LANCASTER CITY 0, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 0
Stalybridge Celtic must still be wondering how they failed to post a seventh straight victory following their goalless draw at Lancaster City in BetVictor Northern Premier League, premier division.
Celtic had by far the better chances at second-placed Lancaster as they slipped out of the play-off places with manager Simon Haworth saying they could and should have won by a three or four goal margin.
Indeed Celtic’s on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper didn’t have a shot to save in the 90 minutes such was the comfort of the back line.
Celtic would have taken a fourth minute lead but for a fine save from Sam Ashton to deny Jonathan Ustabasi.
Darius Osei, sliding in, just failed to connect to a cross from Craig Hobson who also had a header saved by Ashton.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Celtic in the driving seat.
Former Oldham Athletic striker Osei had the two best chances of the half as a dangerous cross was dipping in until Ashton turned it over the bar.
Osei also cut in from the left and saw a goalbound shot deflected for a corner as Celtic did everything but find the net.