WITTON Albion have fallen to their first home defeat of the season.

A 56th-minute effort from visiting skipper Craig Hobson sealed a 1-0 win for Stalybridge Celtic at Wincham Park.

The visitors dominated the second period, with home goalkeeper Chris Renshaw coming to Albion’s rescue on several occasions.

Albion came closest to a goal in the first half, with new singing Michael ‘MJ’ Monaghan at the heart of things.

Monaghan fed Will Jones through on goal in the 14th minute but the shot was stopped by the Celtic goalkeeper Alex Fojticek.

Towards the interval Monaghan worked for himself a shooting opportunity but his effort took a wicked deflection and Fojticek was able to keep the ball out.

Other chances came Witton’s way in the opening 45 minutes, one rasping effort from Danny McKenna keeping Fojticek busy and then Billy Smart missing the target with a header from McKenna’s corner.

But the second period was a different story, with Renshaw the busier custodian.

The match-winning goal was a scruffy one, Hobson squeezing home Harry Freedman's cross.

But then fine Renshaw saves from goal-bound strikes by Scott Bakkor, Darius Osei and Declan Walker meant Witton were still in with a shout until the final whistle.