An underwhelming performance from Celtic failed to counter Stafford’s single attacking threat, allowing Stafford to end a run of six away defeats.

Stafford’s primary attacking threat came from Thomas Tonks’s long throw, a low, fifty yard attack missile that they used in the opening few minutes, catching Celtic napping and allowing a couple of stabs at goal before Joseph Kenton forced the ball over the line. Stafford seemed content to push the ball to the wings, hoping for further chances to use their main threat. Celtic for their part seemed content to let them, but defended the long throw. This meant the main chances in the rest of the half fell Celtic’s way. Godwin Abadaki should have done better when he fired wired, and both Harry Benns and Theo Bailey-Jones failed to convert half chances as Stafford aimed to defend in numbers.

The second half continued in the same vein, with no creativity to break down a stubborn Stafford side. Stafford were handed a cushion when Kaimon Anderson rounded Greg Hall as the Celtic keeper tried to head clear a ball outside his area. In trying to get the ball, Hall crashed into Anderson, conceding a penalty that Tonks converted low into the bottom right corner.

Celtic’s best chance fell to Tom Miller, who headed in a corner that required a point-blank reaction save from Cam Belford, and DJ Pedro finally shook off his extra close marker to get a chance, but headed straight at Belford. It was far too little far too late, leaving Celtic staring at the drop zone once again.