Farsley Celtic 2, Trafford 0

FARSLEY Celtic had to be patient at a wet and windy Throstle Nest but two goals inside the last two minutes earned them a home Evo-Stik League win that lifted them another two places up the table.

After a dreadful start to the Division One North campaign, Neil Parsley's men can now overhaul ninth-placed Trafford if they win their games in hand.

The Celts have played four games fewer than their Mancunian visitors, while the points difference between the clubs is currently down to nine.

Farsley boss Parsley said: "It was a great win, all things considered. We left it late and it wasn't the prettiest but in the conditions it could prove to be a vital one.

"It was certainly one of those that we had to grind out – it was a workmanlike and determined performance.

"Our two centre halves, Adam Clayton and Paddy Miller, were outstanding and laid the basis for it.

"Behind the two of them, Tom (goalkeeper Taylor) has also had a good game. He didn't have too much to do but when called on he was just as solid as the defenders in front of him.

"That's a fourth win on the spin now – three in the league and one in the cup – and it's about time the lads were getting the rewards from the performances they've been putting in."

It was a game of few chances and, after a largely forgettable goalless first half, the crowd must have been hoping for an improvement.

There was not a significant rise in goalmouth action or attempts on target but there was plenty of endeavour from both sides.

Farsley snatched the lead with a superb finish from right back Aaron Hardy in the 88th minute.

They then put the gloss on the win thanks to their work ethic as a ball chased down was played in to Aiden Savory and he doubled Farsley's lead in the last minute.

Parsley said: "When you go to places like Clitheroe and win 5-2, it is no good if you don't back it up – and we did that here.

"To improve your position, you have to string results together and we're on a roll at the minute.

"The key is to keep that going as long as possible and right now, the next game cannot come quickly enough for us.

"I think the clean sheet won this game for us as much as the two goals scored because if you're solid at the back, you always have a chance of winning games."