Mixed emotions for Celts after Deacey injury blow

His side were beaten 4-1 by York City in last Saturday’s opening friendly, which was offset by a good performance from the Celts players and a goal for last season’s leading scorer James Walshaw.

But an innocuous looking injury to midfielder Jordan Deacey could yet see the former joint manager’s son sidelined for some time. And that took any gloss off Farsley’s display against the strong squad on show from the Minstermen.

Lakeland said: “It was a good day in many ways but I was devastated when Jordan had to come off.

“My immediate reaction was that it was his anterior cruciate ligament, but until we get the results of the scan we won’t know. It had been a positive day until then.

"I know that we lost the game and I don’t like losing any match, but York have some seriously good players.

“We’re very happy with the level of fitness of the players and we’re looking forward to the rest of pre-season as we build up the match fitness of the squad in time for the start of our season.”

Deacey’s possible lay-off was a double whammy for Lakeland after he had lost another midfielder earlier that week.

Lewis Nightingale had left Farsley once – to sign as a player for Darlington – but following his return and involvement in the club’s double-winning celebrations last term he has flown the Nest again.

Lakeland explained: “Lewis got the chance to go to Everton as a coach in a full-time role and it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“He had been working at Bradford City with the younger players and he was enjoying that and doing well. He could combine that with his own career but I don’t know if his new job at Everton will allow him the same time.

“When I spoke to him he didn’t know if he’d be working Saturdays and some midweek evenings, which would all but rule him out of continuing as a player.

"If that happens I’m sure Lewis will still be happy at his new club but it would be a shame if it means the end of his own playing days at this level.”