5:32pm Sunday 7th September 2008
By Ian Whiting
Farsley Celtic 2, Stalybridge Celtic 3
A five-goal thriller that swung either way was only won by a contentious late goal that allowed Cheshire’s Stalybridge to take the points in the battle of the Celts.
It was another blank in the Blue Square North for Farsley but, yet again, one that was shrouded in controversy and misfortune.
Things appear to be stacked against Farsley at the moment but they still have goal ace Andy Campbell.
“There is no doubt it was a disappointing day but it was a great game to watch - it was a fantastic spectacle for the Conference League, whatever division,” said Farsley’s assistant manager Neil Parsley.
“It turned on two key incidents. Both went against us.
"Stalybridge’s winning goal we felt was a free- kick to us rather than one against. But, having said that, we didn’t deal with their delivery of it.
“We also had a goal disallowed but no-one seemed to know why. The assistant referee told us that Campbell became offside once the ball had come back off the keeper. I didn’t see it that way.
“Mark Bett has got in front of Andy to reach a cross, the keeper has parried Mark’s header. Andy has then put the rebound in the net so, for me, that’s a good reaction and a good goal.
“It could be said that we are not getting any luck, but the facts from yesterday are that we have leaked three goals again. That is no-one else’s fault, it’s down to Farsley.”
The visitors to Throstle Nest took the lead, against the run of play, in the ninth minute and a former Celt had a hand in it.
Chris Williams sent a long through ball and Steve Torpey, a former Bantam as well as Celt, got on the end of it.
His shot was cleared off the line by Geroges Santos but Williams, who was following up, smashed the loose ball in.
Farsley levelled midway through the first half through Campbell, Blue Square North Player of the Month for August. He tucked in a volley from an acute angle to convert a Stephen Downes cross.
The home side took the lead before the hour when Jamie Walshaw picked Barrie Keeling’s pocket and raced through to net a low shot.
Farsley had one chalked off and Torpey hit the inside of the post for the visitors but it was to be their day.
Lee Ellington rounded Downes and crossed for Nicky Platt to net from close range to equalise. Downes was again involved for the contentious winner. He appeared to have been fouled but the resulting free-kick was given to Stalybridge.
That led to a corner and Andy Smart slotted in following the flag-kick.
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