West Riding County Cup quarter-final: Farsley Celtic 4 Guiseley 2

MUCH-changed Guiseley bowed out of the West Riding County Cup at Farsley Celtic last night.

Both sides went into the tie with their tails up after banking good wins in their respective leagues at the weekend but, while the Celts played a strong side in the cup tie, Lions boss Adam Lockwood fielded a young side packed with Academy players.

The Lions were behind early on as Lewis Nightingale gave Farsley a fifth- minute lead, the winger netting after Guiseley keeper Dan Atkinson could only parry a shot.

The home side were enjoying more possession at the time and creating the better chances.

However, Guiseley’s young lions played their way back into the tie and equalised midway through the first half.

The home side failed to clear their lines and Connor Priestley seized on a loose ball before turning well and firing past Celts’ keeper Graeme McKibbon.

The sides headed into the break on level terms but Farsley snatched the initiative again before the hour.

Richard Marshall, who scored the winning goal in last season’s final for Bradford Park Avenue, beat Atkinson with a looping header.

A minute later, the Celts made a double substitution, with former Guiseley striker James Walshaw being introduced along with Adam Clayton.

The visitors briefly got level when Steven Smith picked his spot after taking a through ball but Walshaw helped knock his old club out.

Just a minute after Smith’s equaliser, Lions’ keeper Atkinson was forced into another parry, and Walshaw pounced to put the Celts into the lead for third time.

They ensured their progress into the semi-finals with a fourth goal but had to wait until stoppage time to get it.

Atkinson appeared to be rooted to the spot as Jordan Deacey rifled the ball past him from outside the area in the first minute of added-on time.

There was another scare for the Lions a minute later as home keeper McKibbon launched a goal kick that hit Atkinson’s crossbar.

The Lions will turn their attention to their fight for survival in the Vanarama National League when they travel to Nuneaton Town on Saturday.