Last Saturday’s 2-0 win over Scarborough Athletic was a ‘result that had been coming’, according to head coach Clayton Donaldson, as he looks ahead to The Celts’ next challenge against Rushall Olympic tomorrow.
An eight-match unbeaten league run was only brought to an end by narrow back to back defeats against Scunthorpe over the festive period.
Since then, the Celts were unfortunate to only draw 0-0 against playoff hopefuls Curzon and last week’s win against our Yorkshire rivals continued our fine run of form. The Celts enter the game in good spirits.
“It was very frustrating that Tuesday’s game against Peterborough Sports was postponed. The lads were on a high after the Scarborough game and we’d have loved to get back out there and build on that momentum,” Clayton said.
“But that’s the British weather for you! At least it gave us more time to focus on tomorrow’s game with Rushall. The lads have been training hard.”
Farsley beat Rushall on the opening day of the season with two second-half goals from Ben Atkinson and Darren Stephenson.
“Rushall have picked up of late and are coming off back-to-back wins,” said Clayton. “We picked up a good result at their place on their artificial pitch but the game on Saturday will be much different as they’re coming to play on our pitch, which will be heavy after the recent weather. We’ll be looking to use that to our advantage.”
The Celts’ recent good form has been built on having solid foundations at the back.
“Someone told me the other day we’d just had out tenth clean sheet of the season in the league. To have that already is a massive achievement, considering where Farsley has been in the past few years,” Clayton said.
“I know we hadn’t scored in three games going in to the Scarborough match, and if you hadn’t seen us play in those three games you might, from the outside, say there was a problem. But we weren’t worried, we knew we were playing well and creating chances.
“The home game against Scunthorpe we were unlucky not to score in that second half, and against Curzon we hit the woodwork twice and their keeper played well. The result against Scarborough last week had been coming.
“It’s nice to hit the back of the net – and we’re aiming to continue that form on Saturday.”
Kick-off time
The match kicks off at 3pm.
Ticket news & parking
Admission is by cash or card payment at the turnstile or tickets can also be bought in advance. Full ticket, parking and all the important supporter information can be found here. We ask all fans to park in the club car park where possible, and park with respect for our neighbours.
Team news
The Celts will welcome back midfielder Ryan Watson, who returns to the squad for the first time following his red card against Gloucester City before Christmas.
Lewis Turner and Joao Silva went out on loan to Ossett United in a bid to gain extra minutes and the gaffer has long-term absentees Jack Leckie and Harry Sheridan back in training. Darren Stephenson looks like taking a little longer.
For the visitors, leading scorer Danny Waldron has this week been linked with a move to Southend.
How are Rushall Olympic faring?
Last time we met at the Citadel
Tomorrow’s game is the first time the two teams have met at The Citadel.
Catering and drinks
Hot and cold food and drink is available in the ground on match day. Korean chicken and pulled pork loaded fries will be available, alongside ordinary fries, a range of pies and other snacks.
Our clubhouse is also open to home and away fans and accepts cash and card payments.
Social media
If you can’t make it to the Citadel tomorrow, you can follow our live Twitter feed for match commentary. Goal updates will feature on Instagram and Facebook.
