Farsley Celtic slipped to a first home defeat of the season on a disappointing afternoon at The Citadel, writes John Baron.

The home side got off to a slow start and it was no surprise when Banbury took the lead
when Adi Yussuf took advantage of some generous Farsley defending to fire the visitors in
front after just ten minutes.

The Celts slowly started to find a footing in the game as the half wore on. They almost
equalised in the 38th minute when a dangerous cross from the left by Smith somehow
eluded Tom Allan at the back post.

And just before half time Darren Stephenson rounded the Banbury keeper, only for
defender Fleming to block his goal-bound shot.

The second half saw both teams create chances but it was the visitors who came close
to extending their lead on the hour mark. Lawson D’ath somehow fired wide after a quick
counter attack, and five minutes later Obadeyi’s effort from inside the box was hit into
the ground and went over the bar.

There were strong shouts for a Farsley penalty on 69 minutes when Ben Atkinson went
down in the Banbury area, but the referee waved away the appeals.

The Celts at last started to apply some pressure, and nearly equalised on 79 minutes.
Stevenson cut it back to Ben Atkinson, but he fired his volley over the bar.

Four minutes later Atkinson put in a great cross which Allan headed against the
crossbar.

Banbury continued to look dangerous on the break and Farsley would play the final five
minutes with ten men when striker Darren Stephenson received a straight red card.

The defeat leaves The Celts in 13th position in National League North and still awaiting their
first home win of the season.

There’s no fixture next week after our elimination from the FA Cup at Scarborough on
Tuesday night.

The next match is on Saturday, 7 October when we return to Scarborough for a league
game. Kick off is 3pm and the supporters’ club is running a coach – call John Stubbs on
07904 187327 to book your place.

Farsley Celtic: Zan-Luk Leban, Harry Sheridan, George Smith, Conor Branson, Rudy
Misambo, Tom Allan, Jordan Carroll, Chris Atkinson, Darren Stephenson, Ben Atkinson, Jake
Forshaw. Subs: Ryan Watson, Clayton Donaldson, Sam Leverett, Isaac Robinson, Joao
Silva.

Banbury United: Jack Harding, Jack Tompkins, Simeon Maye, Tai Fleming, Lawson D’Ath,
Ken Charles, Adi Yussuf, Dominic Revan, Emmanuel Maja, Aiden Elliott-Wheeler, Louis
Hall. Subs: Craig Hewitt, Tope Obadeyi, Tyrell Hamilton.