LOCAL rivals will meet once again this summer as Stalybridge Celtic host Hyde United in the latest Keith Trudgeon Memorial Trophy match.
The annual pre-season fixture will take place at Bower Fold on Saturday, July 18, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.
Entry will be free for Celtic season-ticket holders, as supporters gather to honour the memory of lifelong fan and club stalwart Keith Trudgeon, who died in April 2023.
Keith dedicated more than three decades to the club as press officer and also spent two years serving as a director, becoming one of the most respected and recognisable figures around Bower Fold.
The memorial match was first introduced in the same year as his passing, with the winners receiving the trophy on the pitch after the final whistle.
Despite hosting every year, Celtic are still searching for their first success in the fixture.
Ashton United lifted the inaugural trophy in 2023 after winning a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, while Hyde claimed bragging rights 12 months later with an emphatic 4-1 victory.
Last year saw Emley AFC triumph on penalties at Bower Fold after another 1-1 draw.
The clash with Hyde forms part of a busy pre-season programme for Jon Macken’s side as they prepare for another promotion push.
Celtic will begin their summer schedule at home to Uppermill AFC on July 11 before travelling to face Trafford FC three days later.
Following the Keith Trudgeon Memorial Trophy match, they will also welcome Atherton Laburnum Rovers and Leek Town to Bower Fold before concluding preparations away at Ashton United on August 1.
Macken’s men will be aiming to go one step further next season after narrowly missing out on promotion from the Northern Premier League West Division in 2025/26. Celtic finished third before reaching the play-off final, where they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Avro FC.
Meanwhile, Hyde boss Michael Clegg has confirmed he will remain in charge of the Tigers alongside his backroom staff, after the club finished in 15th place in the Northern Premier League Premier Division – ending the campaign five points clear of the relegation zone.
Hyde have also announced a pre-season trip to face Macclesfield FC on July 4, before making the short journey to Stalybridge two weeks later.