The impact that recent signings from Bradford Park Avenue, James Riley and Matt Dempsey, have made has not been lost on Farsley boss Neil Parsley.
Riley began his career at Thackley and had a spell with FC Halifax Town, while Dempsey started at Eccleshill United but was later captain of Sheffield United’s reserves before being released by the League One outfit.
However, Parsley revealed another key figure in the improvement in Farsley’s defence which has led to a run of victories and some valuable clean sheets. Gary Stokes has returned to the club as goalkeeping coach.
“Gary coming back to us is a big plus.” said Parsley.
“He is working with Tom Morgan and our other keepers at the club. Gary and Tom do a bit of one to one work on the pitch in the warm-up and on top of what he does during the week’s training sessions with Tom and the other keepers at the club it is making a big difference.
“Gary has a lot of experience and a lot to offer. And I think he has genuine ties here because he was involved in the success at Throstle Nest under Lee Sinnott and then John Deacey.”
Riley and Dempsey found themselves in the heart of the Farsley defence almost as soon as they signed with player coach and club captain Mark Jackson injured and young protégé Josh Radcliffe suspended.
The upturn in Farsley’s form stood out and they go into tomorrow’s home clash with Cammell Laird unbeaten in seven games. Six of those have been victories and five have seen clean sheets recorded, in fact they have gone four league games on the spin without conceding.
Parsley said: “James and Matt had a terrific start to life at Throstle Nest and really shored up our defence, they have made a massive contribution. But then Josh has come back and been outstanding as well, perhaps the competition for places has had an effect.
“James has been an absolute rock at the back for us but then he and Matt are both very good players and we are lucky that with Park Avenue going so well that they were surplus to requirements up at Horsfall. I’m sure it’s our gain.”
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