Gaffer Clayton Donaldson is anticipating a tough test against Curzon Ashton — but says his side go into the game with confidence off the back of a five-match unbeaten run.

“Curzon recently changed managers after the departure of Adam Lakeland but they have kept their form going and have kept on picking up points.

“They’re on a good run and sit in seventh in the league with games in hand so we know we’ll have to be at our best.

“But we’re on a good run ourselves and go into the game with confidence. We know we will have to be at 100% but I do feel we have turned a corner and we have a good team here.”

Clayton feels our home defeat at Darlington was a turning point.

He’s already gone on the record over concerns about refereeing decisions going against the Celts and a run of bad luck which cost us points, particularly at home.

“It was both those factors and we’ve suffered less from those in recent games,” Clayton said.

“Another factor is we are showing a lot more desire. In the Darlington match we lost most of our individual battles, and if you don’t win them then you’re going to struggle, no matter what league you’re in.

“Since then we’ve been winning our battles, we’ve been winning our challenges, we’ve been competing, our concentration has been better and we have been solid defensively.

“That has been reflected in our recent results. We’re harder to beat. We know we have good players and we are now starting to show how strong we can be as a team.”

  • Read Clayton Donaldson’s column in our match day programme.
Clayton Donaldson on the wing. Photo: John McEvoy

Kick-off time

The match kicks off at The Citadel at 7.45pm.

Team news

The Celts have been without a game for a fortnight, which has helped their injury situation. Tom Allan is now fit, and The Celts have been bolstered by Isaac Assenso’s return from loan and the arrival of experienced striker Michael Coulson. Darren Stephenson is still out injured and Lewis Turner is stepping up his rehabilitation after a long-term injury.

How are Curzon Ashton faring?

Curzon Ashton have had a rollercoaster start to the season, losing former Farsley Celtic boss Adam Lakeland to Kings Lynn at the end of September, which was followed by a run of four straight league and cup defeats in late October/early November. However, prior to Saturday’s FA Trophy exit to Macclesfield, The Nash were unbeaten in their last seven league and cup games and currently sit seventh in the mileage, with games in hand.

Tickets and supporter information

Admission is available either by ticket in advance or at the turnstiles. All the latest ticket and match day information for supporters is available here. We ask supporters to park considerately out of respect for our neighbours.

Last time we met at The Citadel

Farsley Celtic were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Curzon Ashton in September 2022, and were left to rue a number of squandered opportunities in an entertaining clash featuring late drama.

Former Celts defender, Jordan Richards, scored a first-half own goal to give The Celts a deserved lead. Further chances went begging for the home side before Curzon’s pressure paid off, Josh Hancock converting an 85th-minute penalty to make it 1-1.

There was still time for further late drama, with visitors’ keeper Chris Renshaw denying Jacob Gratton’s injury time penalty.

Read the full report of last September’s match here.

Matchday collection

Don’t forget, we are collecting non-perishable food in the clubhouse in aid of Pudsey Community Project and the Santa’s Farsley Food Drive initiative. All donations welcome – full details of what to bring can be found here.

Matchday food

We have an array of hot and cold food and drinks available. Pies include pork, steak and and chicken. Loaded fries include pulled beef brisket and Korean crispy chicken. The clubhouse will also be open, serving a range of alcoholic and soft drinks.

Matchday programme

Our match day programme includes an exclusive interview with recent signing Jack Evans, along with the thoughts of gaffer Clayton Donaldson and skipper Chris Atkinson, while Rob WInterbottom brings you the latest from the board. We’ve also got the latest from our women’s and deaf sides, plus all the latest stats – and lots more! Programmes are priced just £3.