Evo-Stik League Premier Division: Mickleover Sports 2 Farsley Celtic 2

A GOALLESS first half led to a four-goal thriller after the break as Farsley Celtic broke the deadlock but needed a late equaliser to secure a point from their trip to mid-table Mickleover Sports in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division.

The Celts rode their luck a little in that first 45 minutes as Kurt Harris cleared off the line to deny Jake Scott, and the home side’s Matthew Barnes-Homer was thwarted by the quick reactions of Farsley keeper Graeme McKibbon.

Adam Lakeland’s men had dominated possession for long periods and broke the deadlock just minutes after the interval.

Nathan Cartman slotted the ball home after Adam Clayton had helped on a Ryan Watson free-kick.

The home side hit back minutes later when Pablo Mills dispatched a firm header into the top corner of McKibbon’s net following a 51st-minute corner, and midway through the second half they were ahead, despite McKibbon’s best efforts.

Mickleover were awarded a penalty when Clayton fouled Louis Briscoe in the area, and fellow new signing Barnes-Homer spotted the ball.

The former Wycombe Wanderers and Macclesfield Town forward saw his effort parried by the Celts’ keeper but Andy Dales pounced to net the rebound.

The game remained at a high tempo, with both sides creating chances, and it was Farsley’s Luke Parkin that netted in the 87th minute to ensure it ended all-square.

Lakeland’s side remain sixth, just outside the play-off places on goal difference only, but Sports dropped two places to 12th.

Radcliffe Borough hauled themselves out of the relegation zone in Division One North after a narrow win at Brighouse Town in an all-action encounter.

Vill Powell’s Town had lifted themselves clear of the drop zone and were looking to hit the 30-point mark for the season with a home victory over Boro.

Had they done that they would have been a healthy 14th in the table but the Lancashire side, who were second from bottom before kick-off, had other ideas.

Boro netted the all-important goal in the seventh minute when Callum Grogan got on the end of a well-delivered free-kick.

The home side also had the ball in the net before the break but celebrations were curtailed by an offside flag.

After the interval, Boro were denied by the woodwork before they too had a goal chalked off, also for offside.