By Lawrence Stanley
Steven King will be hoping to maintain his winning league start with Gloucester City when his side host Farsley Celtic this afternoon in the National League North.
After a stunning comeback against Southport in his first league game in charge, King’s men followed up with a 2-1 away win against Alfreton Town last weekend.
City did the double over their opponents last season and another win would see them continue their momentum as they sit inside the play-offs.
Last time out:
Kieran Phillips continued his great form for the Tigers by bagging a brace as they beat Alfreton Town at North Street last Saturday.
Phillips was the hero off the bench the week before, scoring twice in a 3-2 victory against Southport after City trailed by two goals in the first 10 minutes, but made an impact from the start as City held on for a valuable three points.
Gloucester are now in the penultimate play-off spot, one point ahead of Kidderminster Harriers – who have played a game less – and Brackley Town, and will be looking to make it three wins in a row for new boss King.
Farsley were well-beaten by Southport in their last match, with goals from Adam Anson, Tyler Walton and Josh Hmami leaving Russ Wilcox’s team in the final relegation place on 10 points. The Celts have won just once in their last 10 games.
The Opposition:
Farsley endured a mainly miserable campaign last season, winning just nine times in their 42 matches, finishing second from bottom but were spared relegation by virtue of only one team dropping down to the seventh tier in 2021/22.
In their defence it was the first full season the club had at this level after the previous two were ended prematurely as a result of Covid-19.
Jimmy Spencer is the Celts’ top scorer so far this season, with the former Huddersfield Town man notching three goals.
Manager Wilcox brings a vast amount of experience having been at a higher level during his playing days with the likes of Hull City, Preston North End and Scunthorpe United. He then went on to manage the Iron in his first role, achieving promotion to League One in the 2013/14 season.
Past meetings:
12 February 2022: Farsley Celtic 1-2 Gloucester City – National League North
13 November 2022: Gloucester City 2-0 Farsley Celtic – National League North
28 November 2020: Gloucester City 1-2 Farsley Celtic - National League North
9 March 2020: Gloucester City 2-1 Farsley Celtic - National League North
9 November 2019: Farsley Celtic 1-1 Gloucester City – National League North
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