Celtic cruise into cup final

Stalybridge Celtic made it through to the Cheshire Senior Cup final on Tuesday after a 1-0 win away to National League North side Warrington Town. 

Hosts Warrington had the ball in the net on 19 minutes when Mo Doro pounced on a poor clearance in the Stalybridge box, but a foul on Javid Swaby-Neavin meant the goal would not stand.  

Jon Macken’s side were then handed a golden opportunity just before the break when Joe Duckworth’s effort was blocked by the hand of Aaron James, with the referee pointing to the spot. 

On hand to convert from 12 yards was Jack Irlam, who sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Celtic ahead. 

The away side then had the ball in the net for a second time, only for the play to be pulled back for a foul on Brandon Newell. 

The only real chance of the second half saw Joe Rodwell-Grant round Charlie Monks and try to squeeze in from a tight angle, but Celtic skipper Liam Tongue was on hand to clear on the goal line. 

From there, the visitors were able to see the game out and seal their spot in the final, where they will face fellow NPL West side Runcorn Linnets, who defeated Macken’s side by three goals to two last Saturday. 

“Obviously I’m delighted,” Macken told the club’s YouTube channel following the win. 

“The Cheshire Cup is a big thing, and to get a 1-0 win and a clean sheet is massive. 

“It was a fantastic reaction from the disappointment of Saturday, we showed a lot of character against a good side. 

“I thought we defended well as a team, our forward play was really positive, and it’s pleasing to see us on the front foot and wanting to take the game to Warrington.” 

This weekend sees Celtic face play-off chasing rivals Chasetown at Bower Fold, knowing anything but a win would likely see their promotion hopes fade away.