Saints slip back into the relegation zone

Saints lost 3-1 in Saturday’s game at Stalybridge Celtic where they started brightly with Lee Ndlovu, Glenn Walker and David Moyo all unable to convert Tom Winter’s cross with Tony McMillan clearing one effort away.

But Celtic broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Aidan Chippendale released Chris Simm who cut inside and his shot went in off the far upright despite Sam Hornby’s attempts to claw the ball away.

Adam Farrell headed wide and Jack Higgins saw his header scrape the bar but Saints equalised three minutes before halftime when another scramble ended with McMillan saving from Ndlovu and Higgins blocking Walker’s effort. But Moyo fired the ball back into the box and it deflected off Danny Wisdom and into the net.

Celtic went back in front 11 minutes after the restart when substitutes Ben McKenna and Alec Mudimu combined for Simm to race down the right. Simm’s cross found McKenna who was thwarted by Hornby at his near post but Charlie Joyce prodded home the rebound.

After the goal, Celtic got on top, Higgins and Alec Mudimu both shot over before the pair combined for the vital third goal in the 76th minute. A long throw-in was flicked on by Higgins and Mudimu did the rest.

In the closing stages Mudimu was off target and Dale Wright’s volleyed wide as Celtic finished strongly.