FARSLEY Celtic missed out on the opportunity to get back into the play- off places in Evo-Stik Division One North in midweek and need to capitalise on a visit from the basement outfit on Saturday.

However, there is an undercurrent as Burscough sacked manager Dave Powell last Sunday following their latest defeat, so the Celts face a side under new stewardship, fighting for their lives and with the lift that generally follows a change at the top.

Powell paid the price after winning just two of 22 games.

Burscough are nine points adrift of second-from-bottom Prescot Cables and Goole AFC.

In contrast, the Celts are only two points outside the play-off places, following Tuesday’s frustrating goalless draw at Ossett Albion, and only five points off the summit with games in hand.

Burscough appointed Simon Hardman as head coach and Keith McCann as his assistant in midweek. Both were in coaching roles under Powell.

Brighouse Town are also within touching distance of the play-off places as they trail Farsley by goal difference only but they have played three games more than their local rivals.

Town host struggling Droylsden on Saturday.

The Bloods are ten points worse off than Paul Quinn’s men and have lost three times as many games, but four of their six league victories this term have come away from home.