Celtic continue play-off charge

Stalybridge Celtic closed the gap on their play-off chasing counterparts on Tuesday with a 2-1 win at home to Newcastle Town.

Hosts Celtic started brightly with captain Liam Tongue going close on 16 minutes when his free kick clipped the wall and flew just over the Newcastle crossbar. 

Just under 20 minutes later, the former Hyde man gave the home side the lead, with his left footed shot squirming through the grasp of Joe Slinn and nestling into the far-right corner. 

Tongue then had the chance to double his side’s advantage early in the second half when the ball was clipped into his path down the right wing, but the skipper could only fire his half volley wide of the target. 

With 65 minutes on the clock, Celtic forward Jack Irlam popped up with a second, cutting inside on his left foot and curling the ball beautifully into the far-left corner. 

There was still time for Nathan Barry to pull one back for the visitors, taking the ball around the onrushing Josh Ollerenshaw and sliding it into the empty net, but Jon Macken’s side managed to stay firm and come away with all three points.  

“That was really pleasing,” Macken told the Reporter following the victory. 

“I think we deserved the win- we worked hard to create opportunities and controlled the game throughout. 

“I thought defensively we were really good, we limited them to very few chances. 

“The goal is obviously disappointing but it’s a hard earned three points against a good side.” 

The win sees Celtic sit two points outside of the play-off positions, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Kidsgrove Athletic at Bower Fold.