Celtic see off Hyde in feisty Boxing Day derby

BetVictor Premier Division: Hyde United 1-2 Stalybridge Celtic

Celtic won the Tameside Derby 2-1, in a dramatic game of football at Ewen Fields which saw a late red card.

Celtic started the game well, Darius Osei and Bakkor both had good chances within the opening five minutes. It wasn’t long after until Celtic took the lead. On 10 minutes, Tony Whitehead played a fantastic ball into the box, Osei controlled the ball and set Ustabasi up who rifled the ball past Luke Mewitt, giving Celtic the lead.

Celtic continued to create chances and on 14 minutes Osei was involved again. He used his skill to take on two defenders, he was able to glide into the penalty area before taking aim although this time Mewitt was on hand to save. Moments after, Ustabasi looked for a second. He sent a low volley just wide of the post. On 28 minutes, Ustabasi again had a chance. Osei sent a cross-field ball to the winger, he cut inside and fired low towards goal seeing his effort saved.

With 10 minutes of the half remaining Celtic deservedly doubled their lead. Scott Baker was one on one with Mewitt, he coolly slotted the ball past the keeper and Celtic found themselves two goals up at the break.

Celtic looked to add a third after the restart, Ross Dent was put through on goal however Mewit was able to rush out and prevent Celtic’s number four from getting a shot away.

Hyde then got back into the game through dramatic fashion. Alex Starcenko took aim from over 35 yards out and saw his wonder strike loop over the Celtic custodian and hit the back of the net.

The home side began to pile on the pressure and Celtic defended their lead bravely. Ustabasi and Osei both had chances on the counter, the former having the best chance, shooting wide on the turn. With 14 minutes to go, Alex Fojticek pulled out a fantastic save to deny a bullet header from just yards out. Celtic scorer Ustabasi then received a second yellow card and was dismissed as we entered the final 10 minutes.

The home side rattled the post in added time but Celtic hung on for a dramatic 2-1 win.

Match report and interview by Taran Dhamrait

Hyde United interview by 26 Nil Live's Luke Edwards.