By John Baron
Farsley Celtic face their very own Groundhog Day tomorrow (Saturday) when they enter the final game of the season needing results to go their way to avoid relegation.
It’s the third year running The Celts have endured a nail-biting last day, only surviving the past two seasons by the skin of their teeth after results went their way.
The Celts are locked on 50 points with Blyth Spartans but occupying the final relegation spot in the National League North. Blyth have a superior goal difference of nine.
Put simply, Farsley have to better Blyth’s result on Saturday or face relegation to the Northern Premier League, five years on from winning promotion from the seventh tier. If both teams win, Farsley will have to hope for a miracle turnaround in goal difference.
Both sides have been given home fixtures, with Farsley facing mid-table Buxton, whilst Blyth have the tougher fixture on paper as they host play-off certs Brackley Town who will be looking for a positive result to cement their place in third.
Farsley have already announced that existing Leeds United season ticket holders and members can attend the game for free, along with Bradford City season ticket holders, as they aim to get a bumper crowd backing the home team. Advanced tickets for the fixture, with include online-only family tickets, can be found here, payment is also available on the gate.
Farsley were boosted by the return of Isaac Assenso during last week’s 3-1 defeat at Darlington, and will welcome back defender Tom Allan after suspension. Injury meant Chris Atkinson was on the bench last weekend, while Lewis Turner missed out entirely. All three are expected to be fit. The Celts will, however, be without defenders Rudy Misambo and George Smith.
Strap yourselves in. Dust off your The Great Escape soundtrack. The Citadel will be a rollercoaster of emotions tomorrow.