History will be created tonight when Cambridge United and Farsley Celtic meet in a competitive league game for the first time ever - testament to Celtic's surge through the lower reaches of non-league football. Farsley, a village equidistant between Leeds and Bradford, are experiencing the top level of non-league football for the first time ever, mainly thanks to manager Lee Sinnott.

Three promotions in four seasons have seen the club rise from the Unibond Division One to the Blue Square Premier in super quick time. The Villagers arrive here after spending just one season in the Conference North, defying predictions of relegation to defeat Kettering and Hinckley in a thrilling play-off campaign to become unlikely members of the Blue Square Premier.

The Manager - Lee Sinnott is without doubt a cult hero to Celtic fans. The decision to persuade Lee to part from the comfort of coaching the Leeds United Academy youngsters in 2003 was the best move the club has made in its 99-year-history.

Sinnott, 42, is very much the new breed of manager, with much emphasis on the psychology of the game added to new coaching techniques.

Always dressed smartly on the touchline, Sinnott cuts a thoughtful and quiet figure but commands authority. He changed Farsley from a club happy to plod along in the Northern Premier League to a side hungry for success and progression.

Three promotions in four seasons under Sinnott now mean instead of hosting the likes of Guiseley and Kendal Town, Lee will be pitting his wits against York City and Cambridge United.

Sinnott himself was a handy player, once appearing in an FA Cup Final in 1984 when playing for Watford. Most of his football was played in Yorkshire though, including long stints at Bradford City and Huddersfield Town.

The last 12 months - Just over 12 months ago Farsley were hammered 3-0 by Droylsden at Throstle Nest in their opening Conference North game, and no one could have imagined what the season ahead would consist of. An inauspicious start included a couple of beatings, at the hands of Hinckley (3-1) and Blyth Spartans (4-1) were mixed with impressive results at Leigh RMI (3-1) and Worcester City (1-0). Entering October and Farsley were lower mid-table, a position supporters would have been delighted with come the end of the season.

It was October which started Celtic's FA Cup adventure, which included defeating our neighbours Cambridge City. The 1st round draw pitted the Villagers against the might of the MK Dons, and a bumper crowd of nearly 3,000 saw Celtic spurn chance after chance to let the Dons escape with a goalless draw. MK made no mistake in the replay, Farsley's game efforts resulting in a 2-0 defeat. Boosted by this, Celtic hit the division with only one defeat in 12 games in the run up to the New Year, climbing to just outside the play-offs.

With the so called better teams constantly slipping up, Farsley kept up the pace by picking up gritty wins at places like Alfreton, Hyde and Lancaster. Despite the winless run of five games (including three heavy defeats) in March, Farsley upped the pace to thrash Blyth Spartans and Redditch to confirm a shock play-off berth, at the expense of Harrogate Town. A pairing with big spending Kettering saw a tight affair at Throstle Nest, the game ending 1-1. The return leg was just as tight, ending goalless after 120 minutes of hard graft. Down to penalties it came and it was the Celtic side who held their nerve best with Simeon Bambrook smashing home the winning penalty. The final against Hinckley was a thriller, seven goals and a penalty to the delight of the watching crowd. With 84 minutes on the clock Farsley were trailing 3-2 but a goal from Ryan Crossley and another penalty at the death by Bambrook ensured the unlikeliest promotion for years.

Their first ever Blue Square Premier campaign has begun with mixed fortunes. An opening day home win against Stafford (1-0) proceeded a disappointing 1-0 defeat away to Rushden & Diamonds.

Ins and Outs - After promotion, Lee Sinnott said he would keep faith with his promotion winning squad, and duly kept his word. Not one player was released and the need for strength in depth as a part-time outfit has been recognised. Sinnott also used his football connections to make some very astute signings.

