After an even opening, Stourbridge were second best for much of the game, and the home side were good value for their win, adapting much better to a sodden pitch which had passed a morning inspection after heavy rain.

Ryan Rowe saw an early shot held by Joe Slinn and a rising shot from Aaron Forde cleared the crossbar, whilst for Celtic Aidan Chippendale flashed a shot just over the angle of post and bar, and Matt Gould had to be alert to smother from Ollie Roberts.

Stalybridge took the lead four minutes from the break when Gould came off his line for a cross but was unable to claim the ball cleanly and as he went to grab the loose ball he could only bring down Tom Brown. The resulting spot kick was emphatically despatched by Liam Dickinson.

Celtic twice came close early in the second half as Gould saved superbly from Theo Bailey-Jones, and then a last-ditch challenge from Jack Duggan denied Brown, before Duggan almost levelled with a header from a Leon Broadhurst corner that thumped against Slinn's crossbar.

It was to be Stour's last chance of salvaging something, as Celtic doubled their lead with 20 minutes to play. Dickinson was again the scorer, drilling a low free kick in off the base of Gould's left-hand post.

Slinn produced a fine save to prevent Jordan Archer's header from reducing the deficit, but within minutes the outcome was beyond doubt as Gould could only parry Roberts' shot, with Alex Honeyball quickest to react and turn the ball over the line.

Broadhurst at least gave the travelling Glassboys fans something to cheer as he swept the ball home after Slinn was unable to hold onto Matt Dodd's shot.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

The Glassboys are back at the War Memorial Ground on Monday night, 11th September, when the visitors will be Barwell. Kick-off is at 7.45 pm.

We then welcome St Ives Town in the Emirates FA Cup Second Qualifying Round on SUNDAY 17th September. Kick-off is at 3.00 pm.

YOUTH TEAM

The Youth Team travel to Worcester City on Monday 11th September. Kick-off is at 7.45 pm.

STOURBRIDGE LADIES

The Glassgirls play their first home game of the season on Sunday 10th September when they welcome Solihull United to Greenfields. Kick-off is at 2.00 pm and admission will be free.

EVO-STIK PREMIER WEEKEND RESULTS

Friday 8th September

Buxton 0-2 Mickleover Sports

Saturday 9th September

Ashton United P-P Halesowen Town
Barwell 1-3 Altrincham
Grantham Town 3-2 Workington
Hednesford Town 3-0 Sutton Coldfield Town
Lancaster City 2-0 Shaw Lane
Marine 0-1 Coalville Town
Matlock Town 1-2 Whitby Town
Rushall Olympic 1-4 Nantwich Town
Stafford Rangers 0-4 Witton Albion
Stalybridge Celtic 3-1 STOURBRIDGE
Warrington Town 4-2 Farsley Celtic