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Vauxhall Motors 1 - 1 Stalybridge Celtic

27/ 8/2008

CELTIC’S first draw away from Bower Fold in 32 games was overshadowed by the controversy created by referee Kevin Hayward.

Twice he denied a clearly frustrated and upset Celtic what looked to be clear-cut penalties, the first when Alan Griffiths scythed down Steve Torpey just before half time and then crucially in the dying seconds when keeper James Coates upended Nathan Joynes.

The second incident incensed Celtic players, officials and spectators alike and we were treated to the sight of the referee surrounded by six stewards and unwilling to leave the sanctuary of the halfway line until the furore had died down.

Coates had twice denied Chris Williams and Terry Barwick with top drawer saves before Joynes was on hand to steer home the opener on 41 minutes.

Celtic were rocked 18 minutes later when, after Terry Barwick was harshly adjudged to have fouled Karl Noon 20 yards out, Griffiths lashed a drive through a fragmented wall for the equaliser.

Either side could have won the game with Paul Phillips saving superbly from Mattie Burke and Celtic skipper Keith Briggs scuffing a chance straight at Coates.

Then, in injury time, Joynes skipped round the Vauxhall keeper, and just as it looked that he would slide home the winner, had his legs whipped out from under him, but referee Hayward incredibly waved away the vehement appeals.

Attendance: 271

Keith Trudgeon