Torquay United 0-1 Farsley Celtic
By James Grayson
Celtic pulled off one of the most memorable victories in their 100 year history as promotion chasing Torquay were beaten in their own backyard.
Before the game John Deacey was forced to make changes from his that beat Weymouth last week. Dominic Krief and Roy Stamer were ruled out due to injury so James Knowles and Stephen Downes replaced them. The Celtic manager also made one more change by handing David McNiven his first start in place of Simeon Bambrook.
Celtic started brightly but early attempted attacks were easily thwarted by the strong Torquay defenders. In the opening few minutes Knowles fired the ball wide after Rory Prendergast cross.
Torquay were looking dangerous but it was Celtic who struck early with what-was-to-be the only goal of the game. From a throw-in Downes played the ball up to Damian Reeves who chested it down for McNiven. McNiven simply smashed the ball low at goal from 20 yards. Everyone leapt up but the post denied the on-loan striker. However lady-luck was shining on Celtic as the rebound hit the keeper Simon RAYNER on the head and cannoned into the back of the net, Celtic were ahead.
Torquay got back into the game and Curtis Aspden had to make a save on 27 minutes. A hopeful shot from 18 yards by Chris Zebroski was tipped over for a corner.
The home supporters were starting to get restless as their team became unable to test Aspden. If Andy Watson’s effort had gone in on 44 minutes – some may have walked out at half-time. Watson went on a good run and suddenly the Torquay defence opened up – presenting him with a fantastic opportunity. Watson shot from 20 yards and had there not been a deflection he would have scored. The ball only just went wide for a Celtic corner.
HT 0-1
The second half was all Torquay but despite all the pressure, they couldn’t force a save out of Aspden. However it did turn into the defence of the Alamo.
Torquay’s best chance of the game came on 51 minutes and had Roscoe DSane scored there would have controversy. As the long ball came down DSane handled it but the officials were unsighted. DSane held off Georges Santos and then rounded Aspden. However the Torquay striker was drawn into a tight angle and this enabled captain Amjad Iqbal to clear the ball off the line before Mark Jackson cleared the ball right down the field.
Celtic were defending for their lives and their only chance of the second-half came on 67 minutes when Knowles headed wide a Prendergast corner.
The home supporters were getting even more restless as all their team could muster was endless long balls into the box aiming for their danger man Tim Sills.
Disaster nearly struck on 76 minutes when influential captain Iqbal injured his hamstring and had to go off injured. John Deacey shuffled his pack and Jackson went in the centre of defence.
Torquay were getting desperate and the Celtic defence were able to clear every punt into the box. On 83 minutes Sills wasted a glorious chance. Kevin Nicholson played a long ball from the right into the box. Sills leapt and headed well over the bar.
The clock was ticking and when it struck 90, the added time board went up and five was on it. However despite the amount of time left Torquay couldn’t find the answer and when Colin Heath won a free kick in the corner, the referee called for time.
The famous win was Craig Bentham’s last game for the club as his loan spell has come to its end. However despite the win, the fight isn’t over and Tuesday’s game against Droylsden will be tough.
FT 0-1
Torquay: Rayner, Mansell, Robertson, Ellis, Nicholson, Bedeau (Banim 45), Adams (Mullings 72), Hargreaves, Zebroski, Sills, D'Sane (Phillips 59).
Subs Not Used: Rice, Hill.
Farsley Celtic: Aspden, Jackson, Iqbal (Bambrook 79), Santos, Knowles, Watson, Downes, Bentham, Prendergast, David McNiven (Torpey 87), Reeves (Heath 90).
Subs Not Used: Tuck, Krief.
Attendance: 2,406
Ref: B Malone (Wiltshire).
Celtic Man of the Match – the Whole Team!
