Stalybridge complete run of three fixtures against Manchester clubs
For the first time in three weeks, we have a home fixture to look forward to this weekend and it’s a feeling we can get used to in October, as the visit of Stalybridge Celtic is the first of four home games at Buckmaster Avenue.
Bootle, Witton Albion and Vauxhall Motors all come to us this month and we also have a Friday night local derby away to Hanley to look forward to as well. So as the fixtures come thick and fast, there will be plenty of opportunities for our fans to see us locally.
Tomorrow’s home game with Stalybridge will bring back some mixed memories. Last season’s encounter was a thoroughly entertaining seven goal thriller but eventually we came out on the wrong side of the result. Oli Ritchie scored a belter to level things up at 3-3 after we had been 3-1 down but we conceded right at the end to lose 4-3.
We also lost the reverse fixture in east Manchester 2-1 in March, despite being by far the dominant side on the day, so you could say we have a score to settle!
Our game tomorrow completes a run of three successive league games against Manchester clubs following on from away draws against Wythenshawe and Atherton Collieries. The points on the road were welcome but it’s time to make home comforts count.
While we drew 0-0 at Atherton on Tuesday, Stalybridge came from behind to beat Wythenshawe Town 2-1. That win lifted them to fourth in the league table just a point behind Vauxhall Motors and Trafford.
It was a tough win for Celtic and it came at a cost - the scorer of their winner on the night, Matty Bryan, was also sent off, though he will be available tomorrow as his suspension only kicks in after seven days.
We expect another really competitive game against a side that you wouldn’t bet against being in and around the play-offs again this season, but we’ll be ready for that challenge and keen to put some points on the board.
Come on Castle!