STALYBRIDGE unveiled two new signings before their home Nationwide Conference clash with Stevenage - then did very nicely without them!

Nigerian international striker Sammy Ayorinde, who once had a loan stint with Altrincham, was denied a debut because he's still awaiting international clearance after a spell in Swedish soccer, while ex-Oldham midfielder Nathan Wharton was named as a substitute.

But neither was missed as the ever-improving Celts avenged a 2-0 opening-day defeat with an identical victory over the southerners which hoists them to 17th - their highest position since August.

Goals by Richie Peacock and Steve Pickford gave battling Bridge their third win in four games, lifting the relegation clouds which had been gathering over Bower Fold.

It also takes Stalybridge above their faltering neighbours Leigh RMI, whose slide continued with a 2-1 defeat at Hayes.

Northwich's 3-1 home defeat by Yeovil leaves them again looking anxiously over their shoulders at a relegation pack which also includes Chester, who crashed 2-1 at Woking.

Southport, who are still awaiting an answer from their big transfer target, Hyde's Simon Yeo, had two-goal Steve Whitehall to thank for their 2-2 draw with Dagenham.

Altrincham face an unwanted FA Umbro Trophy replay with Accrington on Tuesday, just four days ahead of their FA Cup second-round clash with Darlington, after a 1-1 draw at the Crown Ground.

Elsewhere in the Trophy, it was a tale of woe for the three other UniBond survivors, Hyde, Ashton United and Trafford, all booted out by Dr Martens League opponents.

Droylsden ended a run of six premier division defeats with a 3-3 draw at Bamber Bridge.

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