Report: Farsley Celtic 3-1 Coalville Town

Farsley defeated visitors Coalville Town 3-1.

Farsley Celtic put in a sublime attacking performance to begin life in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division with a 3-1 victory over Coalville Town.

A goal from new acquisition Nathan Cartman and a James Walshaw brace were enough for the three points, despite Lee Cox giving Coalville an early lead.

Farsley started brightly and after some nice football Richard Marshall struck a fierce shot which was tipped onto the bar by Matt Coton. Coalville then countered through Blair Anderson before Nathan Watson picked out Lee Cox who hit his effort perfectly into the top corner to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.

James Walshaw almost drew Farsley level midway through the half as he fired past 'keeper Matt Coton only for his effort to be bravely blocked on the line by a Coalville defender.

Richard Marshall came close once again to opening Farsley’s account as he received the ball from Adam Priestley before his low strike hit the post.

Just after the half hour mark Farsley deservedly levelled as James Walshaw flicked on to debutant Nathan Cartman who curled a sublime effort into the top corner.

Farsley then came close to taking the lead as Priestley played a one-two with Nathan Cartman, who made a delightful flick, before Priestley fired inches over the crossbar.

Early on in the second half The Celts did take the lead as James Walshaw was felled in the box by Danny Jenno, before he dusted himself down and tucked away the penalty himself. Coalville certainly felt aggrieved at the decision, particularly after being denied a penalty themselves less than a minute earlier when Nathan Watson went down under the pressure of Danny Ellis.

Coalville then went looking for an equaliser and Farsley ‘keeper Graeme McKibbin was called into action, firstly flinging himself to his right to superbly push Jenno’s header around the post, before saving twice from Nathan Watson when he was through on goal.

The three points were wrapped up with ten minutes remaining as substitute Ben Atkinson fed James Walshaw who slotted home to make it 3-1, and earn a victorious start for Farsley in their first game at step three.

Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Harris, Baldwin, C. Atkinson, Ellis (c), Clayton, Priestley (Parkin 75), Marshall, Walshaw, Cartman (Porritt 83), Walker (B. Atkinson 63). Unused subs: Trenerry (GK), Pollard.
Coalville Town: Coton, Bryant, Torr (Pegg 38), Jenno, Freeman, Cox, Dean (Bassett 62), Towers (c) (Hollis 67), McGlinchley, Watson, Anderson. Unused subs: Hannis, Derosiers.

MOTM: Graeme McKibbin
Attendance: 244