Farsley defeat Leeds youngsters 1-0

Farsley Celtic put in an assured performance as they earned a 1-0 victory over Leeds United U21s.

The Celts made it four win from four in pre-season with a dominant display against Leeds United U21s.

Farsley got off to a great start on seven minutes, when Jordan Deacey latched onto a defensive mistake between the Leeds keeper and one of his defenders, and slotted home to give the Celts the lead. The early goal gave the home side confidence and they were comfortable in possession which culminated in a good chance on eleven minutes, when after positive interplay, Aiden Savory had a shooting opportunity, which unfortunately was dragged wide.

The Celts dominated the opening quarter of an hour, but Leeds had their first effort of the evening just a minute later, although the long-range shot went well over the bar. Farsley though continued to play all the football and on nineteen minutes after great control from Savory, he played in James Walshaw, however the Leeds keeper was quickly out to block the shot.

Six minutes later, the Celts nearly had a second goal from Jordan Deacey’s corner, as the Leeds defence hesitated; however, no Farsley player was able to apply the finishing touch required.

Farsley made the first of their changes on thirty-three minutes as Peter Davidson and Richard Marshall made way for James Knowles and Ross Daly and the Leeds youngsters had a better five minutes spell as Graeme McKibbin had to make a save and then a good claim from a corner.

But it was the Celts who finished the half strongly. First with just two minutes remaining, Daly was put through on the right, but his shot was saved by the Leeds keeper. Then on the stroke of half-time, from a Celts corner, Paddy Miller headed just over.

The positive display from Farsley continued into the second period and within eight minutes of the restart, from a corner, worked the ball to Walshaw, who shot wide. That was the last action for the Celts number nine at that stage of the game as he departed with Nathan Turner and Davidson and Marshall returned.

However, the substitutions didn’t affect the Celts’ rhythm and on fifty-seven minutes, good work by Deacey created a heading opportunity for Savory. Leeds were struggling to create anything and were reduced to long-range efforts such as that from Tom Pearce on the hour mark. Miller played a lovely through ball for Savory on sixty-six minutes, but as he bore down on goal he was crowded out by two Leeds defenders.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Savory made way for Walshaw and a minute later Turner returned for Deacey. In between that spate of replacements, McKibbin had to make a save low to his right to maintain Farsley’s lead. The remaining final quarter proved to be the quietest of the game, with the only other action seeing McKibbin replaced by Jake Lofthouse with seven minutes remaining.

Another victory for the Celts in pre-season and one in which a second goal would have better reflected their dominance.

Celts: McKibbin (Lofthouse 83), Hardy, Howarth, Turner (Davidson 53), Davidson (Knowles 33), Miller, Deacey (Turner 76), Marshall (Daly 33), Walshaw (Marshall 53), Savory (Walshaw 75), Walker. Unused subs: Harrison.