Stalybridge 2 United XI 1

of play, they moved into the lead. Jordan Barrow sent a long ball forward, which dropped behind the United defence and into the path of Dennis Sherriff. One of Celtic’s raft of substitutes, Sherriff advanced before hitting a low shot past Johnstone.

Ryan Tunnicliffe was presented with a great chance to put the Reds level three minutes from time, but the midfielder pulled his shot just wide of the post.

United: Johnstone, Fornasier, Büttner (Blackett, 82), Fletcher, Keane M., Thorpe, Cole (Daehli, 79), Tunnicliffe, Macheda, Petrucci, Lingard. Subs not used: Pereira J. (GK), Hendrie.

More: Under-21s beat Spurs | Reds win at Stoke | Under-21 league details