Pre-Season Football Review

A number of our sides were in pre-season action on Tuesday night.

Stalybridge Celtic were looking to build on their goalless draw at Macclesfield four days earlier, however they were ultimately undone by a superior Tranmere Rovers side, who are preparing for a season in League Two, and were beaten 3-1.

The visitors, managed by Micky Mellon, took a lead inside two minutes when Callum McManaman picked up a loose pass and lobbed the ball over Celtic 'keeper Grant Shenton.

Tranmere doubled their lead in the 39th minute when Mcmanaman was tripped inside the area, leaving the referee with no choice but to award a penalty, and Mani Dieseruvwe converted the spot kick.

Celtic were awarded a penalty of their own in the 79th minute and Scott Bakkor's cheeky panenka pulled a goal back for the hosts.

However, the visitors reasserted their two-goal cushion just a few minutes later, Kieron Morris' powerful header leaving Shenton with no chance.

Celtic return to action this Saturday with a home clash against Curzon Ashton.

Elsewhere, Hyde United hosted Fleetwood Town Under 23s at Ewen Fields. Dave McGurk's side were looking to bounce back from a 1-0 defeat at Colne last Friday, however the Tigers succumbed to the same scoreline. Ben Thompson scored for the Cod Army in the 66th minute. Hyde host Bradford Park Avenue this Saturday, 3pm kick-off.

This evening, Ashton United host Stockport County at Hurst Cross. The Robins were beaten 5-1 by League One Crewe Alexandra last Thursday. 7pm kick-off.