The league newcomers were on the wrong end of a strong Farsley Celtic display that was a massive wake-up call. That was how assistant manager Nigel Greenwood described the game.

Nigel, taking charge of the dugout in the absence of brother Tony who is serving a two-match touch line ban, said Farsley used experience from the Blue Square Premier picked-up before their relegation last season.

"Tonight was always going to be a difficult game. Farsley were relegated last season from the Conference and it turned out to be a massive wake-up call for us. They are a very good passing side and we struggled at times to keep hold of the ball. It was a tough start.

We did find our feet and had a couple of good spells but we have got to learn quickly. Tonight is probably the standard we will be up against all season. We have to look after the ball better and make more chances.

Farsley have to be one of the better sides in the league and that is the level we must adopt."

Fleetwood soaked up the early Farsley pressure as the heavy rain continued to lash down. Summer-signing Simon Garner was kept busy but gave a tidy display by matching Matthew James down the left in the opening minutes.

Phil Doughty showed his ability on 5 minutes by clearing to provide Adam Warlow. Doughty then denied former Blackpool team-mate Rory Prendergast on 10 minutes.

Danny Hurst was also tested but Andy Watson only managed to put his effort wide. A five-man Farsley build-up then saw James Price put a weak effort wide of Hurst on 11 minutes.

Town's first real effort came on 13 minutes from Jamie Milligan but the skipper could only chip wide of the approaching Curtis Aspen in the home goal. Nathan Pond was then needed to be at his best to keep the Farsley threat at bay, something he maintained throughout the game. Shaun Beeley was called in action on 26 minutes against a four-man home move. The Fleetwood right back broke-up the resulting one-two between Andy Campbell and Watson as they moved into the Fleetwood box.

Steve Foster and Warlow immediately went forward from the clearance for Town's best effort so far but were denied by Aspden. Farsley edged ahead on 37 minutes when Andy Campbell beat the out-stretched Hurst. The first half ended with efforts at both ends. Milligan collected the ball on the half way line and set-up Mark Peers.

The hard-working Peers stepped past three defenders only to shoot wide. Danny Hurst confirmed his first half clean sheet into added time when Andy Watson was clean through only to be met by a fine save from point blank range.

The second period started with both sides coming out to add to the scoreline. Campbell continued to threaten but Mercer blocked for Hurst to save and Garner cleared the loose ball. Warlow saw an effort cleared off the line on the hour and Milligan also had an attempt ending over the bar.

With 25 minutes remaining John Hills was introduced in place of the industrious Garner. He immediately made an impression when he collected from Colin Potts and found Steve Foster with a well-threaded pass.

Campbell was again on target after 71 minutes thanks to a Prendergast cross from the dead ball line. Prendergast again played a hand in Farsley's third by putting James Walshaw through on 79 minutes.

Warlow and Peers provided for Colin Potts to claim Town's first Blue Square North goal to make it 3-1 on 83 minutes. The result was finally confirmed in added time when Matthew James was put through by the impressive Prendergast to finish the game at 4-1.

Whilst it must be remembered the teams were two divisions apart last season, Fleetwood must learn to adapt to their highest ever level of football very quickly.

Tony Greenwood's men put together some good passing football, particularly on the half-hour mark. They must use this to build confidence in time for Saturday's visit to Hyde United.

United have failed to take any points from their opening two games – a 3-2 defeat at Alfreton Town and 1-0 home reversal against Burscough on Monday.

Fleetwood Town:
Danny Hurst (gk), Shaun Beeley (Walmsley), Simon Garner (Hills), Phil Doughty, Ricky Mercer, Nathan Pond, Colin Potts, Jamie Milligan (c), Adam Warlow, Steve Foster (Denney), Mark Peers

Subs:
Warren Beattie, Mike Hale (gk), Phil Denney, Kieran Walmsley, John Hills