Farsley opened their Lancit Haulage Lancashire League season at home to local rivals Ossett Town on Tuesday night in damp but near perfect conditions to register a solid 5-2 win.

 

Farsley's reserve team featured several 1st teamers eager to maintain their fitness for a season in which maintaining a Conference edge will prove to be a key factor as the Club seeks to establish itself once again at a higher level. With the average age of the squad still under 21 there was, even so, an excellent blend of youth and 'experience' on show which was in the end too much for a plucky Ossett side.

 

After a good start early on, in which Farsley kept the ball well, the Ossett forwards, who were a handful all night long, broke away and a swirling shot from well outside the box could only be parried by the Farsley keeper as it flew into the net. Opening game jitters were soon allayed as Farsley regained their composure to level and then go a goal up. Fine work by Andy Watson set Joe Dixon up before Watson himself scored following a surging run. At 2-1 Farsley were in control before another shock to the system let Ossett back in to level just before half time.

 

Ossett held the ball well at times and once again gave the Farsley team a run for its money.However, Farsley's extra quality all round was the difference in the end as they stormed away in the 2nd half scoring 3 more without reply. A cracking headed goal from Joe Dixon rounded off an encouraging switch of roles for him this season with Neil Stevens and Nick Smith also scoring well.

 

Verdict: not a bad start but we will need improve in all aspects of our game if we are to repeat the successes of last season.

 

M.O.M. Steve Downes, returning after a toe injury combined well with Andy Watson and was quality throughout. The younger players should take note!!!!

 

Farsley: J Holroyd,S Downes,C Thackray(Capt),G O'Gara, B Waterfield, A Watson, R Batley,N Stevens, J Dixon, N Smith, R Serrant. Subs A Cooper, J Hope, L Craven, J Barber, T Hewitt, T Thornton.