Farsley AFC’s double goal-scorer Adam Priestley is tackled by Glasshoughton captain James Beaston during Farsley’s 4-0 win at Leeds Road
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Words and pictures by James Grayson (@jamesAgrayson, @NonLeagueNorth)
Glasshoughton Welfare chief Jon Miles rued key player absences as his side were well beaten by Farsley AFC at Leeds Road yesterday.
Miles watched from his dugout in his first home game in permanent charge of Glasshoughton as his team tumbled to a 4-0 defeat to the Evo Stik Division One North outfit.
The difference in class between the two sides was transparent throughout and Miles pondered what might have been if he had his trio of star players.
Andy Seed, Mark Newton and no-nonsense centre-back Jimmy Williams, arguably Miles’ best signing during his 12 game reign as caretaker manger, were unavailable.
Miles told Non League Yorkshire: “We knew we were going to up against it, especially when I found out that three our best players were going to be missing.
“We had six or seven of our fringe players out there and it showed.
“For more than half an hour we were more than competitive.
“It was a good experience. I don’t think we let ourselves down with the side we had out.
“It is just a shame we could’t get some of the more senior players out on the field.
“We had two young lads out there from Harrogate Town who have just signed in Reagan Fisher and Josh Morley.
“We ran out of steam towards the end when we were making changes right left and centre.”
Glasshoughton Welfare striker Reece Chappell holds off Farsley captain Robbie O’Brien during the big rain downpour
The match itself was lucky to go ahead as torrential rain at 2pm put the game in very real doubt.
The players were given the thumbs-up to play, but the first 15 minutes were played with the rain coming down heavily.
Lewis Nightingale, who had to withdraw early due to injury, hit the crossbar directly from a corner inside the opening exchanges before Welfare almost took the lead.
Glasshoughton’s Reece Chappell split the new Farsley centre-half pairing of Lewis Morgan and Spencer Harris open with a brilliant thoughtful pass down the middle of the park.
Long serving midfielder James Beaston, captain for the day, scuttled away, but despite being one-on-one with Jake Lofthouse, he fired his shot wide with the help of the post.
Farsley then took control of proceedings with a burst of three goals inside seven minutes beginning on the half hour mark.
Gibraltar International Adam Priestley got the first when he pounced upon a parried Aiden Savory effort.
Priestley also added the second with an easy finish after nearly going past his marker on the edge of the box.
Farsley captain Robbie O’Brien rounded off their first half goals with a fine strike from distance.
Lewis Nightingale went off injured early on and is a doubt for Farsley’s big pre-season friendly with Bradford City on Tuesday night
Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side Glasshoughton made plenty of changes during the second half and at times were admittedly chasing shadows – a shame considering their first half efforts.
Priestley almost completed his hat-trick with a shot that was deflected to safety by Glasshoughton’s trialist goalkeeper.
The fourth goal did arrive though and it was courtesy of a penalty. Priestley may have still been on the pitch, but it was Aaron Hardy who stepped and sent the Welfare goalkeeper the wrong way.
Ultimately Glasshoughton were easy meat for Farsley and their manager Neil Parsley said: “No game is easy, but I think a few players looked rusty for the first 15 minutes.
“But, we got two quick goals and then we settled down and played well. We kept the ball well for good long periods and showed good movements.
“All in all a good afternoon’s work.”
Glasshoughton Welfare: Trialist, Staton, Morley, Walsh, B Kellett, Beaston, Carr, Sambrook, Chappell, Fish, Duckworth. Subs: L Kellett, Fletcher, Barraclough, Gibbins, Blackett, Leech.
Farsley AFC: Lofthouse, Hardy, Grant, O’Brien, Harris, Morgan, Nightingale (Savory 15), Daly (Clamp 56), Priestley, Charlton (Robertson 30), Brownlee. Sub not used: Taylor.
Referee: Jamie Rhodes
Man of the match: Adam Priestley (Farsley AFC)