Evo-Stik Division One North: Brighouse Town 2, Farsley 1

BRIGHOUSE consolidated fifth spot in Evo-Stik Division One North with a hard-earned but narrow victory over their local rivals at the Dual Seal Stadium last night.

For once it was a derby fixture in which the result followed form and league placings as struggling Farsley lost out to their high-flying near-neighbours.

The Celts battled in the second half but failed to complete the comeback.

The home side hit the visitors with a rapid-fire brace just after the half-hour.

They broke the deadlock when James Pollard’s free-kick from the flank drifted past everyone in the area, including Farsley keeper Tom Taylor.

With the Celts' defence all at sea, Town’s Ryan Hall beat his marker and rounded Taylor to slot in the home side’s second less than three minutes later.

Neil Parsley’s men hit back midway through the second half when Aiden Savory gave them a lifeline but it was mere consolation.

Tonight Thackley travel to fellow strugglers Nostell MW in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

The Dennyboys suffered a chastening 3-0 defeat at Staveley MW at the weekend which left them fourth from bottom.

But they would leapfrog tonight’s hosts, who are two places higher, with a victory tonight.

Two points separate the clubs but Nostell have played already played three games more than Chris Reape’s men.