Higgins and Cartman score as Farsley Celtic remain third

The Celts did a lot of early pressing and Danny Ellis was twice denied as the home side forced three consecutive corners but the centre back and skipper was needed at the other end as he cleared off the line to prevent Basford’s Courey Grantham opening the scoring.

Farsley had to be patient against a side two places lower and just one point worse off and their wait paid off. The Celts had created the better chances in the first half, but the visitors were dominating possession after the break, until just after the hour when the home side edged in front.

Basford keeper Kieran Preston failed to claim a free-kick played into the area and Jack Higgins, one of Ellis’ centre back partners, fired the loose ball into the net.

Both sides pushed from then on, Celts for a second goal while the visitors looked for an equaliser. There were half chances at either end and, with the severe wind and rain making life difficult, the game was still in the balance.

The home side seized the initiative when they netted a second, Nathan Cartman slotting into the corner. They almost put the gloss on their win with a third but Preston made a great save to deny Jimmy Spencer.

Meanwhile, it was also a good day for Brighouse Town in Division One East as they won 2-1 away at play-off rivals Sheffield.

The home side, a former club of Town manager Vill Powell and some of his current squad, had an excellent start and snatched a third-minute lead.

Sheffield forced a second corner and when the flag kick was delivered Ash Grayson headed past visiting keeper Jordan Porter.

The lead was short lived as Brighouse midfielder Zeph Thomas headed a long through ball on for Mohammed Ibrahim and he then slotted under home keeper Adam Kelsey.

Town doubled their lead before the break when skipper Adam Field played in Aaron Martin and he netted via the upright.

The post played a part in the second half as it denied Town a third and they closed the game out with a disciplined performance.