Stalybridge Celtic 3 Worcester City 1.

GOALS: Stalybridge - Higgins 48, 64; Simm 75; City - Dunkley 87.

BOOKINGS: Stalybridge - Mudimo red card 26 mins; City - Sharpe red card 5 mins.

REFEREE: Paul Brown (Newcastle).

ATTENDANCE: 479.

RATING: 3/5.

SHOTS ON: 10/6.

SHOTS OFF: 9/5.

CORNERS: 7/5.

OFFSIDES: 5/5.

FOULS: 9/9.

Worcester (4-4-2).

7 Ross - Stepped into Vaughan’s shoes in impressive style with assured handling in tricky conditions. Stood no chance with the goals.

6 Minihan - Showed good energy throughout and kept going until the end.

4 Sharpe - Caught out for the goal as his game lasted just five minutes.

5 Thomas - Strong when needed on occasions but well beaten for the goals.

5 Gudger - Had to move to centre-back following Sharpe’s sending off but never looked comfortable in the role.

6 Waldron - Contributed well before his unfortunate injury.

8 DEENEY - Fine midfield and skipper’s performance and unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. City’s best player on the day.

6 Nti - Willing runner but didn’t really trouble the Celtic defence.

6 Jackman - tried desperately to link defence with attack throughout.

7 Hughes - Unlucky not to score and led the line with his usual class.

6 Burton - Lacked the service he needs.

SUBS: Weir 6 (for Waldron 29), Brown 6 (for Burton 64), Dunkley 7 (for Hughes 76).

Not used: Harrad, Smith.

Stalybridge Celtic: McMillan 7, Crowley 6, Chippendale 7, Hughes 6, HIGGINS 8, Chalmers 6, Dixon 7, Farrell 6, Simm 7, Johnson 7, Mudimu 6. Subs: Wright 6 (for Johnson 65), Wylie 6 (for Crowley), Tames 6 (for Simm 78).

Not used: Shaw, Osei.