STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 0, WHITBY TOWN 1
TEN-MAN Stalybridge Celtic produced a heroic effort before losing to a last-gasp goal at home to Whitby Town in Evo-Stik League, premier division.
Celtic were reduced numerically after only 25 minutes when midfielder Ross Dent was sent off following a challenge that was deemed out of control.
It looked as though Celtic’s impressively disciplined display would earn a point until an 88th minute goal from Matt Tymon condemned Celtic to a sixth defeat in seven games as their worrying slide down the table continued.
It was an eventful night with kick off delayed by 15 minutes due to Town’s late arrival.
And a clash of colours meant Town had to wear Celtic’s green away strip.
Dent’s dismissal, not helped by the reaction of the Town players, was the major talking point of a forgettable opening period.
The closest to a goal came when Town’s Alex White almost headed into his own goal in stoppage time.
In the second half Celtic lived dangerously at times, notably when Brad Fewster hit the bar and Town also missed a 71st minute penalty after a foul from Liam Tongue.
Dale Hopson’s spot kick struck the upright and a follow-up shot from substitute Callum Patton also struck a post.
And when Hopson was not long after denied by a great save by Paddy Wharton, you had a feeling Celtic would hold out for a valuable point.
Celtic, whose midfielder Glenn Rule worked tirelessly and defender Tongue was impressive, had a great chance to snatch the lead with 10 minutes left when substitute Matty Wolfenden’s shot flew narrowly wide.
But their luck ran out in the 88th minute when Tymon headed home a cross from substitute Jassem Sukur.
Never-say-die Celtic had two great chances to draw level in the three minutes of added time when Douglas Nyaupembe’s glanced header flew narrowly wide and Wolfenden had a shot well saved by Jack Norton.