The Villagers edge closer to the Blue Square Premier trapdoor as a result and they can have no complaints after a feeble showing.

"Our worst performance of the season," was the verdict of Farsley manager John Deacey at full time.

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His team could have been ahead inside the opening minute when Rory Prendergast's blast was pawed clear by Vics' custodian Scott Tynan.

His opposite number Curtis Aspden replied with a stunning save of his own to deny Lee Steele.

Celtic should have scored on seven minutes. Top scorer Damien Reeves broke the offside trap but, after scooping a shot over Tynan, watched on in anguish as the hosts' keeper pedalled back to make an impressive stop.

Farsley's world fell apart after that. Vics opened the scoring five minutes before the break when Darryn Stamp guided Ryan Brown's cross past Aspden from close range. And the in form hosts added a second in stoppage time.

Deacey threw on forwards Simeon Bambrook and David McNiven to join Reeves in attack but it served only to hinder his side's porous defence.
Both should have scored before Michael Byrne did on 65 minutes.

Clever Crowell took a quick free kick to send Mullan clear down the right and he squared for Byrne to apply the finishing touch from close range.

Aspden was brilliant to deny Joel Byrom from a free kick before Brown missed a sitter after Byrne had spotted him in space on the left.

Steele scored the goal his individual performance deserved in injury time, blasting past Aspden after Welch's header had split the Celtic rearguard once more.

Deacey had no complaints afterwards.

"They were worthy winners," he said. "I could spend between now and Monday analysing what went wrong but to be honest I think it's best to write it off and move on."

NORTHWICH VICTORIA: Tynan (Connett 31), Meadowcroft, Belle, Welch, Mullan, Crowell, Byrom, Brown (Horrocks 86), Byrne, Stamp (Burns 75), Steele. Subs not used: Carr, Bowler.

FARSLEY CELTIC: Aspden, Jackson, Santos, Iqbal, Scott McNiven (David McNiven 50), Downes (Knowles 63), Bentham, Krief, Prendergast, Reeves, Torpey (Bambrook 50). Subs not used: Backhouse, Stamer.

Referee: Chris Sarginson (Staffordshire).