Harrogate Railway leave Throstle Nest with three points

Farsley suffered defeat at the hands of Harrogate Railway Athletic despite a stunning strike from forward Adam Priestley, writes Ash Mason.

Full of confidence following their win over Ramsbottom, it was Farsley who had the best of the opening chances, but failed to make them pay against a clinical Harrogate side.
Top-scorer Priestley gave Railway goalkeeper Sam Dobbs an uncomfortable moment when he flicked a header on target following Ryan Harrison’s cross from the left flank.
Captain Robbie O’Brien then had an opportunity to put Farsley in front when Tom Morgan’s long kick forward fell at the feet of striker Gareth Grant who put the ball on a plate for O’Brien who placed his shot wide of the post.
Although Farsley were continuing to create chances, it was Railway who took the lead with a simple goal. Dobbs’ goal kick was inadvertently flicked on by Chris Walton and the ball fell to the feet of Nathan Cartman who ended the move with a deft finish over Morgan.
This energised Railway, who then started to threaten themselves, with Cartman orchestrating most of the attacks and winger Joe McCann causing Farsley full-back Mike Atkinson - making his home debut after signing on-loan from York City - some trouble.
However, Farsley found themselves back in the game when Steve Mallory’s corner was cleared by the Railway defence, but only as far as Priestley who smashed the ball through a crowded box and into the back of the net to level the scores.
Railway then responded with Cartman again at the heart of the move. This time, the goal scorer then turned provider, playing in a lofted ball to McCann who held off Atkinson and struck the ball into the back of the net with his left foot.
After the break, Farsley looked to salvage something from the game as they continued to push forward. O’Brien and Grant again linked up, with the striker pulling the ball back for the onrushing Captain who again placed the ball wide.
Railway then steamed ahead when they extended their lead from the penalty spot when Cartman was brought down in the area by centre-half Rob Etherington. Midfielder Patrick McGuire then stepped up to convert and send Morgan the wrong way.
Defender Simeon Bambrook saw his long range free-kick tipped onto the bar by the fingertips of Dobbs late on, before skipper O’Brien finally got his goal when he stroked the ball home, but it proved to be no more than a consolation.
Farsley: Morgan, Atkinson, Bambrook, O’Brien ©, Dempsey (45’ Davies), Etherington, Priestley, Walton, Mallory (Booked), Grant, Harrison (73’ Tiani). Subs: James, Robinson, Higginson (GK).
Harrogate Railway Athletic: Dobbs, Wood, Hopkins, Thirkell, Maloney ©, Parkes (Booked 76’ Coupland), Hull, McGuire, Martin-Farina (80 Hunter), Cartman, McCann (51’ Hallam). Subs: Ashforth.