Maybe punching above their weight, the club have come on leaps and bounds, possibly quicker than the club could have wished for in the last few seasons under the leadership of Lee Sinnott and John Deacey, so you can laugh at the fan base, the ground, the sports hall bar etc. but they must have been doing something right in recent years, and you can't help but admire what they've achieved.Add to that we now have a "proper derby" (to use a popular Halifax word!), and we should be wishing Farsley Celtic well and hope they stay in the Blue Square Premier League.The thought of being one of only 5 northern based teams in there next season doesn't appeal.However, after securing no points before 5pm on Wednesday would be most welcome!

Farsley Celtic are a club who are small. Very small. Based in a village, they have a concise army of true supporters, and the club has an excellent community feel about them (it's a shame some of them are actually Leeds United fans, but we're not all perfect).They have a chairman who loves his club, and lives and breathes Farsley Celtic.He puts the fans first in every decision he makes, and even chats with them on their message board from time to time.He'll have a pint with the supporters before the game, and after - he's even travelled to games on the supporters coach before now, and watches games from the terraces.Andy Firbank can be commended for what he's done for the village of Farsley, and the impact he's had in getting the club where they are today.

As we go there, on the back of a 2-1 Setanta Shield victory away at Histon, a bug has hit the squad which threatens Chris Wilder's team selection.Many players have missed training and have been unfit to play in Setanta Shield game.Nicky Gray came off at half time and has been declared doubtful for Wednesday, so it may be an interesting side that the boss has to play on Boxing Day.

It wasn't so long since The Shaymen went over to Farsley and beat them 1-0 in the West Riding County Cup, Lewis Kileen scoring at the beginning of the 2nd half, and Craig Mawson pulling off a couple of good saves to keep a clean sheet.A bigger travelling contingent is likely to be making the trip this time, and those who stole the cones and did crossbar challenge in the Sports Hall will no doubt be wondering if Peter Atherton will again feature in the game.

The occasion will mark the birthday of former Town player Ryan Sugden, now at Farsley Celtic.Suggie won't feature - he's awaiting an operation on his ankle which will take place on New Years Eve.He has been out since September, and is likely to be there watching.

One man to look out for in the Farsley Celtic line up will be Roy Stamer - a German born winger, who looks exciting, and can score goals.Steve Torpey the first will probably start for the Celts too.The much travelled striker is on loan at Throstle's Nest until the New Year, and has been brought in to add fire power to the side.Former Shayman Lee Tuck has also started to figure regularly in the Farsley Celtic side under John Deacey, and he may be looking to score a goal against his former side.

Enjoy the game!

Steve Clifford