STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 2, WYTHENSHAWE TOWN 1
Stalybridge Celtic battled from behind to beat Wythenshawe Town in the first-ever clash between the two teams.
What had been labelled the James Kinsey derby – he has managed both clubs – saw present employers come out on top.
It was a character-building display by Celtic who also had to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men after Matty Bryan was sent off.
“We were brilliant,” declared Kinsey whose side fell behind to a goal from former Scotland international George Boyd.
Celtic hit back with strikes from Jack Irlam and Bryan to take the points and climb to fourth place in Pitching In Northern Premier League, West – these were the first goals Town have conceded away from home this season, both in league and cup.
“There were questions asked a few weeks ago but since then we have come from 2-0 down and the lads have again showed they cared.
“They all played their part, and we have shown in the camp we are here to win. We are in a good place, and we will push on.”
Town took an 18th minute lead with a goal from Boyd, who played in the Premier League for Hull City and Burnley, following a well worked free kick.
Celtic equalised shortly before half time through a well worked free kick as Irlam headed home from Ashley Leather’s pinpoint delivery.
And the comeback was completed seven minutes after the restart when centre back Aaron Chalmers produced some footwork Lionel Messi would have proud of before crossing from the left for Bryan to loop a header over former Celtic keeper Greg Hall.
Celtic were reduced to 10 men when Bryan was dismissed for a soft second yellow card.
But they defended resolutely and had keeper Charlie Monks to thank for the win as he made two super saves late on to each time deny Rodney Ajayi – the second one in the sixth of almost 10 added minutes was a brilliant fingertip stop as the shot was arrowing towards the top corner.
While Celtic celebrated, it was another frustrating match for Town who again gave a good account of themselves as they had done in Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup loss to Farsley Celtic, a team two divisions higher.
“The performance was pretty good, but both goals were poor to give away,” explained Town manager Rory Fallon.
“It has happened several times recently and been uncharacteristic. It quickly needs to be sorted.”