Already confirmed in a relegation place after their midweek defeat at York, the Celts wanted to go out on a high to reward their loyal supporters, but it wasn't to be as they spurned clear-cut opportunities, particularly late in the game.

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Shell shocked manager John Deacey,who has suffered badly from a long injury list over the final weeks of the campaign, could hardly believe Saturday's outcome.

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He said: "I've seen some misses in football but I'm sorry those were ridiculous. The missed chances were virtually open goals and in the end it cost us.

"It was criminal defending for their first two goals and we were not ruthless enough in both boxes. That sums up our season.

"We played well but got nothing and that will have to change next season. We've learned our lessons and whoever is in charge I hope they
can get this sorted."

Farsley were so hard hit by injuries that striker Simeon Bambrook had to operate at left-back, having played as an emergency central defender lately. They fell behind as early as the 17th minute when Danny Kedwell could have scored himself but unselfishly passed for costriker Jamie Taylor to stroke the ball home.

Bambrook and colleague Steve Torpey exchanged angry words as frustration boiled over for the Celts but an equaliser arrived from the
penalty spot in the 34th minute. Rory Prendergast's crosswas handled and Stephen Downes converted the penalty, sending Danny Knowles the wrong way.

Kedwell hit the bar before Farsley fell behind again in the 71st minute when Bambrook and Amjad Iqbal were involved in a mix-up, enabling
substitute Jeff Goulding to cut in from the right and score.

The Celts should have scored three times as Adam Gross made goal-line clearances from Damien Reeves and David McNiven before Knowles saved well from Torpey.

However, Kedwell was rewarded for his earlier unselfishness when Taylor repaid the favour, slotting him through with the home defence in disarray.

Deacey added: "The mood in the dressing room is one of shock. The players know they created enough chances to win that game but they
are just devastated. The fans sang their hearts out, got behind us and they are a credit to our club.

"I need to assess the situation before anyone makes any plans for next season and then hopefully we can build from there. This is a very tough league and if you switch off or don't prepare yourself correctly you get punished."

FARSLEY CELTIC: Aspden, S McNiven (D McNiven 73), Iqbal, Santos, Bambrook, Downes (Tuck 85), Knowles, Krief, Prendergast (Stamer 85), Torpey, Reeves. Subs not used: Heath, Backhouse.

GRAYS ATHLETIC: D Knowles, Saunders (Mawer 46), Downer, Stuart, Gross, O'Connor, Taylor (Standing 80), Thurgood, Cogan (Goulding 53), J Taylor, Kedwell. Subs not used: Haines, McCafferty.

REFEREE: J. Collin (Liverpool).

ATTENDANCE: 379.