FARSLEY Celtic went top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division last night after thrashing ill-disciplined title favourites South Shields 4-1 at Throstle Nest.

The visitors were reduced to nine men after just 25 minutes following two dreadful tackles on Farsley's Nathan Turner and Will Hayhurst respectively. Gary Brown and Carl Finnigan were the men to receive their marching orders.

Shields showed why they are regarded as a real threat in this division by holding a strong Celts side until the 57th minute, despite the two-man disadvantage.

However, the hosts eventually broke the opposition's resolute defence, with Nathan Cartman converting Lewis Turner’s centre. Soon after, Jimmy Spencer headed home Hayhurst’s corner for his first Farsley goal to double the lead.

With eight minutes remaining, Shields grabbed a surprise lifeline when Josh Gillies’ corner dropped to Chris Hunter, who rifled the ball into the top corner.

However, two minutes later, Cartman found Chris Atkinson, who tucked the ball past the visitors' goalkeeper into the bottom corner. The three points were then wrapped up in style, with Ben Atkinson slotting home to finish a superb team move.

Elsewhere, Brighouse Town suffered their first Evo-Stik East defeat of the season, going down 2-1 at Morpeth Town. Liam Henderson and Joe Walton put the hosts two up to leave Town in real trouble at the break.

In a mixed second half for striker Aaron Martin, he pulled one back for the visitors on the hour following a well-worked free kick, before being shown his marching orders in injury time for a second bookable offence.

Brighouse could not find that crucial equaliser, and the result sees them slip to eighth in the table.

In the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division, there were mixed fortunes for the three local sides in action.

Albion Sports faired best, thrashing Hall Road Rangers 5-2 away from home, with Jamal Stewart scoring twice in a minute early in the first half.

Thackley were involved in a tighter affair, winning 3-2 at home to Athersley Recreation, despite a late rally from their opponents. Luke Robinson netted a brace for the hosts.

Finally, Liversedge crashed to a disappointing 4-1 home defeat against Worksop Town. Rhys Thomas had drawn them level early in the second half, but they were blown away by a late Kyle Jordan hat-trick.