After an abysmal first half the Lions had centre back pairing of Danny Ellis and Danny Hall to thank for overturning Stalybridge Celtic’s single goal advantage with three second half goals.

Not that the first half performance showed much of that fighting spirit as a youthful Celtic side took the game to Guiseley and deservedly went ahead after only eight minutes when a corner to the far post was put back into the mix by Liam Dickinson for Joel Bembo-Leta to convert from close in.

The home side huffed and puffed without finding a way though a crowded midfield, their only shot on target coming from goalkeeper Steven Drench. The only other incident of note was the booking of Wayne Brooksby for simulation when even the linesman was flagging for the Guiseley man being fouled.

Eleven minutes into the second half however the home side were level through defender Ellis’ powerful header before his defensive partner Hall got the final touch following a melee in the six yard box from another Guiseley corner.

Minutes earlier Hall had blasted high over the bar after visiting keeper Danny East had done well to keep out Brooksby’s free kick only to set up the chance for Hall.

Alex Johnson replaced the impressive Adam Boyes on 64 minutes and the game was finally put beyond Celtic’s reach nine minutes later when Brooksby floated in an inviting free kick for Ellis to beat East with a bullet header for his second and the Lions’ third.

The win puts the Lions within five points of the play-off places with two games in hand on most of the clubs above them.

Mark Bower’s post match interview

Team:

1-Drench

2-Holdsworth

3- Parker

4-Hall 60

5-Ellis 56 & 73

6-Lawlor

7-Brooksby

8-Boshell

9-Boyes (Johnson 64)

10- Holsgrove (Forrest 82)

11-Rothery

12-Harrison

14-Forrest

15- Potts

16- A Johnson

18-Dickinson