STOCKPORT TOWN 0, STALYBRIDGE CELTIC 3
Stalybridge Celtic scored three picture book goals which helped record a first pre-season victory in match four at Stockport Town.
The quality of the finishing was essentially the difference between the teams as stunning strikes from Jordan Butterworth, Dylan Scott and Jack Irlam proved decisive as they punished the home side’s defensive errors.
It was a pleasing night for Celtic manager Jon Macken who was happy how his side is taking shape.
“You can see our fitness levels are good and the understanding and positivity of the lads came through. There were lots of positives,” he said.
Macken is working towards Celtics’ Pitching In Northern Premier League, West opener at Vauxhall Motors on August 9.
This was Town’s final dress rehearsal for their North West Counties League, premier division campaign which kicks off on Saturday at South Liverpool.
They were without a good number of regulars through injury, availability and carrying knocks so were not risked.
“It was all about getting ready for the big one on Saturday,” explained player-manager Paul Turnbull.
“I was really pleased with some of the performances against a team two divisions higher
“They [Celtic] were good, but we matched them and created three, four or five really good chances. We were just punished for two mistakes and from a free kick.”
Butterworth broke the deadlock after 31 minutes following a miscued clearance from keeper Josh Schofield. It was intercepted by the midfielder who found the net from the centre circle.
“It was pure instinct to hit the target from that distance,” said Macken who has switched Butterworth from right back to centre midfield.
“His performances pre-season have been excellent, and he gives us energy in midfield.”
Town created chances, primarily through striker George Kattah, a summer signing from Droyslden, who looks a great capture.
He ought to have equalised when he headed against the crossbar from Terry Benson-Brewer’s cross and had another effort well turned around the post by Celtic’s U21 keeper Connor Harte.
Celtic lived dangerously at times before doubling the lead six minutes before the break.
Home right back Oliver Kirby was robbed by Elliot Rokka who released summer signing Scott who found the net with a cool finish.
It was the third goal in four matches for Scott who has signed after being released from Burton Albion. He caught Macken’s eye last season while on loan at Hanley Town.
Celtic added a third goal early in the second half when half-time substitute Irlam found the top corner with a free kick from 25 yards after home defender Gabriel Cole was booked for hauling back a trialist who was clean through on goal – it would have been a red card had it not been a friendly.
The lively Kattah was denied by a super save from Harte as he again did everything but find the net.
Celtic were convinced they had scored a fourth goal with 15 minutes left when a corner found Rokka at the far post and visiting fans behind the goal said it clearly crossed the line before it was cleared