Altrincham got the better of Celtic for the first time this season, in the fourth meeting between these two sides. It completed a miserable seven days for the Blues who let their rivals from the Conference just edge them out in a close affair.
Celtic played some good stuff in the first half with the brilliant Andy Scott at the heart of most of their approach work. Altrincham were never able to cope with the gifted left-back and the rest of the team put in a gutsy performance but it was two defensive errors which ultimately handed Alty a place in the final against Macclesfield. Celtic were without leading scorer Winfield Steele whose car broke down on route to the game and had reason to feel aggrieved at Alty's first goal. The referee, Mr. Pugh awarded a free-kick against Gary Bauress when it seemed the Celtic man had been fouled and the resultant ball into the box put Celtic in a panic and a penalty was conceded. Richard Landon converted. Celtic responded well and, after a period of sustained pressure, got their just rewards. Mason and Scott set up a chance for Sullivan, who sprinted clear of the defence before rounding the keeper and slotting home. Sloppy defending allowed Gavin Price to turn and shoot the home side ahead 3 minutes before the break and Celtic struggled from then on. Altrincham put in a commanding performance in the second half, keeping possession well and preventing Celtic from getting any kind of momentum going.