Weekend football round-up: Five-star Celtic move into play-offs

Stalybridge Celtic moved into the NPL West play-off spots on Saturday after a 5-0 thumping of Newcastle Town. 

Celtic were four goals up at the break after a ruthless opening 33 minutes, with Max Leonard’s late strike adding gloss to a five-star away performance. 

Ruben Jerome fired home on the turn to open the scoring on 21 minutes, before Aaron Chalmers headed in a second just two minutes later. 

Goals either side of the half-hour mark then saw the visitors virtually wrap up the contest, with Jack Irlam slotting in a third before Mike Koral netted the pick of the bunch, a superb half-volley into the far-left corner.  

While the hosts regrouped well in the second period, they could not stop a rampant Celtic side from adding a fifth, with substitute Leonard turning in from close range to cap off a comprehensive victory. 

“I’m delighted,” said a jubilant Jon Macken following the win. 

“First half I thought we were clinical, and some of the football we played was excellent. 

“I just think the overall performance was strong, it was a good team performance today.” 

In the same division, a single goal at Stafford Rangers was enough to see Mossley extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches. 

Harry Olufowobi’s second-half strike saw The Lilywhites through at Marston Road, as stopper Fin Madigan marked his 100th appearance with his 12th clean sheet of the campaign. 

After a goalless first-half, Olufowobi opened his Mossley account just two minutes after the interval with a thumping header, with Alex Craddock’s side holding on to take all three points in Staffordshire. 

“It’s a really good result for us,” said a delighted Craddock at full-time. 

“It’s been about five or six games since we last kept a clean sheet, so we were adamant before the game that we needed to do that. 

“We’ve not won enough games 1-0 this season, that’s something I’ve identified recently. I’m buzzing that we have.” 

Meanwhile, Droylsden climbed back to the top of the NWCFL First Division North with a 3-0 thrashing of strugglers Colne. 

A first half brace from Cody Artwell helped The Bloods move level on points with fellow title challengers Nelson, whom they sit above on goal difference. 

Artwell’s header broke the deadlock after just two minutes, before Jordan Barnett doubled the hosts’ advantage nine minutes later. 

The in-form Artwell then rounded off the scoring on the stroke of half-time, putting the hosts out of sight with his 18th goal of the campaign.  

Elsewhere, in the National League North, Curzon Ashton extended their unwanted winless run to five matches, as visitors Macclesfield left the Tameside Stadium as 2-0 victors. 

A goal in each half was enough to see The Silkmen continue their play-off charge, as The Nash slipped to their fourth defeat in five games. 

The first real chance of the afternoon fell to the home side, as Jimmy Spencer’s ball over the top released Tony Weston in behind, but the forward could only direct his effort down the throat of Rogan Ravenhill inside 15 minutes. 

The hosts were then dealt a huge blow moments later, as Spencer was forced off through injury. 

To make matters worse, the visitors drew first blood just before the break, with former Curzon winger Isaac Buckley-Ricketts crossing on a sixpence for James Edmondson to tap home at the back post. 

The away side doubled their lead within 10 minutes of the restart, with Luke Duffy drilling home through bodies after his initial effort was blocked. 

Things could have got worse for the Nash before the end, as Edmondson struck goalwards on the half-volley, only for his effort to cannon back out off the post. 

“I felt it was an even game,” admitted a frustrated Mark Bradshaw following the defeat. 

“Yeah they had more possession, but I think that was more to do with us struggling to get out because of the wind. 

“Then we lose our talisman, our captain, who is so important to us. 

“It’s not all about one player, but it’s difficult when you keep losing these players, it just seems we can’t catch a break.” 

In the NPL Premier, Hyde United’s survival hopes took a big blow as hosts Morpeth Town edged the pair’s relegation six-pointer. 

A single second-half strike was enough to see The Highwaymen move level on points with The Tigers, who sit just outside the drop zone on goal difference. 

Visitors Hyde were inches away from an early opener, as Max Harrop’s flick allowed Dontai Gabbidon to let fly, but the winger’s half volley bounced just wide of the post. 

Will Dowling then walloped the home side in front just after the break with a swerving long-range drive which deceived the despairing Li-Bau Stowell, who stood rooted to the spot. 

Kieran Lloyd’s dismissal for a second bookable offence then added insult to injury, on a miserable afternoon in the North East. 

“It was just a poor game in general, with two nervous sides,” said a downbeat Michael Clegg after the final whistle. 

“It’s just not good enough all round. 

“We are where we are because people are just not doing what they’re asked, and today is probably as bad as it gets.” 

Finally, in the same division, Ashton United’s wait for a win goes on after a late strike from hosts Cleethorpes Town ensured the points were shared in Lincolnshire. 

Liam Hughes’ 89th minute header rescued a point for The Owls, who denied The Robins their first win since early February. 

The hosts got off to a dream start as Callum Ainley put them ahead inside 60 seconds, before James Hardy’s looping header restored parity on the hour. 

Alex Byrne then bundled the visitors in front 16 minutes from time, before Hughes nodded in the leveller to break Robins hearts at the death. 

“I feel sick,” said a devastated Steve Cunningham after the draw. 

“I don’t know how we’ve not won the game, I’ll be honest with you. 

“I’m so proud of my players today, we were unbelievable, and we’ve just not been given the reward that the performance justified.”