STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 1, HANLEY TOWN 1
‘Frustrating’ was the recurring word used by manager James Kinsey to describe Stalybridge Celtic’s display as they were held at home by lowly Hanley Town.
It was a missed opportunity as victory would have taken Celtic top of Pitching In Northern Premier League, West – as it is they remain fifth in this ridiculously tight division.
“If we could put together five or six straight wins, we would probably win the league,” explained Kinsey whose side remains inconsistent having won four, drawn two and lost three of their nine league fixtures.
Liam Tongue missed an early penalty for Celtic who took the lead soon after the restart through a goal from striker-turned-defender Max Leonard.
It looked as though Celtic would hold on for three points until Joel Stair headed home an 87th minute leveller.
“Ash [Leather] had a brilliant chance when it was 1-0 to kill the game which we failed to do,” Kinsey continued.
“We are lacking consistency and an ability to kill games, but that will come. We are getting there.”
Celtic would have taken a 10th minute lead but for a super penalty save by Adam Whitehouse low to his right to keep out Liam Tongue’s spot kick. It was awarded for a trip by Louis Keenan on Leather.
Both sides had chances in the goalless opening period, notably the Potteries side as Will Igoe was denied by a super save from Charlie Monks while Ethan Beckford, once of Hyde United and son of former Mossley manager Jason, rolled a shot narrowly wide after being put through on goal.
Player-manager Ryan Shotton, a top pro at Stoke City, Derby County, Birmingham City and Middlesbrough, also had a goal ruled out for a foul following a corner.
Stalybridge took the lead in the 49th minute with a well worked goal as Tongue fired over a centre from the right and Leonard, ghosting from deep, netted his second goal of the season with a sublime finish.
Hanley kept knocking on the door as Dylan Scott forced a decent save from Monks.
The visitors were eventually rewarded with a late leveller.
Keenan’s corner was headed against the bar by Tom Pope, (39), who once scored for Port Vale away to Manchester City, and Stair nodded home the rebound from almost on the goalline as Hanley extended their inbeaten run in league and cup to four matches.
“They are a good side and won’t be down there at the bottom of the table for long,” said Kinsey.