Stalybridge Celtic
2
Charles (51), Burke (82, pen)
Slough Town
2
Abbott (28, unknown)
League
Attendance: 571
Gary Abbott
A penalty eight minutes from time from which Celtic forced a draw with the Rebels at the Bower Fold on Saturday summed up the season for Slough Town boss Brian McDermott.
The goal from Brendan Burke's spot kick cost his Rebel three places in the table and put a damper on end-of-the-term celebrations after two goals from striker Gary Abbott - his tally of 18 league goals making him the third highest scorer in the Conference this season - had the side on course for the 13th win of the term.
After twice being in front, though, the Rebels stood baffled when in the 82nd minute referee Paul Canadine pointed to the spot as, with one of the Celtic players on the floor, Mark Pye tried to weave his way out of the area with the ball following comer.
Inexplicable as the decision appeared to the Slough camp, helped Celtic into 13th place and left the Rebels in 16th place following their 14th draw the 42-match campaign. With Cliff Hercules commanding form at the ba Slough were well on top the first half.
Abbott opened the score in the 28th minute after seeing Celtic keeper Mark Westhead off his line. A clever chip from yards found the top corner but the linesman whipped flag up as Gary Brazil raced toward the target zone. Mr Canadine consulted before turning down offside ruling.
Slough could have gone into the break two goals ahead, but a strike by Steve Bateman from a goalmouth scramble on the whistle was held on the line by grateful Westhead.
But as so often Slough failed to press home their advantage and came under cosh in Celtic's best spelll during which the unmarked Steve Charles struck in 51st minute.
Having weathered storm, Slough almost gained the lead when following neat interplay between Blackford and Brazil, Abbott struck against the base of the post.
But within a minute Abbott found the net with a low header. However, the Northerners were able to go after equaliser which they duly got when Slough were punished for not clearing lines effectively.
The goal from Brendan Burke's spot kick cost his Rebel three places in the table and put a damper on end-of-the-term celebrations after two goals from striker Gary Abbott - his tally of 18 league goals making him the third highest scorer in the Conference this season - had the side on course for the 13th win of the term.
After twice being in front, though, the Rebels stood baffled when in the 82nd minute referee Paul Canadine pointed to the spot as, with one of the Celtic players on the floor, Mark Pye tried to weave his way out of the area with the ball following comer.
Inexplicable as the decision appeared to the Slough camp, helped Celtic into 13th place and left the Rebels in 16th place following their 14th draw the 42-match campaign. With Cliff Hercules commanding form at the ba Slough were well on top the first half.
Abbott opened the score in the 28th minute after seeing Celtic keeper Mark Westhead off his line. A clever chip from yards found the top corner but the linesman whipped flag up as Gary Brazil raced toward the target zone. Mr Canadine consulted before turning down offside ruling.
Slough could have gone into the break two goals ahead, but a strike by Steve Bateman from a goalmouth scramble on the whistle was held on the line by grateful Westhead.
But as so often Slough failed to press home their advantage and came under cosh in Celtic's best spelll during which the unmarked Steve Charles struck in 51st minute.
Having weathered storm, Slough almost gained the lead when following neat interplay between Blackford and Brazil, Abbott struck against the base of the post.
But within a minute Abbott found the net with a low header. However, the Northerners were able to go after equaliser which they duly got when Slough were punished for not clearing lines effectively.
Slough Town Lineup
- 1 Paul Wilkerson
- 2 Garry Smart
- 3 Paul Hardyman
- 4 Steve Bateman
- 5 Cliff Hercules
- 6 Ted McMinn 14
- 7 Mark Fiore
- 8 Gary Blackford 15
- 9 Gary Brazil
- 10 Gary Abbott
- 11 Gary McGinnis
Substitutes
- 12 Michael Murphy
- 14 Mark Pye 6
- 15 Lloyd Owusu 8
Stalybridge Celtic Lineup
Westhead, Bates, Coathup, Hine, Goldbourne, Hall, Burke, Jones, Crane, Charles, Thomas. SUBS: Vine (46, for Crane), Boardman.