‘Efficient’ Farsley Celtic make it three wins on the spin

Farsley Celtic claimed their third win in eight days in the National League North after overcoming visitors AFC Telford 2-0 thanks to goals from Jimmy Spencer and Dave Syers.
Farsley Celtic's Jimmy Spencer celebrates scoring his side's opening goal in their 2-0 victory over AFC Telford yesterday. Picture: Steve Riding.Farsley Celtic's Jimmy Spencer celebrates scoring his side's opening goal in their 2-0 victory over AFC Telford yesterday. Picture: Steve Riding.
Farsley Celtic's Jimmy Spencer celebrates scoring his side's opening goal in their 2-0 victory over AFC Telford yesterday. Picture: Steve Riding.

Celtic took the lead courtesy of a stylish team move. Luke Parkin laid off Steven Drench’s long ball with his chest for Jordan Richards, who fired in a superb cross for Jimmy Spencer to head home.

The visitors almost responded straight away through Lee Vaughan, who picked up the ball on the right edge of the penalty area, and his shot was kept out by a superb Drench save as he flew to his right.

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Jason Oswell then twice came close to scoring for Telford as his initial header was blocked on the line by Tom Allan before he flashed the follow-up wide.

Jimmy Spencer heads Farsley Celtic in front against AFC Telford yesterday. Picture: Steve Riding.Jimmy Spencer heads Farsley Celtic in front against AFC Telford yesterday. Picture: Steve Riding.
Jimmy Spencer heads Farsley Celtic in front against AFC Telford yesterday. Picture: Steve Riding.

In the second period, Telford almost got back on level terms when left-back Eddie Jones drilled an effort into the six-yard box that struck Jack Byrne but bounced agonisingly wide of the goal.

Farsley nearly doubled their lead when Parkin set up substitute Ben Atkinson, who saw his low strike tipped wide by Russell Griffiths.

Telford’s hopes of getting back into the game suffered a blow on 81 minutes when Dom McHale was shown a red card after a second caution for throwing the ball at a Farsley man on the ground.

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The Celts then wrapped up the victory with four minutes to go as centre-half Dave Syers lashed the ball past Russell Griffiths into the back of the net.

Tyler Walton on the attack for Farsley Celtic against AFC Telford. Picture: Steve Riding.Tyler Walton on the attack for Farsley Celtic against AFC Telford. Picture: Steve Riding.
Tyler Walton on the attack for Farsley Celtic against AFC Telford. Picture: Steve Riding.

“It was just an efficient performance really, it wasn’t pretty,” said Farlsey boss Adam Lakeland after the game.

“It’s the time of year now here, we know it’s not going to be the greatest spectacle, and you’ve got to adapt.

“People might moan and people might say it’s not how they want to see the game played, but at the end of the day football’s about winning games, and I thought we deserved it.”

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The result sees Farsley move into the play-off places in sixth spot but having played more games than their rivals.

Elsewhere, Guiseley were left to rue conceding two late goals as they lost 3-1 at home to Brackley Town.

There were good chances during the opening 45 minutes for both teams, first John Lufudu on his home debut broke forward but Brackley keeper Danny Lewis reacted quickly to stop the attempted effort.

Brackley’s James Armson would then see an effort on the edge of the area go over the crossbar.

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Guiseley came even closer on the half-hour mark, when a cross found Andy Kellett who flicked his header on from close range. Lewis made a fine reaction save to keep the score goalless.

The first goal was worth the wait, a free-kick was headed up rather than away by Brackley and Guiseley’s Lebrun Mbeka on the volley hit a fine effort into the top corner.

The scores world be level moments later, a well-worked move saw Shane Byrne through on goal and he calmly stroked the ball home.

It looked like it would end a draw but with a few minutes to go Ethan Coleman hit a free-kick from 25 yards out, that left Wade with no chance. In added time Wes York made it 3-1 after a counter attack, leaving the Lions to reflect on what might have been.

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“I’m massively disappointed,” said joint-manager Russ O’Neill after the game. “I thought we played well in the first half, we got the goal which gave us a massive lift. We shouldn’t lose from that position.

“Brackley have experienced players, who know this league, they got the goal immediately and then we gave a silly free-kick and that changed the game. It’s naivety that is denying us at the moment.”

Guiseley will be looking to get back to winning ways tomorrow as they travel to face FA Cup giant-killers Chorley.

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