Farsley go into this weekend back on top of the Kool Sport Northern Counties East League Premier Division but still facing a monumental battle to stay in front.

They are in a superb position but it could have been so much better had they not lost form in dramatic fashion. A shocking run saw their points cushion dwindle away and they even slipped off the summit.

A midweek victory on the road ensured the Throstle Nest outfit reclaimed the leadership at the first possible opportunity but boss Neil Parsley is predicting another tough period on the way.

One of the recent reverses – probably the one that raised most eyebrows – was a 2-1 loss at struggling Lincoln Moorlands that came with a double whammy, Farsley skipper Dominic Krief being sent off for violent conduct.

Parsley said: “I think he was hard done by on that occasion but it carries a three-game suspension and that starts from Wednesday.

“Losing any player for that long is hard to work around. When it’s your captain and midfield general, well, that’s always going to be a big miss.

“To my mind the referee got that one wrong. Dom did kick out but he was on the floor and surrounded by three of their players. Okay, he made contact with something, but not damaging.

“It was in no way malicious or ever likely to injure another player. There was no one hurt so a yellow card offence at most.

“We all see things in different ways though and we abide by the officials because they are the custodians of the game, so it’s up to us to be ready to cover for Dom’s absence.”

While the defeat at Lincoln carried that added problem, the next loss was arguably more costly. That was a six-pointer at Parkgate which saw the second-placed side leapfrog Farsley to take top spot.

Parsley said: “Parkgate are the best side that we have seen at Throstle Nest this season. They came to us back in September and full credit to them for the win at their place.

“So we know we have to keep winning and hope they drop points in their games in hand.”