton's leading scorer last season in Adam Warlow, along with Mark Peers – and have also signed a left-back from Blackpool, who played about ten games in the Championship last season (John Hills)."
Harrogate Town – who recorded an impressive 2-0 success over Vauxhall Motors on Saturday – make the long trip to Workington this evening.
In the Northern Counties East Premier, Liversedge and Eccleshill face home tests against Shirebrook and Arnold respectively, while Selby entertain Pickering.
Thackley play host to Winterton.
In Division One, newcomers Brighouse Town face Yorkshire Amateur in their home opener, while AFC Emley make the trip to another promoted side in Askern Villa.
Grimsby Borough are the visitors for Pontefract Collieries, while Scarborough Athletic go to Rainworth. Tadcaster entertain Teversal.
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