GLOSSOP NORTH END 0, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 5
Stalybridge Celtic are heading into their BetVictor Northern Premier League campaign on the back of five straight pre-season friendly victories.
Simon Haworth’s side was far too strong for Glossop, one division below them in the football pyramid, following a hugely impressive display at Surrey Street.
Celtic’s manager believes his new-look side is in a good place going into the new campaign which kicks off at Mickleover Sports on Saturday.
Celtic, whose side included former Oldham Athletic player Kallum Mantack who was signed on Thursday, made a whirlwind start and were 2-0 ahead after only three-and-a-half minutes.
The breakthrough came after 42 seconds when a missed defensive clearance let in Scott Bakkor who was clean through to slot home.
And it was quickly doubled when Nathan Valentine headed home a Declan Walker corner from inside the six-yard box.
Neil Kengni made it 3-0 late in the half with a cool finish after further haphazard defending from the hosts.
Craig Hobson headed the fourth goal early in the second period after winning an aerial duel with keeper Adam Stevens.
Hobson added the fifth mid-half with a near-post flick past Stevens from a Kengni cross.
Glossop, whose side included former Oldham Athletic first-team player Jack Tuohy, created only one clear-cut chance which was in stoppage time when Ali Sheriff, who last season played for Welsh side Flint, struck an upright as he latched on to a cross from the right.
- Summer signing Ross Killock’s season is over before the campaign has begun..
The central defender, who has ruptured an anterior cruciate knee ligament in the second pre-season friendly against Curzon Ashton, will not play in 2019-20.