FARSLEY Celtic will be playing at Bradford (Park Avenue) tonight after all, after their hosts almost withdrew their offer.

Ongoing pitch work at The Citadel has forced Farsley to play their home games at a variety of alternative venues so far this season, including as far away as Alfreton.

Their Emirates FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against Kettering Town last Saturday was played at Guiseley’s Nethermoor Park, and the Celts announced earlier this week that another neighbour was helping them out.

They revealed on social media that Horsfall would host their Friday night Vanarama National League North game against Spennymoor Town.

But less than 48 hours before the scheduled kick-off, Horsfall’s landlords Avenue released a sternly-worded statement in which they criticised Farsley and insisted the game was by no means guaranteed to take place in BD6.

Albion have been tenants at Horsfall for a while now, with Avenue able to host clubs easily due to their artificial surface not being in danger of overuse.Albion Sports (in white) have been tenants at Horsfall for a while now, with Avenue able to host clubs easily due to their artificial surface not being in danger of overuse. (Image: Alex Daniel.)

In it, Avenue wrote: “We are very keen to help other local clubs and offer the use of our fantastic facilities.

“However, our priority is to look after the best interests of Bradford (Park Avenue) to protect the future trajectory of the football club.

“We have an agreement, in principle, with Farsley Celtic but this agreement is based on various T&C’s being met.

“Unfortunately, the public announcement from Farsley Celtic has been made before these T&C’s have been met.

Therefore, as we currently stand, the game will not go ahead at the Horsfall Community Stadium.

“However, we are very hopeful that these T&C’s can be fulfilled by Farsley Celtic very quickly and we will be able to help our neighbours and host their upcoming fixture.”

That statement seemingly spurred the Celtis in to action, as on Thursday morning, Avenue revealed the latest update.

They wrote: “We are happy to confirm that the game will go ahead this Friday after our T&C’s have now been met.

“It is now in the hands of Farsley Celtic to make the necessary stewarding arrangements to meet our ground safety requirements.

“We are delighted to be able to help a local club and we look forward to welcoming both sets of supporters and officials to enjoy the fantastic facilities at the Horsfall Community Stadium.”

Tonight’s game between Farsley and Spennymoor at Horsfall will kick off at 7:45pm, with the Celts knowing a win will take them into the National League North play-off places.