Preview: Farsley Celtic vs Peterborough Sports

Farsley Celtic will be looking to bounce back from defeat on Wednesday night when the Celts take on Peterborough Sports at the Horsfall Stadium

Farsley return to the Horsfall Stadium in Bradford for the second time this season after succumbing to a 3-0 defeat on Friday night to Spennymoor Town where Pav Singh’s side struggled to get going.

They take on Peterborough Sports who so far have lingered near the National League North relegation zone at the start of the season, however due to a recent upturn in form the Turbines now find themselves level on points with Farsley knowing that a victory at the Horsfall could see them leapfrog the Celts and go as high as 12th mathematically.

It will be a tough midweek encounter for Farsley with recent fitness issues leaving the squad down to its bare bones, however they will be boosted by the return of Joao Silva who comes back after a recent loan spell at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Manager Pav Singh is looking for a reaction from Friday night’s result and expressed his belief in the squad, saying: “Recent results haven’t gone our way, but our belief in this squad remains as strong as ever.

“We’ve shown resilience throughout the season and despite the challenges and injuries, we’re prepared to deliver a performance that reflects our values as a club.”

Singh also emphasised the need to see the bigger picture with the players at the club, saying: “While results are always a priority, we’re also committed to developing our players into valuable assets for the club and their own careers.

“Players like Cole Hyde, Bailey Sloane, Dylan Youmbi, Robbie Fox, DJ Campton-Sturridge, Joao Silva and Tom Wooster are great examples of this; showing incredible growth and potential.

“We’ve also brought in players such as Aiden Walker, Manny Mampala, Sam Fielding and Danny Greenfield. All in their mid-twenties, they clearly demonstrate the importance of balancing youth with experience. This balance is key to our long term success.”

Singh also praised the influence of the more senior players in the squad, saying: “Darren Stephenson, Ryan Watson, Conor Branson, Ben Atkinson, Tom Allan, Isaac Assenso, Rudy Misambo and Lewis Turner not only all lead by example but also serve as mentors for the younger players, guiding them through the challenges of this unforgiving league.

“At National League North level, players must adapt quickly due to limited contact time and resources. Both management and players need to be prepared to suffer together.

“We have to remain stubborn with our goals but flexible in our methods. This combination of resilience and adaptability, with guidance from our senior players will help us achieve the small wins and marginal gains that are crucial for our progress.”

Singh then linked this philosophy to the success of the Emerging Talent squad who will take on South Leeds in the West Yorkshire County Cup this evening, saying: “This is also why our ETS has been such a success.

“Day to day, they are out on the grass and in the classroom with myself and Luke Dean who leads them superbly. They’re taking on South Leeds, a Step 6 side, in the County Cup and will soon face Accrington Stanley in the first round of the FA Youth Cup.

“Let’s continue to push forward, sticking to our vision and working together as a team. Come on Farsley!”

TEAM NEWS

Cole Hyde will be ok after a slight injury scare on Friday night, Ryan Watson returns to the squad too. Farsley are still without key players such as Darren Stephenson and Isaac Assenso. As mentioned above, Joao Silva is also available.

PETERBOROUGH SPORTS

The Turbines are well into their third season in the NLN and currently sit 19th in the table level on points with Farsley. Like the Celts, Sports enjoyed a successful run in the FA Cup before losing out in the final qualifying round to fellow NLN side Rushall Olympic after a replay. In the league, they most recently defeated struggling Marine 2-0.

LAST TIME OUT

The two sides played each other in quick succession at the end of the 2023/24 season due to postponements, each side recording 1-0 wins in their home fixtures.

SOCIAL MEDIA & COMMENTARY

To follow live updates of tonight’s game, you can keep up to date with our social media channels, as well as our live matchday commentary with Matt Blackburn; on air from 19:30.