Grantham shock Celtic to take the points

National League North: Grantham Town 2-0 Stalybridge Celtic

Celtic suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat away at Grantham Town, conceding two second-half goals. Celtic could have took the lead in the first-half but Paddy Lacey missed a penalty.

Celtic debutant Holroyd started up front with Jon Ustabasi. The duo combined well in the 5th minute. Ustabasi was allowed to break in to the Celtic penalty area, he played the ball inside for Holroyd, who turned and fired towards goal but couldn’t beat the keeper.

It was all Celtic in the opening exchanges, Ustabasi saw an effort loop over the cross bar before Celtic were awarded a penalty on 12 minutes.

Ustabasi was involved again, beating keeper Jon Worsnop to a through ball, the keeper brought Ustabasi down and the referee pointed to the spot.

Lacey had scored from the spot in Celtic’s previous game vs Gainsborough but he wasn’t to make it two penalties in two as he fired wide of the goal, leaving the scores level.

Adam O’Reilly had two attempts at goal rise just over the bar before Alex Fojticek was called in to action for the first time on 26 minutes. Lee Hughes was found one on one with Fojticek, but couldn’t beat him however the flag was raised for offside.

The hosts had a chance in added time of the first half but from a free-kick just on the edge of the penalty area, couldn’t find the target.

The two teams went in to the break level at half-time with it all to play for in the second half.

The second half wasn't too pretty and there were very few chances although the hosts did manage to go ahead.

On 71 minutes, Grantham took the lead. A shot was deflected in to the path of Declan Dunn who fired past Fojticek.

Celtic pushed to get on the scoresheet but struggled and with four minutes to go the hosts sealed the three points.

Substitute Craig Westcarr made it two with a smart finish past Fojticek after facing the keeper one on one.

Celtic fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat on the road but are back in action on Tuesday March 3rd, against Atherton Collieries in the Integro League Cup. Supporters are reminded this fixture is taking place at Bower Fold.

By Taran Dhamrait