Stalybridge Celtic

Date published: 19 July 2010

Pre-season kicked off with a trip to Congleton, who have already had one game under their belt against Shildon. Although the final score was 2-1 to the home side, it was more the ethos and performance from the Celtic players that was the aim of the day, and they didn't disappoint, with plenty of excellent performances.

Celtic had a stand in keeper after the one we were after was snapped up by Burnley, and apart from a dodgy ten minute spell, he did okay. Celtic started like a house on fire, with two of last season's players, Craig Hobson and Greg Wilkinson linking up, with the latter putting Hobbo into the box, the big striker still had work to do, and he did it with great feet, outside of the boot, past the Congleton keeper in the first 3 mins.

There was a good work rate meant Hobson and Jennings and prospective signing Ryan Williams could have all added to the tally, but shot wide before a mix up at the back between Ben Saynor in Celtic's nets and Steve Woods let Congleton have a sniff of goal, and it was well taken, lobbed over Saynor. A Few minutes later, and Congleton added to that when a lax pass from John Hardiker was looped onto the head of Town's big centreforward, and he looped his header over Saynor, who looked to have been blinded by the sun momentarily. Saynor made up for it with a couple of fine saves to keep the score down at half time. In the second half, Celtic's mainstay went off, and some of the trialists came on, with Phil Marsh, formerly of FC United, and Jack Rea standing out up front, whilst Lequin Esdale and Leroy Chinthineah also looked hot prospects.

There will be plenty of twists and turns before August 14th, as there was with the keeper, but the prospects did their cause no harm on Saturday.
In other news, Graeme Law has signed on for another season, but is currently coaching in Spain, whilst Jody Banim is on holiday, but gave a strong indication that he too would sign on for this season.

Results for the last two games: Date Opposition H/A Result Scorers
Sat, 17th July Congleton Town (Friendly) Away 1 - 2 Hobson
Sat, 24th April Fleetwood Town Away 0 - 2

Next 10 games:
Sat, 24th July Buxton Away
Tue, 27th July Cammell Laird Away
Sat, 31st July FC United of Manchester Home
Tue, 3rd August Witton Albion Away
Sat, 7th August Fleetwood Town Home
Sat, 14th August Redditch United Home
Tue, 17th August Blyth Spartans Away
Sat, 21st August Hinckley United Away
Tue, 24th August Vauxhall Motors Home
Sat, 28th August Nuneaton Town Away