Players with a wealth of Football League experience have decided to join Farsley Celtic, such as Tris Whitman (ex-Doncaster), Scott McNiven (Oldham), Anthony Lloyd (Huddersfield) and Mark Jackson (Rochdale). Surprisingly, along with Histon, Celtic have the biggest squad in the Blue Square Premier. Sinnott raided the remains of Leeds United's academy to sign 'keeper Ryan Wilberforce and Bailey Camfield, whilst Graeme Law turned down a contract with relegated Tamworth to settle at Throstle Nest. Patrick McGuire became the last summer signing after impressing in pre-season trials.

The Squad - Farsley Celtic's squad minus the new additions has remained the same as last season, and they are said to have a fantastic team spirit. The club are captained by Carl Serrant, who combines playing for Farsley as well as being the fitness instructor at Leeds United. He often marshalls the backline alongside Ryan Crossley and Amjad Iqbal, two former Bradford City trainees. Crossley is a domineering figure, a plasterer by trade, nicknamed 'Rhino'. He signed from Bradford Park Avenue three years ago and is a huge threat from set-pieces. Iqbal turned down a pro-contract at Doncaster to stay in part-time football and remain a teacher at Bradford College. He is strong in the tackle and noted for his good distribution.

The touchlines are usually hugged by wingers Roy Stamer and Andy Watson, both who have good experience at a higher level. Watson was part of the Conference winning Chester City team, whipping in crosses for the likes of Daryl Clare. Roy Stamer is German and started training with Farsley for fitness, before the club learned he had played for Werder Bremen and Vfl Bochum! He was duly snapped up.

The engine of the team is midfielder Simeon Bambrook. Standing at 6' 4", the man nicknamed 'The Hammer' has a knack of scoring vital goals. He hit the winning penalties against Kettering and Hinckley to earn promotion, and the fireman once scored 35 goals in a season for Emley from midfield. Unsurprisingly, Bambrook likes a tackle and should he and Danny Brown clash on the pitch (football-wise I might add!), it would be worth the admission price alone.

The frontline is likely to be led by Damien Reeves and Gareth Grant, Reeves last season's top scorer with 23 goals. Grant played a handful of games for Bradford in the Championship whereas Reeves made his name with Leeds United's youngsters before setting Wakefield FC alight with his scoring antics. Farsley also boast ex-Halifax star Ryan Sugden, who finished top scorer for the Shaymen in their play-off final loss season.

One to Watch - Gareth Grant - 26-year-old Leeds born Grant was tipped for the top when Bradford City signed him from local Leeds junior team Yorkshire Amateurs. There he made a handful appearances, even scoring against Premiership-bound Portsmouth. Sadly, the manager who gave Grant a chance, Chris Kamara, was sacked and Grant's days at Valley Parade were numbered. Fruitless loan spells at Halifax and Lincoln followed before Gareth was released.

After kicking around at Harrogate Town and Gainsborough Trinity, Lee Sinnott saw the untapped potential in Grant and persuaded him to pen a deal. Two years and numerous goals and match winning performances later, Grant is an integral part of Celtic's plans. He has an eye for goal and uses his blistering pace well. He has played in the two opening games without scoring but shouldn't have to wait long for that first goal.

Facts, stats and connections - Farsley Celtic are renowned in Yorkshire for their excellent youth system - they have 25 youth sides from under 8's and above. Micah Richards (Man City) and Danny Carlton (Carlisle) are just two of the recent professionals developed from Farsley's youth system.

Farsley once attracted 11,000 fans for an FA Cup game against Tranmere at Elland Road in 1974. Just over seven years ago Cambridge were 2nd in League One after defeating Rotherham 6-1 in front of 3,925 - whereas at the same time Farsley were losing 2-1 to Bamber Bridge in the Unibond Division One in front of 152 fans.

Farsley manager Lee Sinnott once scored a 30-yard own goal lob against Cambridge whilst playing for Bradford City in 1986. Cambridge and Farsley appear to be complete football strangers, not only have we never clashed in any capacity, neither club has ever had one player that went on to play for either outfit.

Chris Vessey

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