Farsley Celtic go into tonight’s game at Southport in confident mood after victories against Boston United and Buxton.
Head coach Clayton Donaldson praised his players after securing six points out of six – but warned tonight’s game will be a touch challenge.
“I’m really pleased by the back-to-back wins. It’s a difficult thing to achieve in a league where there are no easy games,” Clayton said.
Farsley sit in 18th in National League North, five points above the relegation zone. They’re just a point behind 12th-placed Southport and just a further point off the play-off places.
He says Southport have been ‘rejuvenated’ under new manager Jim Bentley. The former Morecambe and AFC Fylde manager took the hot seat after Liam Watson’s exit following a disastrous start to the season. They currently sit in 12th, and are unbeaten in their last three.
“Jim’s teams are always hard to beat,” said Clayton. “And Southport is always a tough place to go. He’s got them climbing up the league table, they’re well organised and they will be tough to beat.
“But we will be going into the game full of confidence thanks to our back to back wins and will hopefully take three points from them.”
Kick-off time
The match kicks off at the The Big Help Stadium at 7.45pm.
Team news
The Celts have a number of selection decisions to make.
Keeper Zan Luk Leban is away on international duty, while defender Tom Allan came off injured on Saturday. Conor Branson is suspended and boss Clayton Donaldson will evaluate the condition of his players as The Celts face a hectic playing schedule in the run-up to Christmas. New loan signing Noah Wadsworth goes straight into the squad, as does goalkeeper Harry Allen, who has returned following a loan spell at Colne.
How are Southport faring?
Last time we played Southport away
A comfortable 4-0 win gave the home side the three points in an afternoon to forget last November. Tom Allan was denied by a superb save from the Southport keeper early on, but that was the closest The Celts would come.
Jordan Archer put ‘Port ahead following a goalkeeping howler, Adam Anson adding the second before half time.
Farsley’s Frank Mulhern was sent off after receiving a second yellow early in the second half, and further late strikes from Niall Watson capped off a miserable afternoon on Merseyside. Read the match report here.
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.
Minute’s applause
A minute’s applause will be held in the 78th minute of this evening’s match in memory of Southport Life President Sam Shrouder, who passed away at the weekend. Everyone at Farsley Celtic extends their deepest condolences to his wife Linda, and his family and friends.
