My MK3 Golf 1.6 cl 1995 doesn't start?

My golf 1.6 doesn't start, there is a spark from the plugs, and engine turns over nicely. And a couple of days before, when it did start, the car would rev up to about 4000 rpm and the revs just flicker around, and while it did this there was a ticking noise coming from the relays? Any ideas? Cheers guys.