MOSSLEY 0, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 2
Stalybridge Celtic claimed local bragging rights after their pre-season victory at Mossley.
Goals from Craig Hobson and Neil Kengni earned new-look Celtic a fourth straight victory as they appear to be heading into the new season having built up momentum.
Celtic, with four of their five recent signings in their squad, controlled the game and emerged worthy winners.
Manager Simon Haworth is pleased with how his squad is taking shape.
“We controlled the game and, if we had won 4-0, it would not have been out of place,” he declared.
“We had too much youth and inexperience and lacked characters last year.
“We have brought in characters who can sort things out themselves on the pitch.
“I am really pleased with this group of lads and performances have backed it up.”
While Haworth had plenty to cheer, Mossley manager Dave Wild was disappointed with his side’s display.
In mitigation, the Lilywhites were without arguably their two most influential playmakers, Max Leonard and Adam Morgan.
Celtic were gifted their ninth minute opener from a wayward back pass from Declan Evans as Hobson lobbed keeper Dylan Forth.
Hobson’s diving header hit an upright, a trialist left back had an effort well saved and Stephen O’Halloran had an effort kept out by the keeper’s legs as Celtic dominated.
Mossley’s first chance in the 42nd minute saw Ryan Brooke force a straightforward diving save from Celtic’s trialist goalkeeper who also did well to deny Andy Keogh on the stroke of half time.
Celtic doubled their advantage just after the hour when Kengni found the net with a neat, angled shot on the turn.
Having established a two-goal lead, Celtic were never in danger in the final 30 minutes as Mossley suffered back-to-back losses after Saturday’s home defeat by Witton Albion.