Stalybridge hosted Scarborough for our first home league game of the season.
Stalybridge started the better and looked physically strong and attacking.
The first chance of the game came in the sixth minute, Declan Walker crossed from the right finding Craig Hobson, Hobson couldn't however get enough on the ball to trouble the keeper.
Moments later, Neil Kengni drove down the left-hand side, firing a powerful dipping shot towards goal which was superbly tipped over by Thomas Taylor.
On nine minutes, Celtic were rewarded for their attacking play and took the lead. Kallum Mantack delivered a cross which was flicked on by Kengni towards Hobson who's header beat Taylor the keeper.
Scarborough had a couple of half-chances, James Walshaw fired a shot from range but it was no problem for Alex Fojticek.
Stalybridge were so close to another after 16 minutes. Hobson drilled a low shot from a tight angle on the left- hand side of the box, Taylor was forced to parry the shot which rebounded off a Celtic attacker and bounced just wide.
Celtic had a shout for a penalty after 22 minutes, Hobson was through on goal and looked to be fouled from behind by a panicked defender, yet the referee waved away Celtic's protests and the game continued.
Kengni had two further efforts at goal but both were saved well by Taylor.
Celtic doubled their lead after 29 minutes. Mantack was picked out just inside of the penalty area, he set himself and then powered a shot past Taylor putting Celtic two up.
Scarborough occasionally threatened and Fojticek had to be wary. A corner was flicked towards the back post where a Scarborough attacker diverted the ball towards goal, Fojticek made a stunning reaction save to keep Scarborough out.
Scott Bakkor had a chance to score a third but he couldn't keep his effort down when through on goal.
Just before half-time, Nathan Valentine, who was playing against his former club, forced a strong save from Taylor.
On the stroke of half-time, Scarborough pulled a goal back. Chris Dawson found the back of the net from just outside the box with a neat curling effort.
Stalybridge went into the break 2-1 up after an impressive first 45.
Celtic started the second-half superbly. Celtic had a free-kick just inside the Scarborough half, a training ground routine took place and Bakkor superbly found the space to give Ross Dent with space for an acute shot that fired in at the back post for Celtic's third.
Scarborough had more of the ball as they chased a goal but they weren't doing much with it and Celtic eventually scored a fourth.
Declan Walker's corner was cleared back to the full-back, he took a touch and then fired a superb strike from 25 yards into the back of the net, Taylor had no chance.
Adam Freeland went close late on but there was to be no late drama this time around.
In added time, Liam MacDevitt broke forward and slotted a cool finish past Taylor to make it 5-1.
The game finished 5-1, with Celtic earning a superb home win.
1 | Taylor, Thomas | ||
2 | Fishley, TNique | ||
3 | Lowe, Daniel | ||
4 | Spence, Kian | > 59 | |
5 | Assenso, Isaac | ||
6 | Johnson, Jack | ||
7 | Dawson, Chris | > 64 | |
8 | Deacy, Jordan | ||
9 | Walshaw, James | ||
10 | Coulson, Michael | ||
11 | Brooksby, Wayne | > 64 | |
12 | Watson, Ryan | < 59 | |
14 | Coates, Harry | ||
15 | Davidson, Peter | < 64 | |
16 | Howarth, Chris | ||
17 | Annan, Will | < 64 |