Within sight of the shadow of the bright lights of Blackpool, Celtic were left facing an uphill climb, as long as that to the top of the tower, as promotion hopefuls AFC Fylde secured what was a very comfortable victory.

Looking to move out of the relegation zone, after recent improved performances had given cause for hope, Celtic soon saw their chance of any success in the game quickly blown out of the way as they struggled to find any sort of foothold or rhythm.

It was a fairly tepid opening to the game, with little to choose between the teams as neither side made any sort of impact although the deadlock was soon broken when Lloyd was presented with a gift after the Celtic defence failed to clear their lines.

The rest of the first half continued in much the same uninspired fashion as the hosts had the majority of the play but did not exert the supposed difference in class between the sides and although the second half started brighter from a Celtic point of view, they still produced little, or no, threat and indeed failed to register a meaningful chance all game.

The lead was doubled when a cross to the back post was put away by Allen and the three points wrapped after another defensive lapse allowed Rowe to score a third.

With the vast difference in league placings between the two sides, the hopes for the rest of Celtic's season will not rest on this showing or result alone.

However, the looming forthcoming Christmas double fixtures against the old enemy are unquestionably big games and all those of a blue persuasion will be hoping to see a upturn in both results and performances sooner rather than later.