Pre-season friendly: Garforth Town 2 Farsley Celtic 4

A SIX-minute second-half hat-trick from James Walshaw turned last night’s friendly in favour of visitors Farsley Celtic.

The Celts were trailing 2-0 at the break at Garforth Town, despite hitting the woodwork three times.

The crossbar came to the home side’s rescue twice and the post once as Aiden Savory, Walshaw and Chris Howarth were all denied.

However, Walshaw began the comeback four minutes into the second period when he was put through and finished well.

He equalised minutes later and added a third from the penalty spot after Paul Walker had been fouled in the area.

Walker wrapped up the scoring with a direct free-kick 12 minutes from time. Mitch Hamilton had opened the scoring for the Miners, and Mark Simpson doubled their lead just before the half-hour.

Following their busy weekend, with two games in as many days, Guiseley are back in pre-season friendly action again tonight as they head to Toolstation Northern Counties East League Division One Knaresborough Town.

It was a high-profile weekend for Mark Bower’s Lions, with back-to-back games against Leeds United and Bradford Park Avenue.

Tonight will give the Guiseley manger an opportunity to work more on strategy than fitness.

There are five local sides in action this evening but only two have home games, one being Thackley, who play North West Counties League top-tier counterparts Padiham.

Silsden were divisional rivals of Padiham last term but are a step lower on the football pyramid following relegation.

The Cobbydalers travel to non-league newcomers Campion, who have already had two home friendlies.

James Bicknell’s side narrowly lost in a seven-goal thriller against Harrogate Railway Athletic and drew 2-2 with the Dennyboys.

Brighouse Town make the short trip to AFC Emley. It will be Town’s first run out since they beat Harrogate Railway 2-0 last Tuesday.