Ashton United 2 Farsley Celtic 1

Farsley Celtic’s quest for promotion to the National North ended with a very narrow defeat at Ashton United in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division play off semi-final last night.

The Celts had finished fifth in their first season back in the top tier of the Evo-Stik League but that meant the Robins had home advantage as the Hurst Cross outfit had bagged runners-up spot.

Adam Lakeland’s Farsley had a fine record against all of their promotion rivals over the season and good away form as they headed across the border for a roses derby.

They caused the Robins plenty of problems in a tight game but fell just short as the home side held on in the final stages.

The first half was a nervy affair with few chances at either end although it was Farsley keeper Kyle Trenerry who made the only two saves of note. The Celts began the second period well and both Nathan Cartman and Isaac Baldwin went close to opening the scoring.

But the home side seized the initiative minutes later from a rapid counter attack. A break down the right flank led to John Pritchard laying the ball back and Liam Tomsett sweeping it past Trenerry.

Just over ten minutes later Ashton doubled their lead from the penalty spot after Adam Clayton had lunged into a challenge against Tomsett in the area. Robins’ defender Aaron Chalmers netted the resulting spot kick.

It was a much more open game in the second half and Ashton’s two goal lead lasted less than four minutes. Farsley were back in it after Nathan Turner lashed a superb shot from the edge of the area past home keeper Josh Ollerenshaw.

In the closing stages the Celts piled forward, forcing corners and half chances but despite the constant knocking at the door they failed to create an equalising goal that would have taken the play off semi-final into extra time.

It was a brave effort and the Celts can be as proud of last night’s performance as they will be of their season as a whole. Their fans will have returned to Farsley with hope and optimism and will already be looking forward to the next campaign.