Brighouse Town 1 Farsley 0

BRIGHOUSE dented the promotion hopes of their near-neighbours Farsley with a narrow home win at the Dual Seal Stadium.

The Evo-Stik First Division North derby was well contested but never really sparked into action.

Farsley started both halves with a positive approach but were soon dragged into a war of attrition. Despite Farsley coming out determined to dominate, it was well-organised Town who almost took an early lead when a long-range effort hit the bar.

A good move by the visitors, involving former Scunthorpe United midfielder Andy Welsh – who impressed on his debut in the previous match – ended with Lewis Nightingale going close.

There was an early blow for Town as they lost Ernest Boafo to injury in the 15th minute. His replacement Ryan Hall took just two minutes to pick up a yellow card.

The only goal of the game stemmed from a Farsley foul as Billy Law headed Town into a 1-0 lead from a Ben Thornton free-kick.

The home side went close to doubling that lead while Farsley skipper Rob O’Brien grazed a post.

Town can relax until New Year’s Day now but Neil Parsley will have to galvanise his troops and go again on Sunday.

Farsley have a chance to boost their push to regain a place in the play-offs when they host promotion rivals Darlington 1883.

Darlington beat fellow play-off hopefuls Scarborough Athletic 3-0 yesterday as they consolidated their hold on second place.