Match Report -
Derby day delight for Celtic who secure dramatic victory over Ashton United
By Taran Dhamrait

Celtic returned to winning ways but needed a last gasp winner from Scott Bakkor to seal three points against local rivals Ashton United.

Bakkor's 93rd minute penalty saw Celtic record a momentous victory in what was a close game.

Celtic introduced Ethan Padden and Dougie Nyaupembe to the starting line-up after the defeat vs Buxton and the duo looked to combine well during the opening stages with the latter winning a free-kick for Celtic after trying to take on his man.

Greg Hartley palmed the free-kick away but Stephen Brogan retrieved the ball and set Bakkor who took a touch and forced a good save from Ashton's keeper.

At the other end of the pitch, Celtic's Grant Shenton had to be alert on 28 minutes. Shenton managed to thwart Tom Warren who had beaten the offside trap and was through on goal, Shenton managed to prevent Warren from taking the ball around him and then also saved the attempt when Warren did take aim.

Sam Wedgbury saw a long range effort saved before Bakkor went close after cutting inside from the right hand side, his powerful strike was tipped over the bar by Hartley

Bakkor also saw a half volley fall just wide of the post five minutes before the interval, with Celtic having been the better side during the first 45.

Keenan Quansah had to change shirts not long after the break after having his shirt ripped in half by Tom Bentham.

Celtic went close again on the hour mark, Brogan crossed towards the back post and Jack Ryan lept forwards and nearly connected with the ball with a diving header, unfortunately the ball was just over his head.

Bentham thought he had scored for Ashton after pouncing on a cross and slotting the ball past Shenton but he was offside.

Shenton made a good save on 85 minutes before some late drama in added time.

Ashton's defender let a high ball bounce, Bakkor pressed the defender and beat him to the second ball, as he looked to take the ball around Hartley, the keeper wiped him out and the referee pointed to the spot.

Bakkor was as cool as you like, scoring a Panenka style penalty kick and sending Celtic ahead with just seconds to go.

Moments after Bakkor's penalty, the full-time whistle came giving Celtic a vital three points.

Attendance: 539

1Hartley, Greg  
2Tserpes, Stavros  
3Spratt, Harry  
4Raynes, Michael  
5Coates, Harry  
6Macadam, Harvey  
7Hardcastle, Ben  
8Tomsett, Liam  
9Bentham, Tom  > 67
10Redshaw, Jack  
11Warren, Tom  
12Rowney, Chris  
13Ollerenshaw, Josh  
14Adarabioyo, Fisaro  < 67
15Anghel, Ionut-Casian  
16Ntula, NathanYellow Card