JAMES Kinsey’s Manchester Premier Cup love affair goes on after Stalybridge Celtic knocked Tameside rivals Mossley out.
Substitute Jack Irlam’s 66th minute strike proved the difference in blustery conditions as both sides gave a chance to different players.
A defensive mix up in dealing with a cross led to the ball falling to Max Leonard, whose goalbound attempt was turned in.
And Bower Fold boss Kinsey could not play down the importance of the competition.
He told Then Correspondent: “It’s a competition that’s important to me, I got to the final last season with Wythenshawe Town.
“It’s something I’ve huge respect for. I worked for the Manchester FA, managing their under-18s representative teams.
“But we also wanted to provide opportunities to show there’s a pathway here – the lads who played were absolutely brilliant.”
As well as Irlam’s goal, Celtic had a number of chances, with right winger Obua Mugulala impressing – going close with an overhead kick.
And Kinsey hopes that display can give him more confidence, adding: “Obs is a very, very good player but in recent weeks, his confidence has been so low.
“We’ve been encouraging him to keep doing what he does and keep pushing on, but he’s got to find that confidence where he just keeps going at full backs.
“He’s an absolute handful.”
Mossley, who again made changes, suffered a blow when Eden Bailey limped off with a hamstring problem.
Oumar Camara had a goal disallowed while his headers flicked the crossbar – Keaton Mulvey saw a shot palmed wide by Celtic goalkeeper Luke Hewitson.