The strike put his side, East Preston, into The FA Cup Second Qualifying Round against Uxbridge on Saturday, the furthest they have ever been in the competition.

Yet, what makes this story even more remarkable is that the 21-year-old forward was born completely deaf.

Although no-one in the team understands sign language, it certainly hasn't held Farrell back. Because as long as he is given the ball, his feet can do all his talking for him.

"If we want to give Lee instructions before a game we normally pull him to one side and give him a piece of paper with what we want him to do on it," said reserve team manager Kevin Short, whose uncle, Victor Short, manages the West Sussex side's first team.

"He understands writing and is a very good lip reader. If he wants to say anything he is very expressive with his arm movements.

"We know what his expressions are like. He has a special bond with the team. It's like anything, you get to know your team-mates.

"If he could hear I dread to think where he would be playing. It would be a much higher level, probably Football League. He is very quick and his ball control is excellent."

Manchester United fan Farrell was spotted by the Sussex County League outfit while he was playing for a local pub team.

"He used to score a hatful every week. It's a small town so everyone knew about him.

"Vic went along to watch him and he has been the main man ever since."

Indeed, Farrell, who joined the club during the 2001-2002 season, netted 17 times last season despite suffering with niggling hamstring and groin injuries, and has already scored four goals in seven games this season.

He was also recently been called up to the Great Britain deaf football squad, which will be competing in the Deaflympics in Melbourne at the beginning of next year.

However East Preston Football Club, who finished third in the first division last term, are certainly no one-man team.

Striking partner Matthew Huckett has been the club's leading goalscorer the past three seasons, while first-team boss Short has managed to transform a relegation-threatened second division side into potential first division champions in just over three seasons at the helm.

Short said: "There is a good buzz around the club. We have a good young side capable of winning the league.

"Obviously The FA Cup is a big thing for us. It's the biggest game of our season.

"I'd love to think we can make the first round proper. The prestige we would get and the national recognition and prize money would set us up for the next three or four years."

Who ever said the romance of The FA Cup was dead?