Farsley Celtic make the short journey to Harrogate Town on Saturday for their latest pre-season friendly after suffering a defeat for the first time since returning from the summer break.

The Celts swept all before them until they ran into a strong Sheffield United side at home in midweek.

Yet the resulting 4-1 loss was put into context, as all the wins have been, by Farsley manager Lee Sinnott.

"We lost a game that there were no points on offer for - these warm-up matches are a means to end, that's all," said Sinnott.

"We beat Bradford City and Grimsby Town and got great headlines for those wins, nothing else. John (assistant Deacey) and myself have kept repeating to the players that results are not what friendlies are all about.

"In the games we have been asked a lot of questions. It is up to us as players, managers and coaches to decipher the information that has been produced, decide what has gone well, what has gone wrong and where we can improve.

"Nothing stays the same in this business and there are a lot of things to be worked on. We have to come up with the answers pretty quickly because what matters is, are we ready for Stafford Rangers a week tomorrow when the season starts?"

Sinnott will be aiming to get most of his squad, of almost 30 players, some time on the pitch at Harrogate as it will be the Celts' final warm-up before the Blue Square Premier kicks off.

"I like the fact that we have so many players at the club as it keeps pressure on people and that is what I want," said Sinnott.

"There is quality and quantity in the squad in equal abundance and it is up to us all to work out the best tactics for each game as it comes."

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