THREE late goals slanted the scoreline in Farsley Celtic’s favour as they won a ‘close’ home game against Tadcaster Albion 5-1 yesterday afternoon.

The Evo-Stik League newcomers have established themselves in Division One North in the first half of the season and started 2017 well at Throstle Nest. They were the team on the front foot in the first half and the Celts had to ride their luck as they weathered a tough opening spell.

Farsley began to get a foothold in the game as the first half wore on and they broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when a Richard Marshall shot from inside the area went through the home keeper’s gloves.

The Brewers had the ball in the net before the interval but it was disallowed after a foul on Celts’ keeper Graeme McKibbon.

Farsley had to wait for their second but James Walshaw finally forced the ball home at the near post 22 minutes from time. Tadcaster hit back when Tom Allan pounced on a defensive mix-up before the Celts ended in style.

Marshall bagged his brace after good work from Paul Walker, and Walshaw grabbed a hat-trick as he added in the penultimate minute and then in stoppage time.

Neighbouring Rivals Brighouse Town also enjoyed a home win to welcome in the New Year.

Paul Quinn’s side beat visitors Colwyn Bay 2-1 to keep a distance between them and the Welsh side in the table. Tom Dugdale broke the deadlock in the 13th minute and Luke Parkin blasted home a 40th minute penalty after Leon Osborne had been fouled in the area.

The visitors snatched a consolation through a last minute own goal as Adam Field turned the ball past Tom Taylor.

Campion are still outside the play off places in Division One of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Worsbrough Bridge Athletic.

James Bicknell’s men had beaten the Briggers 5-0 away on Boxing Day and another three points would have taken them above Hallam who were frustrated by a postponement yesterday.

Eli Hey gave the home side a 27th minute lead and had he converted a penalty, for handball in the area 19 minutes from time, Campion would surely have won. Hey blazed his spot kick over the bar and Worsbrough snatched a point courtesy of a late Kieran Thompson strike.

Eccleshill United further dented Penistone Church’s title hopes as they held the promotion chasers to back-to-back draws. The Eagles took a first half lead through Nick Truelove and although they were pegged back and later had striker Luke Harrop sent off, they held on for a point.

Liversedge ended with nine men after Brandon Kane and skipper Tom Jackson were dismissed in their Premier Division fixture at Athersley Recreation either side of the home side taking a 2-1 lead midway through the second half.

Sedge had opened the scoring through Joe Walton and they wrapped it up when sub Rhys Davies rescued a point from a 2-2 draw.

Top tier rivals Thackley were another club thwarted by the weather as their home game against Hemsworth MW was shelved due to a frozen pitch.