This game came a little too soon in pre season preparations for Mossley as they succumbed to a strong Stalybridge side at Bower Fold. Mossley made a nervous start that saw keeper Ashley Connor the busier of the two custodians as he made a couple of good saves to deny Ellington (who also missed an early 'sitter') and Hall.

Mossley, with a completely new team, struggled to find a pattern but Zimbawean born former Doncaster Rovers and Wakefield winger Brighton Mugadza and front two Jamie Miller and Kitson Gayle caused problems for the home defence.

Celtic opened the scoring on 15 minutes when Stringfellow found room on the left of the box after a misplaced pass was intercepted along the Mossley back line and he gave Ashley Connor no chance.

Oakes bundled home a second for Celtic after a brief goalmouth scramble before Mossley scored their first goal of the new campaign with a superb solo effort from new boy Kitson Gayle video. The quick and powerful striker brushed aside two strong challenges before firing a great left foot shot into the top corner from the left side of the box.

Shortly before the break Celtic were awarded a penalty when Darren Royle was harshly judged to have fouled Ellington but Ashley Connor dived smartly to his right to knock the spot kick away to safety. video

The second half saw Mossley make a large number of changes with several trialists entering the fray and Celtic went on to dominate the period. Trialist keepers Jon-Paul Lewis (from Stalybridge Celtic) and local boy Matthew Taylor were both well tested as the home side controlled the half.

Mossley's best chance came when Paul Quinn whipped in a cross from the right and Joel Bryce headed just over the bar. The result was put beyond doubt in the 67th minute when Paul Sykes' effort looped beyond Taylor's reach.