Farsley Celtic 1 Hucknall Town 0

Farsley addressed their patchy home form by gaining a much-needed victory to draw level on points with Hucknall in the safety zone of the Conference North table.

It was not merely a win, it was a richly-deserved one and the narrow scoreline should mislead no-one.

In England's sixth division - northern section - chances are at a premium and defences are really tight.

Farsley have found that out in their ten games so far. They have also learned that if you put them away you have a better than even chance of winning a game.

Saturday's winner came from an unexpected quarter as left back Martin Pemberton raced from his own half, got a return pass from Dominic Krief, weaved past defenders in the area and slammed the ball in from the edge of the six-yard box to claim a stunning solo strike.

That was in the 52nd minute and the Celts never looked back. They were under pressure at times but this was their third clean sheet on the trot.

Hucknall's main threat was their giant striker but home centre backs Ryan Crossley and Carl Serrant had him well shackled, while keeper Tom Morgan had some crosses and long balls to deal with but no direct shots.

Farsley manager Lee Sinnott said: "It was a very important win. There are many things to look at but the over-riding thing is we played extremely well.

"Our defending is done by the whole team. As soon as we lose possession - even if that is to a goal kick or on the edge of the opposition's area - it is a team ethic. Three clean sheets on the trot tells its own story."