Farsley Celtic 0-1 Burton Albion

By James Grayson

Despite a good performance, Celtic fell to another defeat, this time at the hands of Burton Albion. The defeat and wins for Altrincham and Weymouth meant that Celtic dropped into the relegation zone.

John Deacey made one change from the side that lost at Northwich. Simeon Bambrook came in for Steve Torpey as Damian Reeves’ partner. On the bench Lee Tuck returned from his loan spell with Guiseley and replaced Chris Backhouse.

Celtic started well up the field but looked vulnerable with Matt Williams causing numerous problems. On 3 minutes Rory Prendergast volleyed over from 30 yards.

The goal that won the game came on 14 minutes when Mr Dependable made a rare mistake. Amjad Iqbal misjudged where the ball was landing and Williams took advantage and darted diagonally into the box. Iqbal gave chase but was unable catch him. Georges Santos came across but before he could block the ball, WILLIAMS fired the ball low into the back of the net.

Celtic didn’t collapse and they were able to get behind the Burton defenders. But on every occasion, the assistant referee put his flag up. On 20 minutes, Reeves was brought down 25 yards away from goal and was awarded a free kick. Bambrook took it and a deflection took the ball just wide.

Celtic captain Iqbal redeemed himself on 25 minutes when he kept Celtic in the game. Williams was involved again and his goal-bound shot inside the penalty area was brilliantly blocked by Iqbal.

HT 0-1

The second half saw Celtic dominate for the majority with a number of chances created but none taken.

On 52 minutes Rory Prendergast was presented with a fantastic opportunity. Prendergast ran onto the ball but from 18 yards he made a mess of his shot and fired high and wide. Three minutes later Scott McNiven made a rare surging run forward and was only denied by the brave Burton keeper Saul Deeney.

Celtic were causing problems especially from corners as Deeney was struggling to cope. On 62 minutes Deeney flapped but from 12 yards Craig Bentham panicked and volleyed well wide.

The most controversial moment of the game came on 64 minutes when Prendergast was barged to the ground in the penalty area. The ball was played to Prendergast and before he could turn he was savagely barged to the floor by a Burton defender. However the referee amazingly waved away appeals.

John Deacey made changes by bringing on Tuck, David McNiven and Roy Stamer for the last twenty minutes and it was McNiven who caused problems.

As time was running out, Deeney flapped at another corner and Bambrook lobbed him but was denied by the post on 83 minutes. Burton were holding out and Celtic’s last chance came on 86 minutes. David McNiven turned his defender outside the area and fired low and beat Deeney. But this time the ball went just wide.

FT 0-1

Farsley Celtic: Aspden, Jackson, Iqbal, Santos, Scott McNiven (Tuck 66), Downes (Stamer 74), Bentham, Krief, Prendergast (David McNiven 74), Bambrook, Reeves. Subs Not Used: Knowles, Torpey.

Burton Albion: Deeney, Brayford, Greaves (Farrell 46), James, Hurst, Harrad, Simpson, McGrath, Webster, Clare (Goodfellow 56), Williams (Edwards 75). Subs Not Used: Taylor, Gilroy.

Attendance: 696

Referee: J Collin (Wales).