Saturday 23rd April 2005
Stalybridge Celtic 1 Stafford Rangers 0
Nationwide North
At: Bower Fold
Kick-off: 3-00 pm
Programme: ???
Attendance: 602
Weather: warm and sunny
Duration: first-half: 46:43; second-half: 48:20
Having created several chances in what was a good hard-working first-half performance, Stafford Rangers went down at third-from-bottom Stalybridge to a goal within seven minutes after the restart.
As has been the case on too many occasions this season, Stafford manager Phil Robinson was unable to field his first-choice starting line-up. Missing were the likes of Craig Wilding (injured), Craig Lovatt (not fit to start) and Robin Gibson (suspended) so Alex Gibson and Richie Beale were recalled with skipper Wayne Daniel again up front.
There was some welcome news, however, for the player-boss as Neil Grayson returned from injury and played the first 68 minutes before being replaced by Gary Fife.
Rangers made a bright start and Daniel saw a shot cleared off the line after just six minutes. Nathan Talbott, named Man-of-the-Match by the Celtic sponsors, also forced Craig Dootson into an excellent near-post save.
Chances were created at regular intervals at both ends and Stalybridge twice went close midway through the first half. Joe Anyon kept out Andy Parton’s shot with his boot before the woodwork came to Stafford’s rescue when Steve Smith fired against the bar.
Grayson saw one shot saved by the diving Dootson and another drift wide as Rangers kept the home side under pressure. And after Anyon made another good save, this time from Aaron Wilford, Rangers mounted a strong finish to the half.
Alex Gibson drove across the face of goal and Lee Downes beat Dootson, only to see his angle shot shave the outside of the left-hand post. In injury time, Danny Edwards curled a free kick just wide.
Needing a win to aid their fight against relegation, Stalybridge took the lead in the 52nd minute. Wilford set up Nathan Wharton who hammered a shot past Anyon.
The young Rangers keeper had no chance with that effort but produced a superb one-handed reaction save mid to deny Steve Smith a certain goal.
Robinson used the latter stages to bring on three young squad members and one of them, Richie Miller, almost capped an encouraging debut with a goal. Rising at the far post in the 86th minute, the young forward leapt to meet Edwards’ deep cross and sent a downward header inches wide.
Speaking after the game, Stafford manager Phil Robinson said: “In the first half we created a number of opportunities that should have been finished off and every time we miss a chance it put pressure on the defence. The game gave us an opportunity to some of our younger player and it was great to see Richie Miller and Alex Gibbons on the pitch. Richie was unlucky not to score with a header. We also took an opportunity to rest a few to ensure that everyone is fresh for Wednesday night”.
Stalybridge Celtic (blue/blue/white): 1. Craig Dootson (capt), 2.Grant Black, 3. Tony Whealing, 4. Barrie Keeling, 5. Paul Sykes, 6. Paul Shepherd, 7. Steve Smith, 8. Scott Willis, 9. Andy Parton, 10. Aaron Wilford, 11. Nathan Wharton. Subs: 12. Andy Hayward (not used), 14. Chris Denham (not used), 15. Kevin Parr (for Steve Smith, 85), 16. Ben Smith (not used), 17. Phil Robinson (not used).
Stafford Rangers (red/red/red): 1. Joe Anyon, 2. Alex Gibson, 3. Richard Beale, 4. Chris Smith, 5. Craig McAughtrie, 6. Alan Dodd, 7. Nathan Talbott, 8. Lee Downes, 9. Wayne Daniel (capt), 10. Neil Grayson, 11. Danny Edwards. Subs: 12. Craig Lovatt (not used), 14. Richard Miller (for Gibson, 78), 15. Alex Gibbons (for Beale, 78), 16. Gary Fife (for Grayson, 69), 17gk. Will Smith (not used).
Referee: I. Smith (Rotherham).
Assistants: N. Walker and D. S. Midgeley.
Goals:
1-0 Nathan Wharton (52)
Cards:
Stalybridge: Aaron Wilford (YC, 66)
