STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 0, BARNSLEY 5
Stalybridge Celtic were losers yet winners in last night’s pre-season friendly against Championship club Barnsley at Bower Fold.
It was no surprise Celtic were well beaten by Barnsley, a team five divisions higher in the football pyramid.
But they were winners from a financial viewpoint as there was a crowd estimated at 600 which was more than double the average for a home league match.
Barnsley, who fielded their full first team in the opening half, must have had a 500 strong following as the match generated important revenue for the club.
Manager Simon Haworth said: “We had had only two training sessions so it would have been tough against a team from a division below us.
“It was a big ask against a team five divisions higher but we created three or four chances.
“The main reason for wedging in this friendly was for financial reasons. And the size of the crowd definitely made it a worthwhile exercise though not a lot was gained from a football point.”
Barsnley had already struck the upright through Cauley Woodrow before they took an 18th minute lead when Alex Mowatt curled in a delightful effort.
The immediately doubled their advantage when Woodrow slotted home a penalty after Stephen O’Halloran tripped Jordan Williams.
Barnsley added two further goals in the final four minutes of the opening period.
Woodrow lashed home a shot in off the underside of the crossbar and Jordan Green produced a delightful touch and turn on the edge of the box before firing home an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
Celtic’s cause was not helped when new signings Nathan Valentine and Craig Hobson were hurt in the opening period.
Valentine came off with a cut to his eye while Hobson rolled his ankle.
It was all change in the second half as both sides made a raft of changes.
Barnsley found the net once more as Celtic’s Greg Wilkinson put through his own goal as he slid in to cut out a left-wing cross with 18 minutes left.
Luke Thomas also struck an upright for Barnsley in the second period.
- Celtic have made a further summer signing with the capture of right-back Declan Walker.
The 27-year-old last played for Welsh club Aberystwyth Town having previously starred for Bangor City and Wrexham where he began his career.