Farsley Close in On Accrington Duo

[JackPFarsley]

Farsley Celtic close in on deals for Accrington Stanley duo






Farsley Celtic boss John Deacey is hoping to sign striker David Brown and centre-back Mark Roberts from Accrington Stanley.






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By Wendy Walker
Boss John Deacey hopes to add two more players to his squad ahead of what he believes will be Farsley Celtic's toughest match to date at Throstle Nest tonight.
Celtic were closing in on deals to sign striker David Brown and centre-back Mark Roberts from Accrington Stanley ahead of the visit of Peter Taylor's Stevenage Borough along with the Setanta Sports television cameras.

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Roberts, 25, has been a virtual ever-present for the League Two side this season while 29-year-old former Hull City striker David Brown has a wealth of Football League experience.

If Deacey can get them on board, to join on-loan Leeds United midfielder Scott Gardner and former Sheffield United man Georges Santos who were signed earlier this week, he will go into tonight's Blue Square Premier showdown against the second-placed side, kick-off 7.45pm, with renewed optimism.

Deacey said: "It's a very difficult game and I'll be pitting myself against a former England manager. But, hopefully, with the players we're trying to bring in we will be able to compete and put in a good performance, especially after the one against Kidderminster last Saturday.

"That still hurts now. We deserved something from the game - we deserved to win - but that's life."

Damien Reeves gave Celtic a 17th minute lead at the Harriers last weekend but they ultimately lost 2-1 to an injury-time strike.

It left them fourth-bottom in the table and with only one win - against Halifax Town over Christmas - in their last 12 Blue Square Premier outings.

Stevenage, in contrast, thumped Celts' relegation rivals Droylsden 5-0 in their last outing to keep up their pursuit of promotion in second spot.

The loss of manager Mark Stimson, who was later appointed as new boss of Gillingham, in October failed to derail Borough, who simply swooped for Taylor to replace him.

And Deacey admitted: "I fancy them to win the league. They are putting a very good squad together, one hell of a squad, and it's a very impressive set-up down there.

"They are an attractive side. They have players banging in goals like Craig Dobson and Steve Morison, who a lot of clu
bs are interested in.

"They lost a quality manager to the Football League but brought one in with even more quality. They showed their intent and I do fancy them to go into the Football League.

"It's going to be tough, but that's what the Conference is all about.

"But we are putting together a strong squad ourselves now, which is what we need because we have a hell of a lot of games coming up, though we still need a couple more additions if we are going to get out of this situation.".

Deacey was happy with Curtis Aspden's debut at Kidderminster, with the goalkeeper - signed from Hull City late last week - showing a commanding presence in his area.

The return to goal-scoring form of last season's leading marksman Reeves was also a boost.

"I always knew he would be back among the goals," said Deacey. "And he tends to score in spurts so that's what we're hoping for now."

[DAV007]

Why is he selling roberts?