Farsley Celtic 3 Liversedge 2

FARSLEY Celtic progressed in the West Riding County Cup last night – but only after a narrow win over a Liversedge side with no fear.

Sedge are riding high in their league and brought the same swagger and confidence into this tough cup tie at Throstle Nest. The home side needed all of their grit and determination to edge through.

There was an early setback for the Celts as Jordan Deacey suffered an injury and was replaced by Richard Marshall after just six minutes.

Farsley’s joint managers John Deacey and Neil Parsley had made several changes to the starting line up after Saturday’s punishing game that ended in an FA Cup exit to Bishop Auckland.

Chris Howarth was one of the players drafted in and he forced Sedge’s keeper into an early save.

Opposite number one Graeme McKibbin was called upon midway through the first half to tip over a dipping shot from range.

The home side were forced into another change as Aiden Savory made way for club captain Paddy Miller.

But it was the first substitute who proved to be the difference in the first half as Marshall struck the opener on the stroke of half time.

Jacob Hazel doubled the Celts’ lead 12 minutes after the break and Alex Davidson almost made it 3-0 but his shot hit the base of the post.

Sedge bounced back to halve the deficit and then levelled the tie with 20 minutes still remaining.

However, Davidson was not to be denied and he hit Farsley’s all important winner.

It was plain sailing into the second round for Brighouse Town as they registered a thumping 5-0 victory at Sedge’s Toolstation Northern Counties East Premier Division counterparts Garforth Town.

Luke Parkin broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when he fired in from just outside the area.

Ruben Jerome doubled the lead from the penalty spot minutes later after he had been brought down, and Danny Bunch made it three before the half hour mark.

Greg Pearson bagged a second-half brace as Paul Quinn’s men went nap. Pearson was at the far post to bundle the ball home and, within a minute, wrapped up the scoring with a screamer from distance.

Thackley could have gone above leaders Liversedge in the NCE League top tier with a home win but were beaten 2-0 at Dennyfield.

Visitors Pickering Town ran out comfortable winners with Matty Turnbull and Nathan Kamara scoring in each half.