Farsley Celtic v Guiseley: Boss Adam Lakeland urges his men to go one better

The Celt Army, who were due to play Guiseley on New Year’s Day before a frozen pitch halted proceedings, sit 13th in the table – just four points shy of a play-off spot.

Guiseley meanwhile endured a 1-0 midweek loss at Chester – leaving the Lions just above the drop zone on goal difference alone.

Lakeland was annoyed at his side’s inability to convert their chances in the Boxing Day stalemate, but has full belief in his players to remedy that at The Citadel tomorrow afternoon.

Reflecting on Farsley’s trip to Nethermoor, Lakeland said: “I felt we were the better team in terms of chances created, and we should’ve had the game wrapped up by half-time.

“In the second half they were dominant in possession and we were pinned in our own half for long periods of the game, but for all the possession they had they didn’t really pose too many questions of our keeper.

“We definitely had the three best chances of the game, and in the end we were disappointed with only collecting the one point. It was a decent performance but we’ve got to take the positives from that game and put them into practice on Saturday.”

There have been numerous reports of Covid outbreaks in the world of sport this week; notably, Manchester City and Aston Villa have been particular hotspot clubs for the virus – with Villa having to shut down their training ground – whilst Fulham have had their last two games postponed due to a virus-ravaged squad.

However, Farsley seem to have escaped this trend, with Lakeland insisting that his players are more ready than ever, barring a couple of muscular injuries.

Speaking about his squad, the Celtic boss was more upbeat than ever about the condition of his players, praising their commitment to keeping match fit.

“The lads have been briefed and they’re all ready and raring to go despite the 10-day lay off,” added Lakeland.

“There were 22 players down at the training ground all available for selection so we’re in good health.

“There’s plenty of competition too which is good, because they know that if they’re underperforming that someone will be waiting in the wings to take their spot.

“We’re looking forward to playing and bouncing back from the Boston defeat last weekend, where we had a few players either injured or playing with knocks, so tomorrow is a chance to get back into the form we have been showing.

“In terms of injuries, we’ve got Joel Byrom who has been out long-term and he’s close to a return to training, which is a big boost for both parties.

“Steven Drench is having a few issues with his back, unfortunately.”

For the Lions, midfielders Andy Kellett and Prince Ekpolo miss the game while Matty Gillam is back to full fitness and could feature.

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