Manager John Deacey was desperately disappointed to lose Craig Bentham this week as the midfielder's three-month loan spell from neighbours Bradford City came to an end.

However, he thanked the player for the time he had spent at Throstle Nest and praised him for his contribution. Deacey made some very good signings to strengthen his squad and galvanised the club to make a concerted effort to hang on to their Blue Square Premier status.

Players of the calibre of former Blackpool winger Rory Prendergast and one-time Sheffield United centre back Georges Santos made a huge difference but Bentham was the one that Deacey felt brought the whole thing together.

"The kid is a very good player and he proved that in his time here - what a difference he made to the squad," admitted Deacey.

"He also enjoyed his spell. He liked playing regularly and said he felt welcome at Throstle Nest. He wanted to stay and we definitely hoped he would be here until the end of the season but circumstances prevented that."

Bentham was disappointed he could not play in the remaining games and help Farsley stay in the division below City. He may have done enough already to see them achieve that, his last appearance being in the win at Torquay last weekend.

Back at Valley Parade but out of the Bantams squad for Tuesday's home game against Barnet, the midfielder decided to watch the Celts play against Droylsden from the stands at The Nest.

Deacey said: "I have been keeping a close eye on Bradford Park Avenue, as their end to the season is almost as exciting as ours. We both have a lot to lose if we don't achieve our aims.

"They have lost their skipper Steve Connors through injury and I appreciate what their manager is going through.

"Connors, like Craig, is a very good player; like Craig, he is a central midfielder who can run a game and gets through an amazing amount of work. I know from experience just how frustrated the Avenue boss will be."

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