Droylsden...............1

Farsley Celtic........2

Farseley put a dent in Droylsden’s promotion aspirations with an excellent, spirited display, particularly as they were reduced to 10 men just before half-time.

The hosts began well enough, with the impressive Neil Prince registering three shots off target, although he should have done better with at least one.

The referee’s assistant then flagged for a penalty on 26 minutes when Ryan Serrant fouled Tony Gray.

It seemed a very harsh decision, but the official was well placed and Gray himself despatched the spot kick.

However, Droylsden’s lead lasted only 10 minutes when Simeon Bambrooke beat the offside trap to send a low cross in for Gareth Grant to convert from close range.

The red mist then descended when Dave Syers’ elbow caught the back of Liam Brownhill’s head.

Farsley made an immediate switch to cope with their numerical disadvantage.

It paid immediate dividends in unexpected fashion, when substitute Scott Driscoll was on the end of a low cross from Dominic Krief, who ghosted past Neil Sorvel to deliver another low cross that was almost a carbon-copy of the first goal.

In added time, Farsley had a good shout for a penalty waved away when Bambrooke was upended by Alex Brown, leaving the Celts’ bench fuming at the officials at the half-time whistle.

After the break, Droylsden toiled against the 10 men.

Naturally, they enjoyed long spells of possession, but lacked any quality in the final third, and when they did, they found Farsley defenders throwing themselves in the way of shots.

The best chance fell to Alex Brown, but he scuffed his shot after being set up by Gray.

That aside, Droylsden never really looked like getting back on level terms, let alone winning the match.

Attendance: 264

Gary Owen