Report: Halesowen Town 1-2 Farsley Celtic

Report by Rob Winterbottom.

Farsley returned to Yorkshire with all three points after a fine win by two goals to one at The Grove, home of Halesowen Town. The Celts were in scintillating form in the first half, when goals from Nathan Cartman and James Walshaw in the the space of two minutes were enough to give Farsley all three points.

Paul Walker returned to the starting line up in place of Richard Marshall who dropped to the bench. James Pollard deputised for injured captain Danny Ellis at the back, as James Walshaw skippered the side.

The Celts started the brightest as Isaac Baldwin made an opening for Nathan Cartman who saw his shot curl agonisingly wide of the far post, before Paul Walker played in a good cross that Daniel Platt in the home goal was able to claim. Baldwin had a chance with a free kick following a foul on Ben Atkinson, but he saw his shot go high over the bar.

The goal that the Celts deserved came in the 29th minute. Following some good build up from Walker and Cartman the latter finished the move with an elegant finish into the bottom corner. Things were to get even better for Farsley just two minutes later. Ben Atkinson played in a free kick that firstly Adam Clayton and then Jimmy Pollard kept alive. The ball fell to James Walshaw in the box and he fired in his fourth of the season.

Cartman and Walshaw both had chances to double the lead in the following ten minutes, but neither were to take difficult chances. Farsley's domination showed as the it wasn't until the 40th minute that the hosts had their first shot of the game. Ben Clarke hit a speculative 30 yard effort that saw Greame McKibben do well to tip over the bar.

The second half saw the home side come out of the traps to try and get back into the game. A double change at the break saw Roland Agbor enter the fray, and he looked a threat throughout the half. He had his first chance of the half on 55 minutes, but he could only poke his shot straight at McKibben who made the save.

McKibben was in action again just minutes later when he had to make a point blank stop from Joseph Howell. On 67 minutes a scramble in the Farsley box saw the ball roll towards the goal, but Baldwin did well to clear off the line. The hosts did make their way back into the game in the 87th minute when the lively Agbor played a 'one-two' and fired Halesowen back into the game.

There was still time for Farsley to have one last chance as they attempted to ride out the last few minutes and hold out for the win. Substitute Ryan Watson did well to get a sharp shot in from the angle and forced a good save from Platt. The Celts played out the final few minutes for a victory that was no more than they deserved.

Farsley are next in action on Tuesday evening with the visit of Lancaster City. Prices are just £8 Adults, £4 Concessions, £1 Accompanied Juniors. Come down to the Nest and support your local club #OneClub