Celtic looking to end four-game losing run

Stalybridge Celtic will be hoping to end a four-game losing run when Grantham Town visit Bower Fold this evening for a clash in the BetVictor Premier Division.

It's been a difficult period for Simon Haworth's side who, after a promising start to the season, which included a 5-0 victory over promotion favourites Scarborough Athletic, have found wins hard to come by.

Celtic were dealt a huge blow financially after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Marine on September 7 - a team one division below them - and have since failed to recover, losing three consecutive league fixtures against Basford United, Atherton Collieries and Radcliffe. Celtic have conceded seven and scored two in their previous three games, highlighting weaknesses at both ends of the pitch. 

Craig Hobson, who re-joined for the club for a second spell over summer, returned from a three-match ban against Radcliffe at the weekend and Haworth will be hoping the experienced striker can rediscover the form and quality which caused defenders all sorts of problems before his red card dismissal at Buxton.

With a major lack of physical presence in the attacking lineup during Hobson's absence, Haworth signed Darius Osei to fill the void. The 24-year-old is a familiar face at Bower Fold, having made his way through the youth ranks and progressing to the first team before joining Oldham Athletic and then Maidstone United.

Osei's experience of playing at a higher level could prove invaluable as Celtic look to stop the rot against Grantham this evening.

Grantham are currently eighth in the table after three wins, four draws and a defeat. They are yet to lose an away fixture and enter the game on the back of a 1-0 victory over Bamber Bridge on Saturday. Craig Westcarr is the man to look out for having notched five times this season.