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Hooley Bridge go top of pile

31/12/2003

Amateur Football
Bedians 0
Hooley Bridge 1

HOOLEY Bridge Celtic moved four points clear of the top of the Lancashire and Cheshire Premier League with a hard-fought win over Bedians.

From the kick-off tackles were flying in thick and fast, but Celtic's midfield of Nick Emerson, Wayne Briddon, Ben Tanner and Nat Loeb started to boss the game.

Celtic missed a couple of early chances, with Gareth Thomas off target, but on the half-hour mark they took the lead.

A short corner on the right from Thomas to Jacques whose clever return pass set up Thomas to cross a fine ball into the box. Nat Loeb's bullet header found the corner of the net.

Bedians fought back in the second half pushing Celtic back., but the defence stood firm.

Bedians' best chance came 10 minutes from the end when their striker brought a great reflex save from the Celtic keeper.

There were welcome returns back into the first team for Steve Keogh and Jeff Ennis which kept Celtic going. Alex Fednton, Ben Tanner and Nat Loeb were also outstanding.

Weekend fixtures

Saturday
Heywood St James (v Milton at home, kick-off 2pm. Seconds no game): All players meet clubhouse at 12.45pm.