Report: Altrincham 6-0 Farsley Celtic

By Mark Rawlinson

The Celts came into the game seven points above their hosts but there was a gulf in class on the night as Alty produced their best performance of the season, and Farsley found by far their worst.

It took the Manchester side just nine minutes to open their account as Josh Hancock stooped low to divert a free kick into the Farsley goal.
A 12th minute free kick from Isaac Baldwin straight at goalkeeper Anthony Thompson was the only shot on target Farsley could muster in the first half as things went from bad to worse shortly after.

The hosts doubled their advantage on 22 minutes when a long free kick was pumped into the Celts box and Thomas Peters fired home.
At 2-0 down at the break, Farsley were still in with a shout but John Johnston’s 48th minute goal all but put the game to bed as the Reds put their foot on the gas.

Celtic were denied strong shouts for a penalty a few minutes later when it appeared that former Altrincham frontman James Walshaw was hacked down in the box.

That let-off inspired the home side as they fired in a fourth on 55 minutes as poor defending allowed Jordan Hulme to tap home from close range.

Four became five on 71 minutes as Thomas Hannigan netted another for Phil Parkinson’s side.

And the Robins rounded off their clinical performance four minutes from time as the ball was played in from the right, allowing Hancock to bag his second of the night.

The result could have been even more embarrassing for Farsley had Graeme McKibbin not pulled off a number of top saves in the closing stages on what was a night to forget in a hurry.

Altrincham: Thompson, Bembo-Leta, Short (Densmore 57), Hannigan, Harrison, Moult, Johnston, Sheridan (Richmond 73), Hulme (Amis 70), Peers, Hancock. Subs not used: Jones, Davis.
Farsley Celtic: McKibbin, Harris (Marshall 63), Baldwin, Atkinson, Ellis, Clayton, B Atkinson, Turner (Parkin 63), Walshaw, Watson, Walker (Priestley 63). Subs not used: Trennery, Porritt.

Referee: Daniel Bruce
Attendance: 497