Celts fighting to pull clear of trouble

10:46pm Monday 14th April 2008

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The Blue Square Premier relegation drama looks like going to the wire, with the prospects of five clubs balanced on a knife edge.

The fate of basement outfit Droylsden and second-bottom Stafford Rangers is already confirmed and Farsley Celtic are battling neighbours Halifax Town, Altrincham, Weymouth and Northwich Victoria to avoid the other two unwanted places.

The Celts are still looking for the six points they feel will keep them safe. They are sixth from bottom at the moment but, with just two points separating the five clubs, there will be movement tomorrow night.

Farsley face a tough trip to the south bank of the Thames to take on Ebbsfleet United, while many of their rivals are also in action.

The Celts will also be without the versatile James Knowles after his sending off at Oxford United at the weekend.

The absence of Knowles, who played in midfield in the first half and centre back after the break, could not have come at a worse time as manager John Deacey is already without five of his first-team regulars.

Former Bradford City striker Steve Torpey was switched to centre back against Oxford because bodies were so thin on the ground.

Deacey is looking for a positive response from his players after that 5-1 defeat against the former Football League outfit.

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