Kettering 0, Farsley 0 (Farsley win 4-2 on penalties)

Even the drama of a penalty shoot-out could not derail Farsley as they continue their push for promotion to the Conference via the play-offs.

Yesterday's semi-final second leg at highly-fancied Kettering Town was understandably a very nervous affair. It ended goalless after 120 minutes of football, so the lottery of the 12-yard contest began.

The last time that happened to Lee Sinnott's side it ended in misery at Workington in the UniBond Premier Division play-offs, although they overcame that setback to gain promotion to the Conference North the following season.

This is their first term on that higher step of the non-league ladder and yet they are still pushing back the boundaries.

The Celts are now just one game away from joining neighbours Halifax Town, Torquay United and Boston United.

The latter two have only lost their Football League status over the past two weeks, such is the level Farsley are within reach of.

The focus is now a one-off match against Hinckley United at Burton Albion's ground a week on Monday, a fixture earned in the penalty shoot-out by some tired yet very determined legs.

Kettering missed the first spot-kick, at the end where their supporters were massed.

Despite the intimidating atmosphere, Damian Reeves netted the Celts' first to give the outsiders an instant advantage.

It was soon 1-1 but Craig Midgley restored Celtic's lead and Gareth Grant increased it as Kettering missed their third attempt.

Kettering's fourth penalty went in, to give them two out of four, but when Simeon Bambrook lashed home Celtic's fourth it gave them an unassailable lead and propelled them into next week's final.

"I'm happy but I'm more delighted for everyone involved with Farsley Celtic than anything else and, with a week to prepare for the game, I'm sure we will get the best out of the players," said Sinnott, staying professional yet focused and understated.

"When I went into the dressing room at the end of the game I told the players I don't know what you are capable of, you keep pushing back the barriers' - and I meant that, it wasn't said for effect.

"I'm full of admiration for Kettering Town, what they have achieved and their standing in the non-league game, but I only have to look in-house. We have an incredible squad of players at our club.

"It is a nine-day break between games from Saturday to next Monday and I hope a lot of our players with aches and pains will recover in that period.

"I did feel for Kettering because we have been there, beaten on penalties. It was a long way back from Cumbria last time it happened to us but even then I said I am a believer in them. It is the only option for concluding a cup tie or a stalemate like Saturday.

"I think the Conference North would have expected a bigger crowd if the game was staged at a weekend but I understand that it is being broadcast live on Setanta Sports and they have had to arrange it to fit in with the TV scheduling.

"From our point of view, it is a bit awkward to have to travel a long distance on a Monday evening but it will be nice for the players to have the exposure that a live televised game will bring."

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