Celts Boss Lakeland Impressed By League Rivals Alty

The Celts were most peoples tip for the drop but find themselves in the top seven a third of the way in.

Despite suffering back-to-back defeats in recent games, Adam Lakeland's well-drilled side have took some big scalps - including Darlington, Gateshead and Spennymoor.

But it's one side currently sat way down the table who Lakeland admits have impressed him the most.

"The best footballing team we’ve played this season is Altrincham," he said. "They are a really great footballing side; they move the ball well and make the pitch big. When they’re at it, they can cause all sorts of problems for any team in this division.

"But I was really impressed with York. They’re the team that will win the league. But in terms of the team that has caused us the most problems so far, it has to Altrincham."

Phil Parkinson's side have struggled to continue their form that saw them bag a place in last season's play-offs.

When the two sides met earlier in the season, Alty triumphed 3-1 thanks to a brace from Jordan Hulme.

Following the result, the Celts won five straight league games as they laid the foundations for an impressive start to the season.