Evo-Stik League Cup: Ossett Albion 2 Farsley Celtic 4

FARSLEY Celtic maintained their record of progressing past the first hurdle of knockout competitions last night, triumphing at near-neighbours Ossett Albion.

The hosts took a tenth-minute lead but the Celts hit back in an incredible last 20 minutes of a tight derby tie.

The Unicorns broke the deadlock when Farsley keeper Jake Lofthouse could only palm Danny Byrnes’ curling shot onto the underside of his crossbar.

Midway through the first half, visiting striker James Walshaw was fouled in the area but Richard Marshall, who was back in the side after serving a three-match suspension, had his penalty kick saved by Jordan Bradshaw.

The Unicorns’ stopper was at his agile best minutes later when he prevented Walshaw heading Farsley level, Bradshaw’s superb stop ensuring that the home side took a slender lead into the interval.

Farsley finally levelled the tie in the 70th minute when Peter Davidson fired in from outside the area, and they led two minutes later after Lewis Nightingale drilled a shot past Bradshaw.

Walshaw got on the scoresheet just three minutes later to complete the turnaround and, although Declan Dawson pegged one back, the Celts restored their two-goal cushion into stoppage time.

Bradshaw went forward for a set-piece in the last of the four minutes of added time but he, and Ossett, were caught out as the Celts countered and Jacob Hazel floated the ball into the unguarded net.

Thackley climbed to the summit of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League’s top tier as they won their derby at Liversedge, while Cleethorpes Town – who were ahead of the Dennyboys on goal difference – suffered defeat at Pickering Town.

The Dennyboys have played more games than Cleethorpes but they made the most of their rivals' slip by winning at Clayborn.

Sedge took the lead midway through the first half through Joe Walton but Josh Snowden headed the Dennyboys level from a corner minutes later.

The visitors were ahead by the interval after Kris Hargreaves netted on the stroke of half-time.

Ryan Farrell added the gloss to Thackley’s win when he scored the Dennyboys’ third 14 minutes from time.

Albion Sports lost ground in the Premier Division table as Pickering leap-frogged them but they have the chance to reclaim fifth spot when they host lower mid-table Worksop Town tonight.

Eccleshill United face a tough home game in Division One as they welcome AFC Emley to the Mitton Group Stadium.

The Eagles, who are in the middle of a poor run, face an Emley side on the brink of forcing their way back into the play-off places.