Lee Ellington celebrates opening the scoring for Farsley AFC in the 2-2 draw with Northwich Victoria
Farsley AFC boss Neil Parsley said he felt “sorry” for the 134 people who turned out to watch the wind-affected 2-2 draw with Northwich Victoria – a result that lifted the promotion-chasers to second in the Evo Stik Division One North table, writes James Grayson.
Adam Priestley’s second half equaliser ensured a point for Farsley which extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches.
Lee Ellington had given Farsley an early lead, but the wind became gradually worse and this allowed Northwich a way back and two Ashley Stott goals put them in the driving seat before half-time.
Substitute Priestley came up with the leveller 20 minutes from time and Parsley was content with a point due to the elements.
“It was a difficult game because of the wind and it is no spectacle when it is like that,” he said.
“We tried to win it, but I think a draw was a fair result.
“The ball was out of play more than it was on the field and that made it difficult to get any continuity in the game.
“The goals we conceded were really strange because I thought defensively we were doing well until we gave away the first one rather sloppily.
“The second one was after a good save from Morgs, but I think we let Leadbetter run too far and given him too much time and space.
“Morgs has made another save after that so we could have found ourselves 3-1 down at half-time. If we had gone in at half-time level then I think it would have been a different story.
“It’s a good point considering the conditions, but I feel sorry for the spectators. I said to the players that it was so difficult to play today and the spectators don’t see any entertainment when it is like that.
“The wind was horrendous in the second half. But, at least it keeps our run going.”
Lee Ellington prepares to pull the trigger for Farsley’s opening goal
Northwich should have defended better for the opening goal. Centre-half Ryan Schofield backed off from the marauding Ellington and it opened the angle for the striker to fire a low strike into the bottom corner.
The wind then took control and gave Northwich the upper hand as the half hour mark approached. Gary Burnett drove Northwich forward and his pass sent Stott through. Stott went on the inside of covering defender Ryan Serrant and his shot took a wicked deflection to take the ball past Tom Morgan.
Northwich celebrate Ashley Stott’s equaliser
Farsley almost regained the lead within minutes when captain Robbie O’Brien’s powerful drive flew just wide of the post.
But, Northwich ended the half strongly. Former Southport striker Kevin Leadbetter’s distance attempt was parried by Morgan, but Stott was there to finish from close range – despite Paddy Miller’s efforts.
Miller was able to save his team 60 seconds later as the defender was on the goal-line to boot Joe Holt’s shot away from the danger.
His heroics played a vital role in Farsley’s comeback which took a while to happen. Aiden Savory went close and O’Brien fired over during an open goal situation after Northwich goalkeeper Tim Deasy had made a dreadful mistake.
Paddy Miller positions himself to clear Joe Holt’s goal-bound attempt off-the-line
Stott was also denied his hat-trick as Morgan, another top candidate for man of the match, was the winner in a one-on-one dual with the striker.
Parsley and his assistants Simeon Bambrook and Mark Jackson made their changes by bringing on Priestley and Danny Hull in a bid to cause the visitors problems down the flanks and the gamble paid dividends.
With his back to goal, Priestley was able to turn and powerfully hit the ball inside Deasy’s near post to draw his side level.
Farsley pushed for the winner, but the windy was hindering them instead of helping them. Miller also made another superb block in the final minutes to deny Northwich a much-needed victory. The former Scarborough Athletic defender threw himself in front of Burnett’s thunderous effort to earn Farsley a point and second place.
Farsley AFC: Morgan, Hardy, Serrant, Daly (Hull 65), Dempsey, Miller, O’Brien, Young, Ellington, Savory, James (Priestley 65). Subs unused: Taylor, Owen, Grant.
Northwich Victoria: Deasy, Smalley (Anthony-Joseph 80), Wisdom, Hadfield, Henry, Schofield, Holt (Amis 67), Summerskill, Burnett, Stott (Clarke 74), Leadbetter. Subs unused: Taylor, Greenwood.
Referee: S Mather (Droylsden)
Ref rating: 9/10
Attendance: 134
Man of the match: Paddy Miller (Farsley AFC)
Match Photos are HERE