STALYBRIDGE Celtic have been relegated from the Northern Premier League’s Premier Division with a whimper.
The Bower Fold side crashed to a 4-2 defeat at Marske United, sealing the drop to the West Division.
And that means a Tameside derby next season with Mossley, who cannot make the play-offs at that level.
The Lilywhites end their campaign with a home tie with champions Macclesfield – and Stalybridge’s relegation will at least provide both clubs with a big crowd next season.
Celtic have endured a torrid campaign, with fans campaigning to raise funds to make up a shortfall.
Manager Chris Willcock told The Correspondent players had taken pay cuts to stay and help – but it did not save them on the pitch.
Adam Boyes scored a hat-trick and Junior Mondal also found the net as Willcock’s side slumped in the north east.
Stalybridge saw substitute Ethan Padden and Djavan Pedro score what proved consolation goals on 78 and 88 minutes and they had chances.
But they could not prevent slipping out of the division after a dismal run of form, only one win since the end of January – many Celtic fans admitted privately they expected relegation.
And the final home fixture of the season against Atherton Collieries on Saturday, April 22, promises to be a solemn occasion as they say goodbye to the Premier Division.