Farsley AFC midfielder Lewis Nightingale was involved in three of his side’s goals in the 4-2 victory at Harrogate Railway. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Lewis Nightingale was the star man as Farsley AFC finally ended their Harrogate Railway hoodoo in the Evo Stik Division One North yesterday.
Even assistant manager Mark Jackson, who took charge of Farsley, admitted the fact that the Villagers had never beaten Railway in a league game during Billy Miller’s reign was mentioned to his players.
Nightingale orchestrated Farsley’s first half goals in the 4-2 win – scoring once and getting an assist – as Railway gave him too much time on the ball on the right-wing.
Jason St Juste, Aaron Hardy and Aiden Savory’s were Farsley’s other goal-scorers in a win which was their third victory on the bounce.
Railway were left to rue a third consecutive game when a penalty has been conceded and the fact that 18 goals have been conceded in four games.
Jackson told Non League Yorkshire: “I think the key to victory today was the way we performed just after half-time.
“We started the game fairly well, but, we died off and let them back into the game. Our tempo wasn’t at the standard we had on Saturday and we spoke about that at half-time.
“We spoke about raising the tempo, looking after the ball better in the midfield areas and switching the ball a bit better. We did that after half-time which enabled us to get a foothold in the game and control it.
“We weren’t quite happy with the last 15 minutes with the way we managed the game. We give them a chance to get back into and we need to learn from that.”
He added: “We said that (we have never beaten Harrogate under Miller) after the victory on Saturday.
“I’m really good friends with Billy and Ash (Lee Ashforth) as well and his teams are good teams and they’re organised.
“We always have tough games and we are never really good starters on Bank Holiday games, but, hopefully we have put that to bed.
“We won the game and won it fairly convincingly in the end. Hopefully we have put that hoodoo and mentality out of our heads for future games.”
Farsley striker Adam Priestley falls to the floor after a strong challenge from Railway captain Jason Mycoe. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Man of the match Lewis Nightingale looks up to take the ball forward. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Farsley AFC captain Robbie O’Brien looks to tackle Rob Youhill, who was making his first appearance of the season for Harrogate Railway. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Farsley goal-scorer Jason St Juste holds off Harrogate defender Dan Thirkell. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Farsley AFC assistant manager Mark Jackson, who took charge in place of the ill Neil Parsley, watches on from the side-lines. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Farsley had suffered a number of blows after their 5-0 smashing of Padiham on Saturday.
Manager Neil Parsley was unable to make the game due to illness and their two centre-halves, James Riley and Spencer Harris, were missing.
That opened up a return for Matt Dempsey and a debut for former Brighouse Town centre-back Sam Hewitt.
Railway themselves made five changes from the 6-1 defeat at Droylsden – some forced, some not.
Wing wizard Rob Youhill returned to action having missed most of pre-season due to work commitments.
Railway assistant manager Lee Ashforth, who has ‘retired’ a number of times, kept goal for his side and he was put under constant pressure early on.
St Juste placed a shot wide from a good position and Nightingale also had an effort blocked by Gregg Kidd.
Nathan Cartman forced a good save out of Tom Taylor before the opening goal just after the half hour mark.
Nightingale returned to Throstle Nest for a second spell in the summer and is already proving his worth.
The skilful midfielder was given too much time and room on the ball a number of times on the right wing and Railway eventually paid the price.
Nightingale ran for some distance unchallenged and his through ball to the other side of the box found St Juste and his fellow winger, powerfully struck the ball towards goal.
The shot took a deflection and flew past Ashforth.
Their lowly early position in the table may not look good, but, Railway are no mugs and are very powerful going forward and the equaliser soon arrived.
Harrogate broke quickly and Youhill sent Cartman sprinting away with the ball down the right.
Farsley’s defence was put under severe pressure for the first time as Cartman crossed.
Youhill was unable to gain control of the ball, but, Cartman soon arrived on the scene.
The striker feigned a shot which committed Taylor and his defence and the angle opened for him to pass the ball into the corner of the net from close range.
The hard work was quickly undo as Farsley responded inside two minutes on the stroke of half-time.
Railway, again, failed to deal with Nightingale and the former Huddersfield Town youngster fired a sweet low shot past Ashforth and into the goal with the help of the right-hand post.
The message from Harrogate boss Miller at half-time was that the game was still there to be won, but, the second half began in a disastrous manner for the home side.
Kidd’s careless challenge on Nightingale in the box won Farsley a penalty and Aaron Hardy confidently scored by putting the ball above Ashforth’s reach.
If the match wasn’t over for Railway, it soon was after Savory’s introduction. The influential striker toe-poked Marcus Edwards’ low cross past Ashforth from inches away to seal the visitors’ victory.
Railway pulled a goal back with minutes remaining when Alex Metcalfe burst through and scored with a good finish as Taylor advanced.
Harrogate Railway: Ashforth, Thirkell, Kidd (Hunter 71), Morris, Mycoe (captain), Metcalfe, Youhill (Sharrocks 71), Coates, Ibrahimi, Cartman, Baker. Subs unused: Bromley, Colley, Bojang.
Farsley AFC: Taylor, Hardy, Serrant (Grant 51), O’Brien (captain) (Clamp 77), Hewitt, Dempsey, Nightingale, Daly, Edwards, Priestley (Savory 60), St Juste. Sub unused: Lofthouse.
Referee: Craig Hainsworth (West Yorkshire)
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 149
Man of the match: Lewis Nightingale (Farsley AFC)