Byrne bags the winner (From Redditch Advertiser)

Byrne bags the winner

8:37pm Sunday 29th March 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Farsley Celtic 1, Redditch United 2

By David Lawrence

GOALS from Gary Hay and Jack Byrne handed the points to the Reds and lifted them three points clear of the drop zone.

And manager Gary Whild will be hoping for a repeat performance when they head to another of their relegation rivals Blyth Spartans on Tuesday.

Redditch were forced to shuffle their back even before kick-off after striker Marvin Robinson injured his calf in the warm-up and ha d to be replaced in the starting line-up by Mark hands.

The Reds created their first chance on 20 minutes, a long-range Ryan Beswick free-kick that was well saved by Curtis Aspden in the Farsley goal.

Five minutes later and another free-kick, this time from Hands, skimmed the woodwork with the keeper beaten.

The opening goal came on 32 minutes. Hay collected the ball 25-yards out and neatly spun and rifled a shot into the net.

But the Redditch celebrations were cut short when their hosts levelled just three minutes later, Dominic Krief’s cross being powered home from close range by defender Matt Jackson.

The game continued to flow from end to end and Farsley almost added a second just before the break but Craig Bentham’s free-kick sailed inches over the bar.

Chris Dickinson made way for the experienced Carl Heggs at the start of the second half and it was the Redditch player-coach who started the move that led to Byrne’s winner.

Heggs placed a perfect pass into the path of Byrne who then fed Asa Charlton out on the right. It was from the skipper’s cross and Byrne headed past Aspden to round off a fine team goal.

Luke Malcher and Bentham had half chances for the home side in the closing stages while Byrne was denied his second by the Celtic keeper five minutes from time.

Reds: Lewis 7, Spittle 7, Charlton 8, Briscoe 8, Rowe-Turner 8, Dickinson 7 (Heggs 46, 6), BYRNE 9, Story 7 (Oliver 85), Hay 8, Hands 7, Beswick 7. Subs (not used): Ford, Bullimore, Daniels.

Farsley: Aspden 7, Bentham 7, Serrant 6, Iqbal 6 (Malcher 82), M Jackson 7, D’Laryea 7, Tuck 6 (Strickland 74), KRIEF 8, Reeves 7, Grant 6 (Green 58, 6), Prendergast 7. Subs Unused: Saynor, T Jackson

Referee: Mr M Bell (Rotherham) 7

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)