Celtic had seen their lead cancelled out early in the second half, but Andy Watson was put through twice, only to be denied on both occasions by home keeper Lance Cronin.

Celtic manager John Deacey recognised how costly those misses were as the defeat left them just a point off the drop-zone.

"Andy Watson missed two golden opportunities to put us back in front," said Deacey.

"The boys worked very hard but we have to take out the sloppy mistakes. I can't dwell on the missed chances, I thought the performance and the work rate was fantastic but the injuries are absolutely killing us.

He added: "We lost another centre half after a short period of the game but we had a 1-0 lead at half time but we just can't concentrate in certain situations. All respect to Ebbsfleet, they've taken their chances and come away with a result."

Georges Santos hobbled off with an ankle injury after just 25 minutes to leave boss Deacey facing the season run-in without four of his central defenders. Ryan Serrant also limped off with an ankle injury late on to add to Celtic's woes.

Farsley had to soak up a lot of early pressure from Ebbsfleet and they managed to take the lead against the run of play, when Rory Predergast's long ball forward was taken well by striker David McNiven, and he finished with a cool lob over Cronin.

David McNiven almost doubled the lead moments later but his header was tipped clear of the top corner by Cronin.

The Fleet keeper was to thwart Farsley throughout the match but their own keeper Curtis Aspden had to be alert just after the half hour to deny the lively George Purcell.

David McNiven was acting as the lone striker for the rest of the half as Celtic went into the break a goal up ans scenting a priceless away-day success in their quest for surival.

But just eight minutes of the second half had gone when Fleet levelled. Purcell whipped in a corner and defender James Smith rose to head home.
Within a minute Farsley should have retaken the lead when Watson broke clear but his low shot was well saved.

Again the same player had another great chance just after the hour mark, when David McNiven put him in the clear, but once more the opportunity was wasted as the weak shot was blocked by Cronin.
Advantage

It was a let off for Fleet and they took full advantage.

Luke Moore put the home side ahead on 66 minutes after substitute Michael Bostwick had played him in and the same player set up Charley Hearn on 80 minutes to complete the win.

Defeat left Farsley deeper in trouble but Deacey is remaining bullish ahead of a monumental final three matches of the season – and Celts' fate could go right down to the wire.

He said: "We've got three games left. One is at home and the other we only have to travel 15 miles down the road so it's all to fight for."

EBBSFLEET UNITED: Cronin, Hawkins, Smith, Hearn, McPhee, Barrett (Bostwick 59mins), Ricketts, Purcell, Moore (Eribenne 87mins), Akinde (Nade 82mins), Charles. Subs not used: Mott, MacDonald.

FARSLEY CELTIC: Aspden, Bambrook, Reeves, Watson, S McNiven, Downes (Torpey 83mins), D McNiven, Serrant (Tuck 71mins), Krief, Santos (Heath 26mins), Prendergast. Subs not used: Stamer, Backhouse.

REFEREE: Graham Scott.

ATTENDANCE: 810.