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Hucknall Town 0 Stalybridge Celtic 3

Trefor Williams
27/ 2/2008

THE Blues boosted their play-off hopes with a hard-fought win at Watnall Road last Saturday, though they were given a tough time for most of the game by their relegation-haunted hosts.

Quality football from either team was somewhat scarce given the blustery conditions and awful pitch, but it was Celtic who provided the rare glimpses of class which were to win them the game.

They took the lead in the 12th minute when Chris Hall expertly hooked home from a tight angle with many appealing for a penalty after a foul on Alex Meechan.

Thereafter, the rugged home side fought back well, going close on several occasions against a nervy looking Celtic defence.

The most notable moment came just before the break when the excellent Paddy Gamble saved superbly from Peter Knox and Paul Sykes was on hand to hack the loose ball off the line.

The attritional nature of play was finally sidelined midway through the second period with two quality goals making the points safe for the visitors.

Substitute Matty Barlow had barely been on the field a minute when he latched onto the loose ball to fire home from close range after good work by another replacement, Simon Garner.

Two minutes later, in the 74th minute, a good run and crossfield ball from debutant Steve Torpey found Meechan in acres of space and he advanced to fire the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards for number three.

The only downside for the Blues were five bookings, some of which were silly and will lead to suspensions during the run-in.

However, Celtic manager Steve Burr will have been very happy to have seen his side return from such an awkward fixture having taken all three points.

Attendance: 357