Midweek football round-up: Celtic up to fourth

Stalybridge Celtic surged up to fourth place in the NPL West table on Tuesday night with a statement 3-1 win at Bootle. 

Having been trailing The Bucks when the original tie was abandoned last month, there were no such struggles for Jon Macken’s side this time around. 

Celtic stormed into an early lead, with Ellis Horan firing in after just eight minutes, before a trademark Liam Tongue longshot doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time. 

Jack Irlam then made doubly sure of the points after nodding in a third just past the hour, before Xavier Smith’s late consolation did little to dampen the away side’s spirits. 

“I thought we were outstanding,” said a pleased Jon Macken following the victory. 

“I thought we controlled the game, stuck to the game plan, and were deserved winners.” 

The win sees Macken’s men strengthen their grip on a play-off spot, after moving four points clear of sixth-placed Vauxhall Motors. 

Elsewhere, in the NPL Premier, Ashton United got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win at Whitby Town. 

Goals from Manasse Mampala and Mikey O’Neill saw The Robins through in the North East, as they recorded their first away win since New Year’s Day. 

Mampala headed home Al Byrne’s cross to give the visitors a half-time lead, before O’Neill’s curling effort put Steve Cunningham’s side in control 12 minutes from time. 

The away side had to endure a nervy final few moments, as former Robin Jake Charles converted from the spot late on, but managed to hold on and seal a much-needed win. 

In the same division, Hyde United’s survival hopes took yet another blow as hosts Gainsborough Trinity ran out as 2-0 winners at The Northolme. 

The Tigers were unable to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat at Morpeth Town, who edged the pair’s relegation six-pointer by a single goal. 

Hosts Gainsborough went ahead on 28 minutes, with Theo Williams slotting past Stowell to open the scoring. 

Visitors Hyde then had the chance to hit back from the spot as Dontai Gabbidon was clipped inside the area, but a tame penalty from Tunde Owolabi was easily saved by the grateful David Robson. 

Michael Clegg’s side then fell further behind 15 minutes from time when Jonny Margetts tucked home his 11th goal of the season, with the visitors unable to mount a comeback. 

“Points matter at this stage of the season, and ultimately, it’s another loss, but if you look at the game in isolation, we were fully in the game," said assistant boss Joe Bunney after the defeat. 

“Even in the second half, I think we dominated large parts, but ultimately, we’ve got to be more ruthless in and around the box.” 

The defeat leaves The Tigers looking nervously over their shoulder, with only goal difference keeping them out of the dreaded drop zone. 

Hyde welcome fellow strugglers Workington to Ewen Fields this weekend, knowing a defeat would see them slip into the bottom three. 

Meanwhile, in the NWCFL First Division North, Droylsden extended their lead at the top to two points with a hard earned 2-1 win at home to Maghull. 

Goals from Emmanuel Udjor Omorogbe and Sam Oliver saw The Bloods secure their fourth straight win. 

Omorogbe fired in from the rebound to put his side ahead early on, before Harrison Worden drove home the equaliser before the break. 

Substitute Sam Oliver then produced the decisive moment midway through the second half, netting just 10 minutes after entering the pitch to secure the points. 

Though Dave Pace’s side currently lead the division, title rivals Nelson can reclaim top spot with a win at Fulwood Amateurs on Thursday night. 

Finally, Curzon Ashton extended their unwanted winless run to six matches, following up Saturday’s defeat to Macclesfield with a 4-1 thumping at Spennymoor Town. 

A brace from Corey McKeown saw The Moors continue their late play-off push, as The Nash slipped to their fifth defeat in six games. 

McKeown tapped in at the back post to open the scoring on 24 minutes, before Alex Curran provided an instant reply, volleying home the equaliser in a flash. 

But an unfortunate own goal from Chris Stokes saw the hosts retake the lead on the half-hour mark. 

Curzon got off to a nightmare start in the second half, with Spennymoor doubling their advantage within five minutes of the restart as McKeown grabbed his second. 

A late header from veteran striker Glen Taylor then capped off a resounding victory for the home side, as The Nash slipped to 16th in the National League North table. 

“To be honest, it was a poor performance,” said a disappointed Mark Bradshaw following the defeat. 

“We started quite bright, had a couple of chances, but in the end, they overran us really. 

“They played well on the night, we didn’t. It was a very tough night.”