Farsley Celtic has maintained their strong beginning to the 2023/24 season, securing a 1-0 victory against Bishop’s Stortford through a first-half goal from Darren Stephenson.
Clayton Donaldson’s team entered the match with an unblemished record in the new season’s initial three games. They commenced the season with a 2-0 triumph over Rushall Olympic, followed by consecutive 1-1 draws at The Citadel against Chorley and South Shields.
Anticipated due to the extensive four-hour journey to Hertfordshire, Farsley commenced the game at a more measured pace. A chance emerged for the home team to take the lead within ten minutes, as George Sykes skewed a volley wide from the six-yard box.
Following an initial period of pressure from the home side, the Celts seized the advantage slightly after the thirty-minute mark. Darren Stephenson seized upon a lengthy forward pass from Harry Sheridan, circumvented Jack Giddens, and eventually located the net’s roof, propelling Farsley into a commanding position.
The subsequent half yielded limited opportunities, with Stortford employing an aerial onslaught on the Farsley defence to no avail. The resolute performance of Rudy Misambo and Jack Leckie proved instrumental in maintaining the Celts’ lead.
Conor Branson might ponder over his missed chance to extend Farsley’s lead twenty minutes before the end. He connected with Chris Atkinson’s outward-swinging corner, directing a forceful header towards the goal, prompting an exceptional reflex save from Giddens to keep the home side in contention.
This ultimately stood as the pivotal opportunity of the encounter. Despite the home side’s endeavours to equalise, their efforts faltered. Zan-Luk Leban encountered minimal testing in the Farsley goal before the conclusive whistle signalled another commendable three points for the Celt Army.
This outcome propels Farsley to sixth place in the National League North standings, achieved through two victories and two draws. This feat also establishes them as one of merely ten teams in the entirety of the National League to sustain an undefeated record.
