Sitting at the top of the table following victory against Leeds Medics and Dentists, nothing less than 3 points would do for Izzy Roads’ ambitious side and there was no better place to set out their credentials for the season than against an Ilkley side with title ambitions of their own.

The first half was a tightly contested affair. Both sides fought for control of possession although there was particular joy for Shirley Murphy and Kaitlyn Walker on the wings for Farsley against their respective markers.

It looked like it was going to be all square at half time before Shirley Murphy broke the deadlock with a stunning volley from outside the air that flew into the back of the net. Murphy is quickly finding her scoring form from last season and looked a threat every time she got possession of the ball.

The second half though is where the Celts really took control. Emma O’Hanlon scored the second with a lovely chest and volley after a cross into the area. Chloe Rimmer smashed home a stunning free kick from 30 yards right into the top corner, and O’Hanlon sealed victory with an amazing solo effort after dribbling past multiple defenders and tucking away the finish.

It was an outstanding display from the Celts and it was no less than was deserved after taking on a physical Ilkley side who were happy to leave a mark on their opposite number.

Speaking to club media after the game, Izzy Roads spoke of his pride in the performance – ‘In previous games we were saying it had been a game of two halves, but today we were phenomenal. When you’ve got a team full of girls that are proper footballers, the world’s your oyster!’

Next up for Farsley Celtic Women, we head back to Carlton Bolling to take on Bradford City U23s. We’d love to see another big crowd to get behind the team and show that Celt spirit!