Chadderton slump to defeat

North West Counties First Division North: Cleator Moor Celtic 4-1 Chadderton

On a day where most games were called off due to the weather, Cleator Moor Celtic played out a cracker with five goals and two red cards in a fiery game against Chadderton.

Chaddy went into the game aiming to keep pace with the promotion-chasing sides and Celtic were hoping a win could move them into contention. 

It was clear from the opening minutes that the home side were up for it and Chadderton would have to put in a special performance to come away with a result. 

In the ninth minute, it was the home side who struck first as Callum Birdsall was played through one-on-one with Chadderton stopper Jordan Hadlow but the striker finished calmly slotting underneath the keeper.

Chadderton thought they were level just six minutes later as Dillan O'Connor’s cross found Reece Lyndon who controlled the ball and smashed it beyond the keeper only to be greeted by the offside flag. 

Just before half-time, the hosts doubled their advantage as Josh Charlton met a low driven cross and smashed it into the roof of the net leaving Hadlow with no chance. A crucial goal for Celtic to take a two-goal advantage into the second half. 

Chadderton had their chances and in the 52nd minute, they had a big one as Aaron Scholes did well to find Ben Matthews who drilled a cross that was met by Jordan Butterworth but his sliding effort was saved superbly. 

Just minutes later Chadderton were made to pay as Charlton was played clean through for Celtic and he made no mistake as he slotted the ball home. 

That goal seemingly took the wind out of Chadderton’s sails as just three minutes later it was 4-0 to the hosts. A long cross played into the box that was met by the bullet header of Charlton to wrap up the points and his hat-trick.

In the 79th minute, Chadderton had a deserved consolation goal as Lyndon was unleashed on goal and he finished well to reduce the deficit. 

Before the final whistle, there was time for two substitutes to receive red cards as Owen Charlton and Steven Affleck got into a scuffle and the referee sent them both off. 

A poor result for Chadderton but not a performance that reflected the scoreline as they created numerous chances but weren’t as clinical as their hosts.