Under the management of former Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Walsall striker Jon Macken, Stalybridge Celtic moved into second spot with a comprehensive victory over Darlaston Town

The opening 20 minutes were pretty even, Darlaston having the best chance when a poor clearance by keeper Monks fell to James Rowland, unfortunately for the visitors the striker's shot lacked power and Monks made a comfortable save.

Minutes later the home side went ahead. Following a right wing corner the ball fell to the impressive Tongue who slotted home from 12 yards. From that point the home side were on top asserting their quality with a dominant performance against a young Darlaston side. Tongue netted a second goal before the break to send them into the half time break two goals to the good.

A minute before the break, Darlaston lost skipper Alex Foreshaw to injury, to be replaced by teenager Karsten Cairns.

In an effort to get his side back into the game, Darlaston boss Dean Gill made two half time changes with Callum Knowles and Fabian Salmon replacing Keiron Berry and debutant Billy Corns.

Gill's intentions went south within two minutes of the restart, Jack Tinning heading home unopposed from a left wing corner.

Celtic's Liam Tongue was quite superb in midfield, his work rate, movement, positional play and passing range giving the visitors all sorts of problems as an excellent Stalybridge side became more dominant as the game went on. Further goals from Smales-Braithwaite(2) and Leonard sealed a dominant win and performance for a strong and talented home side.

Button Oak Photography made the long trip to the north east of Manchester and their images of the game have as always been shared with the clubs website, they can be seen by clicking Stalybridge Celtic - Away

Saturday Darlaston are on their travels once again, back up the M6 to Congleton Town, kick off 3 pm. Seats are still available on the team coach. If anyone wants to reserve a seat please contact Pete Davies on 07847 829921