This was an important win for the Celts, and after a slow start, well deserved.

Colin Potts caused them problems from the off, this despite United doubling up on him, and it was no surprise that the opening well crafted goal began from his trickery. After coming inside and beating two players (the full back included, whom he dragged with him), he then released Scott Bonsall, who had made a great run down the right into the open space. Bonsall looked up, and instead of just crossing a 50-50 ball into the area, pulled the ball square to Nathan Wharton on the edge of the box.

After a great first touch, Nathan neatly side-stepped a defender before firing home low to the keepers right, a truly beautiful goal.

The second goal came just before half-time and was richly deserved, although controversial.

Chris Denham closed the keeper down well after a back pass from the home team and the hurried clearance was poor. The ball was returned straight back through the home defence, closely followed by Andy Hayward who latched onto it and opened his Celtic account and scoring on his debut by easing the ball past the keeper.

The fact that during all this Chris Denham was still returning from an offside position upset the United manager and supporters. By the new letter of the law it was a difficult one to call, but if the home team had scored like this, the Celtic faithful would have been jumping up and down with the same anger and frustration.

The game looked over but Celtic started the second half just like the first, taking time to get back into top gear.

This allowed Spennymoor back into the game and within a few minutes they were well and truly back in it, albeit fortuitously.

A speculative shot by half time substitute Agbatar from outside the box struck Terry Bowker, completely wrong footing Andy Ralph, and flew into the net. Moments later Preen chanced his luck from outside the box, striking the inside of the upright before being scrambled clear. A little bit of fortune shining on Celtic for a change.

Despite the huffing and puffing of the home side though, once Celtic got back into stride they were reasonably comfortable, and Chris Denham finally administered the 'Coup de grace' with the third goal, taking the ball in his stride and slotting it past Downey just past the hour mark.

Overall it was a solid performance from the whole team. Andy Ralph was particularly impressive in dealing with crosses which helped the defence. Andy Hayward showed some neat touches as well as strength on the ball in his first game, could link well with the other forwards when he settles in. Kev Parr led the team well once again, and Colin Potts was irrepressible. If he keeps playing from the heart for the team he will be unstoppable.