Evo-Stik League Division One North: Droylsden 1 Farsley Celtic 1

FARSLEY Celtic came from a goal down but ended with ten men as they dominated a game at the Butchers Arms but came up against an inspired home keeper.

Droylsden stopper James Coates made a string of fine saves and two superb reaction double saves as the Celts pushed for a winner after drawing level.

Coates was duly nominated as man of the match, and the Bloods later posted a picture on social media with what they rightly described as his ‘well-deserved’ award.

It was Coates’ opposite number Graeme McKibbon who was under pressure early on after being unsettled in the first minute.

A long through ball bounced in his area and Droylsden’s Jamie Frost latched onto it and shot home.

McKibbon then had to make a save to deny the Bloods’ Liam Caddick soon after as the hosts had the better of the opening exchanges.

Farsley got back into the game in the 16th minute when Paul Walker slotted in at the far post after James Walshaw had turned a pass from Jordan Deacey across the area.

It was the Coates show after that as the home keeper acrobatically tipped a Walshaw header over, denied Deacey and Walshaw with his first double save and later thwarted Walshaw again.

The Celts continued their onslaught after the break but Coates’ concentration never dropped.

Another quick reaction double save foiled Ross Daly and Nathan Turner, from the follow-up, before Walshaw and Aiden Savory were also denied.

When Coates didn’t claim a late corner, his defence stepped up to the mark and mustered two goal-line clearances before the ball was eventually put out of harm's way.

Farsley substitute Ryan Watson picked up his first yellow card four minutes from time and a second just over a minute later which led to his dismissal.

After climbing back into the play-off places with an away win at the weekend, the Celts missed out on a chance to go second last night but they remain fourth, while the point lifted Droylsden a place to tenth.