Two wins for Stalybridge Celtic

Date published: 14 December 2009

Stalybridge Celtic moved back into the play-off positions in the league and progressed in the Trophy this week after two victories.

Tuesday (8 December) saw Celtic see off Gloucester despite falling behind to a penalty when Dave Carnell mistimed his claim of the ball at Jack Pitcher’s feet inside the box. 

Celtic were back in it when Dave Hankin crossed low for Matty Barlow to backheel into the net.

In the second half Michael Carr and Warren Peyton both tested the visiting keeper before man of the moment Hankin raced through the defence, dodged the challenges and fired an unstoppable shot past Mike Green. 

Osebia Abadaki came on and made a nuisance of himself before lifting in a cross for Joe O’Neill to control on his chest, turn and fire past Green to secure victory. 

Abadaki then forced a corner which was planted onto John Hardiker’s head to put a gloss on the result.

Celtic eased through into the second round of the Trophy past Nantwich on Saturday (12 December), with a scoreline that reflected the game.

Though the first half was largely uneventful, a first time ball found Matty Barlow at the near post to flick in past Lee Jones.

In the second half Joe O’Neill bulleted a volley past Jones and the game was made safe when Keith Briggs was given the freedom of the park to bring down Andy Smart’s ball and take all the touches he needed before he curled the ball past Jones.

Saturday 12 December

FA Trophy - Nantwich Town 0 Stalybridge Celtic 3 (Barlow, ONeill, Briggs)

Tuesday 8 December

Stalybridge Celtic 4 (Barlow, Hankin, O'Neill, Hardiker) Gloucester City 1