STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 0, MARINE 2
Stalybridge Celtic’s hopes of a lucrative run in the Emirates FA Cup was sunk by Marine.
The Merseyside club caused a giantkilling act following their victory at Bower Fold in the first qualifying round as Celtic manager admitted it was a “kick in the teeth” financially for the club.
It was a major disappointment for Celtic who had days earlier won 3-2 in a preliminary round replay at West Didsbury & Chorlton as they still collected a £4,390 prize fund.
Haworth admitted Celtic were “toothless” as they missed Craig Hobson as the striker began a three-match ban after being sent off at Buxton the previous week.
“We were powder puff up top and showed an inability to take our chances as we lacked quality and composure in front of goal,” he said.
Haworth added he may be forced into the transfer market for a striker should Haworth be ruled out again.
“We may have to look for a like-for-like replacement as Craig is so integral to the team,” he said.
Liam MacDevitt for Hobson was, incredibly, the first change Haworth has made in their first seven games of the season.
Celtic, who are one division higher than Marine in the football pyramid, fell behind the 19th minute when Niall Cummins got in at the near post to convert a low Craig Lindfield cross.
And they were lucky not to concede a penalty for what appeared a clear handball.
Celtic, for all their possession, had to wait until the 43rd minute before creating their first clear-cut chance when Nathan Valentine’s effort was well kept out by Shamal George who also made a decent save with 21 minutes left to turn over a drive from substitute Greg Wilkinson.
Marine remained a threat on the break as substitute Rumenio Barai cut in from the right and saw a shot hit the upright.