Stalybridge Secure Impressive Away Win

BetVictor Premier: Matlock Town 0-1 Stalybridge Celtic

Tony Whitehead’s stunning strike helps Celtic to a fantastic 1-0 victory away at Matlock.

Celtic dominated the game for large periods and were unlucky to only score the one goal. The goal was worth the wait as Whitehead, 25 yards out, rifled the ball into the top corner of the net beating a helpless Stewart. Both teams struggled with the wet conditions but it was Celtic who came out on top, to record their third victory in a row.

Celtic started on the front foot and should have taken the lead after five minutes. Ross Dent showed great drive to beat Matlock keeper Jon Stewart to a loose back pass, he played the ball inside to Jonathan Ustabasi who chipped the ball towards goal. The ball bounced back off the crossbar before rebounding off Darius Osei and wide. Moments later, Craig Hobson nearly put Celtic ahead. Ustabasi beat his man down the left, his cross was flicked towards goal by Hobson. With the keeper beat, Bailey Gooda cleared the ball off the line to deny Celtic.

Matlock began to grow into the game but they struggled to test Alex Fojticek. On 22 minutes, a corner was headed goalwards but Stephen O’Halloran was there too clear. Celtic raced up the other end and won a corner. Walker’s initial delivery was unsuccessful but the ball was played back out to the flank, Walker crossed on to the head of Chris Smalley, the defender's header looked to have crossed the line but the linesman on the far side did not his flag. Hobson and O’Halloran had more chances before the break but couldn’t convert.

The two sides went into the dressing rooms absolutely soaked, with both teams still very much in the game.

Celtic looked to continue the second half as they ended the first. Osei took aim from a long way out, the ball was spilled by the keeper who was able to gather at the second attempt, ahead of the on-rushing Ustabasi. Within three minutes of the restart, Hobson had another great chance for Celtic. Osei sent a wonderful curling cross into the box which was fired just wide by Celtic’s number nine.

Celtic did take the lead, and it was worth the wait. On 56 minutes, Hobson picked out Tony Whitehead, from 25 yards out he beautifully curled the ball into the top corner, past a helpless Stewart.

Matlock began to have more of the ball as they looked for an equalising goal but Fojticek was rarely tested. With 14 minutes to go, Stewart was caught off his line for the second time of the afternoon. Bakkor went for goal and but saw his effort fall just wide of the post. Celtic looked promising on the break and Bakkor nearly made it two with five minutes to go. Bakkor was running at a defender, he took a deft touch and got around the defender before firing past the keeper.

Celtic hung on for the remaining minutes to record a huge 1-0 win.

Watch match highlights here: 

Match Report by: Taran Dhamrait