Evo-Stik League Division One North: Farsley Celtic 0 Altrincham 1

FARSLEY battled long and hard against high-flying Altrincham but the visitors snatched all three points to extend their lead at the top of the Evo-Stik League Premier Division.

The turning point in a close game came two minutes after the hour when Farsley’s Dan Cockerline was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Tom Hennigan.

The Robins made the most of the man advantage by breaking the deadlock three minutes later.

Jordan Hulme won the ball deep inside the Celts’ half and rounded keeper Graeme McKibbin before coolly slotting in.

McKibbin had been the busier of the two keepers as Alti dominated long periods of play, but Farsley, who beat the Robins’ title rivals Shaw Lane 4-2 last time out, came close to grabbing a share of the spoils.

With a little over three minutes remaining, Isaac Baldwin set off on a run from the Celts’ half before drilling in a shot that clipped the outside of a post.

Adam Lakeland’s men dropped two places to eighth, while Altrincham increased their lead by one point to eight.

It was a good day for Brighouse Town as they climbed out of the relegation places in Division One North after a hard-fought 2-1 win at mid-table Kendal Town.

Vill Powell’s Brighouse banked a much-needed maximum after netting in each half, and were almost home and dry before Kendal grabbed a late consolation.

The visitors broke the deadlock when Aaron Martin headed home George Gomersall’s 41st-minute corner, and doubled their lead just after the hour when Martin inadvertently turned provider.

He met a cross from open play but his header came back off the bar, and Callum Robinson was on hand to slot the rebound past the home keeper.

Four minutes into stoppage time, Ben Thomas netted for Kendal but it was too little too late for the Lakeland outfit.