Mossley 0 Farsley Celtic 2

TWO James Walshaw goals lifted Farsley Celtic back to the summit of Division One North in the Evo-Stik League as they ground out a win at Mossley last night.

The hosts are struggling in the lower reaches of the table but they made the promotion-chasing Celts earn their three points. Farsley duly reclaimed the top spot that they lost at the weekend following a 2-0 defeat at Bamber Bridge.

Both of top scorer Walshaw's goals at Seel Park came in the first half, with the opener taking just seven minutes. The Lilywhites had gone close to breaking the deadlock even earlier when they were denied by the woodwork in the fourth minute.

Walshaw drilled in after taking a good through-ball and netted his second just before the interval. Paul Walker claimed the assist as his pass found Walshaw, who rounded home keeper Will Jones before slotting into the net.

The first half was hard work for the Celts and the second period proved to be much the same – but despite that, the visitors were good value for their win.

The three points took them back above long-time title rivals Lancaster City on goal difference, although but the Dolly Blues now have a game in hand.

Farsley host mid-table Droylsden on Saturday, while Lancaster welcome a Colne side seeking to defend their current play-off position.

Meanwhile, THACKLEY suffered a narrow defeat away to the side immediately below them in the top tier of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League.

The Dennyboys travelled to Handsworth Parramore and lost 1-0 after the home side's Will Eades headed in the only goal of the game early in the second half.

Fourth-placed Thackley are now just a point ahead of the Ambers in the Premier Division table, having played a game more.

SILSDEN also missed out as a late goal from Ben Halfacre saw Stockport Town snatch a 2-1 victory in Division One of the Hallmark Security League.

The Cobbydalers took a 1-0 lead into the break after Nick McNally broke the deadlock in the 34th minute – but it was visiting substitute Halfacre who turned the game with a double.

He hit the equaliser three minutes after coming off the bench and, after the Cobbydalers came close to retaking the lead when a Mark Trueman free-kick struck the bar, Halfacre then fired in the winner from a 85th-minute corner.