Stalybridge Celtic started their pre-season campaign in style on Saturday with a comfortable 3-0 win over North West Counties new boys Uppermill.
A double from 2025/26 Young Player of the Season Ellis Horan inspired Celtic to a routine victory at Bower Fold, as two returnees also impressed on debut.
Both Obua Mugalula and Lewis Rawsthorn - who rejoined the club this summer from Mossley and Bury respectively - had a hand in the opener, with the former squaring for the latter who tapped home at the back post.
Horan then turned home Andy Scarisbrick’s cross to double his side’s lead just after the interval, in what was a mirror image of the first.
But the goal of the afternoon came with just a minute to play, as Horan arrowed in from distance to cap off the win in style – a strike that was well worth the wait.
“I thought the lads put a shift in,” said Stalybridge boss Jon Macken following the win.
“It was a good test for us, and it's really pleasing to get the first game in.”
Macken’s side get their 2026/27 NPL West campaign underway in early August (date TBC), as they look to bounce back from last season’s play-off final heartbreak.
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